How Long Can You Rent a Storage Container For?
Here’s everything you need to know about rental length, flexibility and how our contracts actually work.
Is There a Minimum Rental Period?
Yes, our minimum rental period is four weeks. This applies across all of our locations and unit sizes. Beyond that minimum, there’s no upper limit. You can stay for as long as your situation requires.
Is There a Maximum Rental Period?
No. Many of our customers store with us for extended periods; months or even years. Whether you’re a business that needs permanent overflow storage or a homeowner who’s taken on a lengthy renovation project, there’s no pressure to move out before you’re ready.
How Do the Contracts Work?
We work on rolling four-weekly billing. You pay every four weeks, and if you’d prefer to be billed monthly instead, just speak to the team at your location and we can arrange that.
There’s no long-term commitment required. When you no longer need your unit, you give us notice: either through your online BoxSafe account or by emailing you directly.
Can I Reserve a Unit Before I’m Ready to Move In?
Yes, and we’d encourage it. Reservations are completely free of charge, and no payment is taken until your actual move-in date. You can also change your start date as many times as you need which is particularly useful when moving house or waiting on a project to begin.
The process is simple: you reserve the unit, sign an online storage agreement, and provide a copy of your photo ID. Your move-in access details are sent to you on the morning of your start date.
How Do I Give Notice When I’m Done?
You can cancel your storage rental at any time. Just log into your BoxSafe account and cancel your subscription, or email your location directly:
- Bournemouth: bournemouth@boxsafestorage.co.uk
- Christchurch: christchurch@boxsafestorage.co.uk
- Cheltenham: cheltenham@boxsafestorage.co.uk
- Fairford: fairford@boxsafestorage.co.uk
- Swindon: swindon@boxsafestorage.co.uk
- Portland: portland@boxsafestorage.co.uk
When you’ve cleared your unit, leave your key, padlock and fob inside with the door closed. At our Bournemouth indoor facility, leave your fob inside your unit.
Can I Upgrade or Add More Units During My Rental?
Yes. If your storage needs grow, you can add additional units to your account at any time. There may be a small pro-rata adjustment to bring billing dates into line, but the process is straightforward and you’ll receive clear invoices showing any changes.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing depends on unit size and location. Our containers start from £25 per week including VAT. New customers can also take advantage of 50% off their first eight weeks at selected facilities. We also offer a Price Match Guarantee, so if you find a comparable unit at a lower price nearby, get in touch.
Who Typically Uses Long-Term Storage?
Short-term storage (a few weeks to a couple of months) is common for house moves , property renovations, and students storing over summer. Longer-term arrangements tend to suit:
- Businesses using a container as a permanent extension of their operation: for stock, tools, seasonal inventory, or trade equipment
- Landlords who need somewhere to store furniture between tenancies on an ongoing basis
- People who’ve downsized and need somewhere for belongings that don’t yet have a home
- Anyone running a project — a building job, a renovation, an event business — that runs across multiple months or seasons
The flexibility works both ways. We’re not trying to tie anyone in longer than they need, and we’re equally happy to have customers who value the consistency of a longer arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum time I can rent a storage container at BoxSafe?
Four weeks. This is the minimum rental period across all BoxSafe locations and unit sizes.
Can I move out early if I no longer need the unit?
Yes. You can give notice at any time. You’re billed in four-weekly cycles, so the precise notice terms depend on where you are in your billing period. Please contact your location directly for specifics.
Do I have to sign a long contract?
No. We operate on a rolling four-weekly basis with no long-term commitment required. You stay for as long as you need and leave when you’re ready.
How are payments taken?
Payments are taken automatically every four weeks via the card saved on your account. You’ll receive an invoice by email before payment is taken and a receipt afterwards. If you’d prefer monthly billing, just ask the team.
Can I access my unit whenever I want?
Container units have 24/7 access via key fob, 365 days a year. Our Bournemouth indoor facility is accessible from 5am to midnight every day of the year.
Can I store with you temporarily and then become a long-term customer?
Absolutely. There’s no need to decide upfront how long you’ll need storage. Many customers start with a short-term requirement and find that the flexibility and convenience suits them long-term. You just keep paying the rolling four-weekly fee for as long as it works for you.
What if I want to downsize to a smaller unit partway through?
Give us a call or email your location to discuss. Subject to availability, we can work with you to move you into a smaller unit if your storage needs reduce.
If you have any questions about rental terms or want to check availability, call us on 03300 566975 or contact us here. You can also book directly online at any of our locations: