If you’ve been feeling like your home is bursting at the seams, you’re not alone. Many Greater Manchester households reach a point where they start looking for a bigger home simply because they’ve run out of space. But with rising house prices, stamp duty, and moving costs, upgrading to a larger property can be an expensive move.
That’s why more people are turning to self storage in Manchester as a smarter and more affordable alternative. Here’s how self storage can save you money and help you make the most of the space you already have.
The Real Cost of Moving to a Bigger Home
Before deciding to move, it’s worth taking a closer look at the true cost of upsizing. It’s not just about a bigger mortgage — there are plenty of extra expenses that quickly add up. From legal fees to removal costs, moving can easily eat into your savings before you’ve even unpacked a single box.
Common costs include:
- Estate agent fees – usually 1–3% of your sale price
- Stamp duty – thousands more on higher-value homes
- Legal fees and surveys – typically £1,000–£2,000
- Removal costs – from £500 to over £2,000 depending on distance
- Higher mortgage repayments and bills – more space means higher costs every month
When you add it all up, moving can easily cost £10,000 or more before you’ve even settled in. If you’re trying to keep costs low, consider using our free van hire service to make your move or downsizing easier.
Why Self Storage Is a Cheaper Alternative
Self storage offers an affordable and flexible way to create more space without committing to a larger home or higher monthly bills. You only pay for the space you need, and you can change the unit size at any time if your needs grow or shrink.
You save on:
- Monthly costs: A small storage unit is often cheaper than the increase in rent or mortgage payments.
- Flexibility: You can upsize or downsize your unit at any time.
- Commitment: No long-term contracts or financial obligations, unlike a mortgage.
In short, storage units give you the breathing room you need without the financial pressure of moving. Plus, at Cheap Storage Manchester you can benefit from 50% off your first 9 weeks, making it even more cost-effective to get started.
When Self Storage Makes Sense
There are many everyday situations where using self storage makes more sense than moving house. Whether your family is growing, your work situation has changed, or you simply want to declutter, a storage unit can help you reclaim valuable space.
🧸 Growing Family Needs More Space
When your family grows, you don’t always need a bigger home — you just need to make better use of the one you’ve got. Store out-of-season clothes, baby gear, or toys to free up valuable space. Home storage units are ideal for keeping things safe and accessible.
💼 Working from Home
If your home office is taking over the living room, a business storage unit can hold extra furniture, files, or stock, helping you keep your workspace clear and productive.
🧳 Blended or Multigenerational Homes
If someone’s moving back home temporarily, storage helps you keep things organised and comfortable for everyone. You can also make use of our free collections and removals service to make storing items simple.
🛋️ Decluttering Before Selling
If you do plan to move later, using self storage first can help you stage your current home for sale, making it look bigger and more appealing. Our decluttering storage options are perfect for this.
How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
One of the biggest surprises for first-time storage users is how little space they actually need. Even a small unit can hold a huge amount of belongings when packed correctly, often freeing up an entire room at home.
For example:
- 25 sq ft unit – fits around 40 medium boxes or small furniture items
- 50 sq ft unit – about the size of a garden shed; fits the contents of a 1-bed flat
- 75–100 sq ft unit – fits the contents of a 2–3-bed home
Not sure what size is right for you? Visit our storage prices page for examples and cost comparisons.
Comparing Costs: Self Storage vs Moving
When you compare the numbers, self storage almost always works out cheaper than moving — especially when you include the upfront costs of buying or renting a bigger place.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (Manchester) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Self storage (50 sq ft unit) | £59–£120 per month | Ongoing |
| Estate agent + legal fees | £3,000–£5,000 | One-off |
| Stamp duty | £2,500–£6,000+ | One-off |
| Removals | £500–£2,000 | One-off |
| Increased mortgage payments | £200–£600+ per month | Ongoing |
Even if you use self storage for a full year, it’s still often thousands of pounds cheaper than upsizing. To keep costs low, check out our cheapest storage prices in Manchester.
Tips to Maximise Your Space at Home
Before making the big decision to move, try optimising the space you already have. Simple organisation and creative storage solutions can make your home feel instantly larger and more manageable.
Try these ideas:
- Use under-bed boxes for shoes or clothes
- Add shelves above doors for extra storage
- Rotate seasonal items — keep summer gear in storage over winter and swap later
- Use vacuum-sealed bags to reduce bulk in wardrobes
- Keep bulky hobby or sports equipment in a storage unit
Small changes like these can transform your living space. For even more inspiration, visit our home improvement ideas section.
When It Might Be Time to Move
While self storage can delay or even avoid the need to move, sometimes a new home is the right choice — especially if your needs have changed permanently. The good news is that using storage during your move can make the process much easier.
You can store furniture, boxes, and personal items while you decorate, renovate, or wait for completion. Our moving home storage options are designed for exactly this situation, helping you manage the transition stress-free.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a bigger house can be tempting, but it’s not always the smartest financial move. By using self storage, you can:
- Save thousands in moving costs
- Keep your belongings safe and accessible
- Enjoy more living space without the long-term expense
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we offer clean, secure, and affordable storage units in a range of sizes to help you make more room without breaking the bank.
Ready to create space at home for less? Contact our team today to find the perfect storage solution — and don’t forget to check our current special offers.
