How Much Does Storage Cost in London and How To Choose Full Packing Storage Service

1. Introduction

Moving storage services offer a smart, streamlined solution in a city where space is scarce and timing rarely lines up perfectly. Whether relocating across town or downsizing before a sale, combining your removals and storage into one package can reduce cost, simplify scheduling, and protect your belongings from unnecessary handling.

But not all providers are created equal. With the demand for London storage climbing and hidden fees becoming more common than you’d expect, it pays to understand what’s included and what to avoid.

This guide lays out the facts.

2. What Are Moving Storage Services?

Moving storage services are bundled offerings in which a single company handles both the physical move and the temporary (or long-term) storage of your belongings.

This service is commonly used when:

• Move-in and move-out dates don’t align
  
• Renovations or redecorating are underway
  
• You’re downsizing but haven’t decided what to keep
  
• You’re moving internationally or facing delays with a new tenancy

A typical package includes:

• Packing & loading your items
  
• Transport to the storage site
  
• Safe storage in a unit or warehouse
  
• Redelivery to your new home when you’re ready

🔎 Fact: In the UK, especially London, most providers offer flexible storage durations starting from 4 weeks, and many allow access to stored items by appointment.

Some providers, like Rad Removals, even offer climate-stable wooden containers and direct coordination with solicitors or agents if your move involves complex timelines.

3. What’s Included in a Moving Storage Package?

While specific offerings vary by provider, most professional moving storage services in London will include some or all of the following:

Core Inclusions:

• Professional packing: Furniture disassembly, protection of delicate items, labelled boxes
  
• Loading and transport: Van(s) with trained, uniformed movers
  
• Secure storage: Warehouse-based or containerised units with 24/7 surveillance
  
• Redelivery: Items delivered to your new property on the agreed date

Optional Add-ons:

• Packing materials: Boxes, bubble wrap, labels — sometimes included, often extra
  
• Insurance: Goods in transit + storage cover (essential but not always included)
  
• Inventory services: Digital or physical inventory of all stored items
  
• Storage access: Pre-arranged visits to access items during storage

Pro Tip: Always ask if insurance and packing materials are included in the quoted price. Many companies leave them out to appear more competitive on paper.

4. How Much Do Moving Storage Services Cost in London?

London is among the most expensive cities in the UK for storage, and pricing reflects the high demand and limited space.

Cost Comparison: Rad Removals vs. London Averages

💡 Notes:

• Rad Removals includes insurance, loading, and unloading in most packages
  
• White glove service is ideal for high-value homes, vintage furniture, and sensitive contents.
  
• Prices reflect typical jobs within Greater London, including zones 1–5
  
• All services are subject to inventory review and access requirements.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Moving Storage Services

Even experienced movers get caught out by fine print or overlooked details. Here are the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when booking moving and storage services in London:

Choosing separate removal and storage providers

• Often results in higher total cost, duplicated handling fees, and more complicated scheduling
  
• Storage providers may charge additional intake or admin fees when items arrive from a third-party mover

Ignoring insurance details

• Not all quotes include goods in transit or storage insurance
  
• If your provider doesn’t offer insurance, you may need to arrange contents insurance or face full liability for damage or loss

Missing the cancellation or notice period

• Most storage services require at least 15 days’ notice before termination
  
• Without notice, you’ll usually pay for an extra 1 or 2 weeks, even if your unit is empty

Overlooking storage access limitations

• Lower-cost providers, including containerised storage, may restrict access or charge a fee each time you visit your unit. This is due to health and safety concerns, as well as the increased difficulty in inspecting professionally stacked units.
  
• Premium providers (like Rad Removals) can arrange their assistance with accessing the unit, however, to make sure it’s stacked back properly.

Failing to confirm inclusions

• Some quotes may exclude essential services like boxes, locks, and delivery to appear less expensive, whereas Rad Removals includes everything with no extra charges.
  
• Ask directly: “Is this an all-inclusive price?”

Always review your provider’s terms before booking. A cheap upfront quote can lead to hundreds in surprise costs if key services are excluded.

6. What Makes a Reliable Moving Storage Provider?

Not all moving and storage companies operate at the same standard. Here’s what to look for when comparing providers in London:

Industry Accreditation

• Look for membership in the British Association of Removers (BAR), Checkatrade or similar trusted body
  
• Many removal companies, including Rad Removals, follow BAR’s strict codes of practice regarding insurance, dispute resolution, and pricing transparency.

Transparent, Written Quotes

• Make sure you receive a detailed breakdown that includes:
  • Packing
    
  • Transport
    
  • Storage (with unit size)
    
  • Insurance (if applicable)

In-House Services

• The best providers offer removal and storage under one roof, reducing handling, admin, and risk of loss.

Verified Reviews

• Look for consistently high ratings on platforms like Google, Checkatrade, and Trustpilot
  
• Be cautious of companies with 100% 5-star ratings but low volume — genuine profiles have a range.

Flexible Terms

• Ability to extend or adjust storage duration
  
• Realistic cancellation terms
  
• Option to arrange a Partial delivery

Rad Removals meets all these standards, providing fully insured removals, in-house storage, and transparent fixed quotes.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does renting a storage unit near me cost?
In London, a small (35 sq. ft.) unit averages £85/month, while 100+ sq. ft. units often exceed £250/month. Prices depend on size, location, and access.

Q: What is storage in a moving company?
It refers to secure, short- or long-term space where your belongings are kept as part of a bundled removals service — often safer and more convenient than self-storage.

Q: Is it worth using a removal company?
Yes, especially in London. It reduces breakage, speeds up the process, and includes insurance and handling that DIY moves typically don’t.

Q: What do removal companies not take?
Hazardous materials, gas bottles, perishables, flammable liquids, and items requiring specialist handling are generally excluded unless pre-arranged.

Q: Who is liable if goods are damaged in transit?
If insured, the removals company covers damage due to their negligence. If you pack your own items and decline insurance, liability often shifts to you.

8. Book Packing, Removals And Storage Today!

Thinking about a move or stuck between homes? Avoid the stress of coordinating multiple services.

Rad Removals offers fully integrated moving and storage services in London
Transparent pricing, BAR-trained service, and in-house secure storage
Professional packing options — from standard to white glove📞 Call us: 020 3633 6820
💬 Message us on WhatsApp: 077 0605 0404
📝 Arrange a home survey or send us a video