How Much Does 50 Sq Ft Storage Cost in Essex?
If you need 50 sq ft of storage in Essex, cost is a big factor. In Essex, the average cost of a 50 sq ft storage​ unit costs between £85 and £121 per month. But prices can vary a lot, depending on where it is, the kind of facility, and what extras are included.
Rocket Self Storage makes it simple to find affordable and secure storage. Our Benfleet facility has competitive prices and a great offer - 50% off the first two months. This makes it easier for people in Essex to get quality storage without overspending.
Understanding 50 Sq Ft Storage Dimensions
A 50 sq ft storage unit is usually around 5 feet by 10 feet or 7 feet by 7 feet, with ceilings about 8 feet high. This gives you roughly 400 cubic feet of storage space, which is similar to half a standard UK garage or a small room.
So, what can you fit in a 50 sq ft unit?
- A double or queen-size mattress and the bed frame
- A chest of drawers or a small wardrobe
- A 2-seater sofa or a couple of armchairs
- A coffee table and some side tables
- Between 20 and 40 medium-sized boxes
- A few small appliances, like a microwave or mini-fridge
- A bike or some small gym gear
This size is great for holding all your gear from a one-bedroom flat. It's ideal for students, young professionals, or people moving to a smaller place.
Current Storage Costs in Essex
The self-storage market in Essex has pretty big price differences between different providers and locations. UK self-storage is a £1.2 billion a year industry, with around 64.3 million square feet of storage space available across the country, based on recent industry data.
Weekly costs for 50 sq ft units in Essex usually go from:
- Budget options: £19-22 a week (special offers)
- Standard storage: £25-28 a week
- Top locations: £35-38 a week
As for monthly costs, you can expect to pay:
- Basic storage: £85-95 a month
- Mid-range options: £108-121 a month
- Premium providers: £150-162 a month
The South East region (excluding London) shows average pricing of £27.94 per week or £121 per month for 50 sq ft units, according to industry reports.​
Factors Affecting Storage Prices in Essex
Several key factors influence 50 sq ft storage costs in Essex:
Places in Essex, Urban spots like Chelmsford and Brentwood usually cost more because lots of people want to live there and property prices are higher. If you're looking for a better deal, the countryside can be a good option. It still has great links to major transport routes.
Facility type and amenities
- Indoor units with climate control cost around 15-25% more than standard units
- Drive-up storage containers fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to pricing
- High-end facilities with top-notch security come with higher prices
Security features. Modern facilities include comprehensive security measures that justify higher costs:
- 24/7 CCTV cameras keep watch
- Electronic gates with your own access codes
- Alarms and motion sensors in each unit
- Security staff on site
Access hours and convenience
- Facilities that are open 24/7 usually cost 10-15% more
- Standard hours keep costs down
- If you schedule appointments, you can pay lower weekly rates
Storage Market Trends in Essex
The Essex storage market is following the same pattern as the rest of the UK - steady growth and changing customer needs. In 2024, the industry averaged an occupancy rate of 75.1%, a bit lower than in past years, but still showing a lot of demand.
Key market statistics:
- Across the UK, you'll find roughly 60 million sq ft of storage space for rent.
- On average, it costs £26.23 per sq ft per year to store stuff.
- One stat that stands out is the 98% churn rate, showing that customers aren't staying as long as they used to.
The market shows increasing demand from:
- Students needing a place to stash their stuff during breaks
- Small businesses looking for flexible storage for their inventory
- Homeowners who need a temporary fix during renovations or a move
- Elderly residents downsizing and needing some extra space
What to Look for in Essex Storage Facilities
When choosing self-storage Essex providers, prioritise these essential features:
Security and safety measures
- CCTV cameras cover all areas
- Secure entry systems use personal codes
- Fire alarms and automatic extinguishers are in place
- Regular security checks are carried out (where applicable)
Practical considerations
- Easy loading and unloading on the ground floor
- Extra-wide corridors that fit trolleys and lifting gear
- The loading bay is protected from the weather
- Trolleys and equipment are available on site
Look for providers offering
- No long-term commitments to tie you down
- You can adjust your plan whenever your needs change
- Our pricing is upfront and honest, so you always know what to expect
- New customers often get special deals
Seasonal Pricing and Promotions
Storage costs in Essex can vary seasonally, with peak demand periods typically seeing higher prices:
High demand periods:
- May to August, when students are storing and moving stuff
- August to September, when students are heading back to school
- November to December, when people need space for seasonal items
Lower demand periods:
- January to March are great months to look for deals and discounts.
- After the holiday season, prices often drop.
Loads of storage facilities in Essex, like Rocket Self Storage, have special intro offers. You might see 50% off your first couple of months, or even get your first month for free.
Climate Control Considerations
Essex's climate-controlled storage takes into account the region's changing weather, which is especially crucial for delicate items. Standard units work fine for most stuff, but it's worth opting for climate control because it offers several benefits:
Items requiring climate control:
- Wooden furniture and antiques
- Electronics and appliances
- Valuable papers and photos
- Clothes and fabrics
- Musical gear and artwork
Adding climate control to your standard storage typically costs an extra £10-20 a month. It's worth it, though, since you get a consistent temperature all year round.
Business Storage Solutions
Small businesses increasingly rely on self-storage Essex facilities for:
- Managing your inventory and dealing with leftover stock
- Storing your documents and keeping records organised
- Seasonal businesses need somewhere to stash their equipment
- Space to handle e-commerce order fulfilment
Business customers often benefit from:
- Bulk storage discounts when you rent multiple units
- Flexible access for your team members
- We offer invoice billing as an alternative to monthly payments
- Choose from larger unit sizes at competitive prices per square foot
Insurance and Protection
Storage insurance provides essential protection for your belongings.
Most Essex facilities offer:
- Insurance to cover your basics is already part of your rent
- Upgrade to premium coverage for pricey items you want extra protection for
- We've also partnered with third-party insurers for more comprehensive options
Typical coverage levels:
- Basic: around £1,000-2,000 a unit
- Standard: roughly £5,000-10,000 a unit
- Premium: more than £15,000 a unit
To learn more about how storage can help with different storage needs, check out our guide to self-storage in Essex and how it can tackle everyday space problems.
Making the Right Storage Choice
Finding the right 50 sq ft storage in Essex is all about balancing cost, convenience, and security. If you're on a budget, you can find good options for around £85-95 a month. But if you want the works, expect to pay £120-150 a month for extras like security, climate control, and longer hours.
At Rocket Self Storage, we're all about giving Essex locals affordable and secure storage that fits their needs. Our ground-floor units, flexible terms, and competitive prices make us a top pick for anyone looking for reliable self-storage in Essex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest 50 sq ft storage in Essex?
Promotional rates kick off at £19.83 per week, and standard prices usually fall between £22 and £ 28 a week. Keep an eye out for intro deals and factor in any setup costs when you're comparing prices.
Do I need climate control for a 50 sq ft unit in Essex?
Climate control isn't a must for most items, but it's a good idea for wooden furniture, electronics, documents, and clothing stored for a long time. The humid climate in Essex can play havoc with sensitive materials, so it's worth considering.
How long can I rent a 50 sq ft storage unit?
Most Essex facilities offer flexible terms ranging from one month to several years, with no cap on the maximum length. You usually need to give 7 to 14 days' notice if you want to cancel.
What security features should I expect?
Security features typically include CCTV cameras, electronic gates, and locks on each unit. There are also regular security checks. Some places might even offer units with their own alarms and high-tech biometric access.
Can I access my 50 sq ft unit anytime?
Access hours aren't the same at every facility. Some are open from 6 am to 9 pm every day, while others are open 24 hours a day for an extra fee.