Downsizing is moving to a smaller home or smaller premises, so the contents have to be cut down to what the new space can hold. Storage helps with the things you can't decide about yet.
Where storage fits in a household downsize
Storage earns its place when a decision can't be made yet: furniture that may fit the new rooms, things the family hasn't collected, or a gap between selling and buying (see bridging storage). For things you won't use, it only adds cost; see our guide on whether to store, sell or give away furniture. We don't offer a clearance service (see house clearance). Our pages don't say how long downsizers usually store.
Moving to a smaller office? Our commercial storage post says self storage "will allow you to hang on to your furniture for the future" (see business storage).
What size unit, and what it costs
Our downsizing checklist suggests 25 to 50 sq ft for the store pile from a one or two-bedroom flat, and 75 to 100 sq ft from a three-bedroom house. For a full move, our room-by-room size guide puts a one-bed flat at around 50 sq ft, a two-bed flat at around 75 sq ft and a two or three-bed house at around 100 sq ft.
The median (middle value) of the listed prices, per four weeks (September 2026 price lists):
| Unit | Median of listed prices |
|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | about £78 |
| 50 sq ft | about £143 |
| 75 sq ft | about £176 |
| 100 sq ft | about £230 |
Listed prices for 100 sq ft run from £136 to £524 per four weeks, depending on site. Nothing is added at checkout: the total in your online quote is what you pay, and our prices include VAT. The price lists also show introductory discounts of 50% or 75% off; ask what applies at your site. Some cost pages also mention discounts for longer stays or paying 12 months upfront.
The terms that matter
- The minimum stay is two weeks; after that the agreement runs until either side gives written notice (clause 41).
- The notice period is on the front page of your agreement, "Normally 14 days". Our downsizing checklist says the minimum stay and the notice "do not stack on top of each other".
- Our move-out FAQ says we refund "any unused days on your contract after the notice period".
- Our insurance FAQ says "All customers require contents protection for their stored goods". That can be our contents protection or your own insurance.
Already storing with us: moving to a smaller unit
If you've cleared some of the unit, our FAQ says you "can transfer to a smaller or larger unit if there is availability". Call 0800 2545585 to ask the new price and start date.
Downsizing for a parent
A registered property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney covers decisions including, GOV.UK says, "selling your home", and the attorney can hold the storage account in that capacity. We don't verify or interpret the scope of a power of attorney, so ask us on 0800 2545585 what documents we'll want to see. See also when a parent with dementia moves home.
Related terms: Bridging storage · House clearance · Long-term storage · Minimum stay
Related questions: Should I store furniture, sell it or give it away? · Do you offer discounts for long-term storage or paying upfront?