Shipping Container Storage UK: Costs & Sizes 2026

Dernière mise à jour : 22 octobre 2026

Shipping container storage is one of the most popular and affordable ways to store furniture, business stock and equipment in the UK. Retired sea containers are steel-built, weatherproof and secure, and many storage yards offer drive-up access so you can load straight from a van.

How container storage works

You have two main options:

Container self-storage at a yard. You rent a container at a secure site and visit when you need to.
A container delivered to your property. You hire or buy a container and keep it on your own land, useful during renovations, house moves or on farms and building sites.

Cranes and stacked containers at a port — Retired shipping containers make secure, weatherproof storage units.

Container storage costs in the UK (2026)

Option	Typical cost
10ft container at a storage yard	Around £60–£120 per month
20ft container at a storage yard	Around £90–£180 per month
40ft container at a storage yard	Around £150–£300 per month
Hiring a 20ft container for your site	Around £15–£35 per week, plus delivery
Buying a used 20ft container	Around £1,500–£2,800 plus delivery

Prices vary by location, security, access and contract length. London and the South East cost more.

For purchase prices, see our shipping container prices UK guide.

Which size do I need?

Conteneur	Roughly holds	Good for
10 pieds	Contents of a one-bedroom flat	Boxes, bikes, small furniture
20ft	A two- or three-bedroom house	House moves and renovations
40ft	A four- or five-bedroom house	Large moves, business stock

Voir dimensions des conteneurs maritimes pour connaître les dimensions exactes.

Aerial view of containers at a harbour — Container storage yards are often close to ports and main roads.

Security and condition

Choose a site with CCTV, gated access and good lighting
Use a strong padlock or lock box, ideally provided or approved by the site
Check for wind and watertight condition: good door seals and no holes
Ask about insurance: many sites require you to insure your goods
Ventilation: containers can suffer condensation. Use moisture absorbers, pallets and breathable covers.

What can’t you store?

Most sites ban:

Flammables and chemicals, including fuel, gas bottles and paint thinners
Food and perishables
Living things, including plants
Illegal items, weapons and explosives
Hazardous waste

Container storage vs indoor self-storage

	Container storage	Indoor self-storage
Prix	Usually cheaper	Usually higher
Access	Drive up to the door	Lifts and corridors
Climate	Not heated; condensation risk	Often climate-controlled
Idéal pour	Furniture, tools, stock, vehicles parts	Documents, electronics, delicate items

Moving abroad?

If you are storing belongings before an international move, container storage can bridge the gap between moving out and your shipment sailing. See our Guide du déménagement international.

Foire aux questions

How much does container storage cost in the UK?

Typically around £90–£180 per month for a 20ft container at a storage yard, depending on location and security.

Is container storage cheaper than self-storage?

Usually yes, especially for bulky items, but containers are not climate-controlled.

Can I keep a storage container on my driveway?

Often for temporary use, but check with your council and any planning or highway rules.

How do I stop damp in a storage container?

Use moisture absorbers, raise items on pallets, allow airflow and choose a container with good seals.

What size storage container do I need for a 3-bed house?

Usually a 20ft container, depending on how much furniture you have.

Containers have a life at sea too

Before they store your furniture, they cross oceans. Sail on one as a passenger.

Ask about a container ship voyage →

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Steve Joury

Conseiller en voyages Cargo chez Cargoholidays

Passionné par le voyage lent et la mer. Steve connaît la plupart des routes maritimes et des procédures pour découvrir notre beau monde depuis la mer sur un porte-conteneurs. Il a participé à la plupart des voyages, de 7 jours en cargo à 140 jours à bord.

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