With self storage you rent a locked space in a secured building. You bring your things yourself and can usually access them 24/7 with a pass. You pick a size from a few boxes to a full household. Ideal if you want regular access — for seasonal items, stock or tools. You arrange transport, a lock and often insurance yourself.

With mobile storage, the storage comes to you. A unit is delivered to your home or a driver picks up your things at the door — with or without lifting help. Everything then goes to the secured hub, and comes back whenever you want. You drive nowhere and rent no van. Need access in between? That's possible by appointment. Perfect for a move, renovation or big declutter.

This is the biggest difference. Self storage gives you freedom: drop by whenever it suits you, weekends included. Mobile storage gives you convenience: no lifting, no trips, everything handled at home. Want frequent, spontaneous access? Choose self storage. Don't need access for a while and mainly want to be unburdened? Then mobile storage is the most relaxed choice.

Per cubic metre, self storage is usually cheaper — you rent bare space. But count the hidden costs: transport, a van, a lock, sometimes admin fees and a deposit. With mobile storage the service is in the price: pickup, storage and return. Which is cheaper in the end depends on how long you store and how much work you want to do yourself. See what storage costs per month for the details.

...you want regular access to your things, spontaneously and on your own schedule. For example for seasonal items, a hobby, stock or tools you need now and then. Also for long-term storage where you want to keep control over access and size, self storage is often the logical — and cheapest per m³ — choice.

...you need temporary extra space and have no appetite for lifting or van trips. Think of a move, a renovation or a big declutter. You store in one go, don't need access often in between, and want it all handled at home. Then mobile storage saves you the most work.

On paper self storage often looks cheaper per m³, but that's not the full picture. With self storage, factor in transport, a rental van, fuel, a lock and any admin fees. With mobile storage that's in the price. For short storage with lots of lifting, mobile storage often wins; for long storage with your own transport, self storage is usually cheaper.

You don't have to compromise on security. In both forms your things sit in a professional, secured building with cameras, alarm and fire protection, dry and climate-controlled. The difference: with self storage you hold the key and always have access; with mobile storage your unit is safely stored and brought forward by appointment. Both reliable — choose on convenience, not security.

Per m³ self storage is usually cheaper, because you rent bare space. But factor in transport, a van, a lock and any admin fees. With mobile storage the service is in the price. For short storage with lots of lifting, mobile storage is often cheaper; for long storage with your own transport, self storage.

Yes, but by appointment. Your unit is safely stored; if you want something out, we set it ready or bring it back. Need frequent, spontaneous access? Then self storage fits better.

Storage companies are usually not liable for your things; your own home contents insurance often covers external storage (check the terms and maximum period). Don't cancel your contents insurance before a move, or cover lapses. Insure valuable items separately to be safe.

Private customers pay no VAT on storage space — that applies to self storage and to mobile storage at Inbox Storage. Business rates are exclusive of VAT.

For a move, mobile storage is often handiest: you store in one go, don't need access during the move, and save yourself the driving and lifting. If you need to grab things regularly during a long renovation, self storage can be more convenient.