If you’re shopping around for self storage, it’s good to know the market. Which provider has the most locations? What are their key selling points?
And that means you need a list.
These are the top 10 self storage brands in the UK, as ranked by number of locations. Of course, you may have a great local provider which does a better job for less. But these guys are big for a reason, and you should consider them in your search.
Note: This list is taken from the SSA report 2024. Discounts and Trustpilot ratings are correct as of July 2024.
1.Safestore – 133 locations
The largest self storage brand in the UK. They were only founded in 1998, however have grown rapidly through acquisitions. They offer 50% off for up to 8 weeks. They get a 4.8 Excellent score on Trustpilot.
2. Big Yellow – 85 locations
The second largest storage brand in the UK. However the parent company (including Armadillo) actually has the most floor space available of any self storage company at 6.5m sqft (versus Safestore at 5.7m). They also offer 50% off for 8 weeks to new customers, and have a 4.8 Excellent score on Trustpilot.
3. Access – 60 locations
Access mainly have sites in London, the South and the Midlands. They also offer up to 50% off for the first 8 weeks (I’m detecting a theme here…). They score 4.2 Great on Trustpilot.
4. Shurgard – 43 locations
Shurgard is the largest self storage provider in Europe, and is owned by Public Storage, the biggest brand in the US. Wow. Although in Britain it is a bit smaller, and only really in London. It has multiple discounts including £1 for the first month. It scores 4.6 Excellent on Trustpilot.
5. Lok’nStore – 43 locations
Lok’nStore have been going since 1995 and have locations across England (and one in Cardiff). The website isn’t clear about discounts, but they do claim to beat other quotes. They score 4.8 Excellent on Trustpilot.
6. Storage King – 42 locations
Storage King have sites across England. They offer 50% off on their website, although full terms and conditions are only available in store. They score 4.9 Excellent on Trustpilot.
7. Lock Stock Self Storage – 28 locations
Lock Stock are a bit different. Firstly, they are a container storage company – i.e. your stuff sits outside in shipping containers. Secondly, they’re only in North Wales and Shropshire area. However they do have some very attractive features. For instance, you don’t need to give any notice if you’re moving out. Also, they’re refreshingly transparent with their prices. I couldn’t find them on Trustpilot.
8. Ready Steady Store – 27 locations
Ready Steady Store were founded in 2006 and have sites across England. They offer an eye-catching 50% off for 12 weeks. They score 3.6 Average on Trustpilot.
9. Armadillo – 24 locations
Now part of Big Yellow, since they acquired 100% of Armadillo in 2021. You’ll still see some of the Armadillo branding around, but apart from that it’s the same as Big Yellow, and even shares the same website.
10. Cinch Self Storage – 20 locations
Cinch Self Storage are in the South East of England, outside London. They also offer 50% off for 8 weeks. They have the best Trustpilot rating of all on this list: 4.9 Excellent.
