Long-Term Storage in London with Storage Ratcliff
At Storage Ratcliff, we provide secure, flexible long-term storage in London for households, landlords, and businesses that need reliable space for months or years, not just a few days. As experienced movers and storers, we understand how to pack, protect and manage your belongings so they stay safe, clean and accessible for as long as you need.
What Our Long-Term Storage Service Includes
Our long-term storage is a managed service, not just a lock-up. We collect, pack if required, store, and return your goods when you are ready. All items are held in secure facilities with monitored access and full goods in transit and public liability insurance in place.
Suitable for a Wide Range of Customers
- Homeowners renovating, downsizing, or moving abroad for work
- Renters between tenancies or relocating for study or work
- Landlords storing furniture during void periods or refurbishments
- Businesses needing archive, stock or equipment storage
- Students on year abroad or returning home outside term-time
Local London Expertise You Can Rely On
Working across London for years, we understand the realities of tight access, parking restrictions and busy streets. Our local knowledge helps us plan collections and deliveries efficiently, keeping disruption and costs down. Whether your property is a basement flat, a townhouse or a top-floor office, our trained, professional crews know how to move items safely in and out.
What You Can Store Long-Term
We handle most household and business items that need to be kept safe and dry over a longer period, such as:
- Furniture – sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables and chairs
- Domestic contents – boxes, clothes, books, kitchenware
- Appliances – washing machines, fridges (defrosted), TVs
- Office equipment – desks, chairs, filing cabinets, IT equipment
- Stock and merchandise – boxed retail stock and promotional materials
- Archives – boxed documents, records and files
Items We Cannot Store
For safety, legal and insurance reasons, some items are excluded:
- Perishable goods (fresh food, open containers)
- Flammable or hazardous materials (paint, fuel, gas bottles, chemicals)
- Illegal items or goods of questionable origin
- Live animals, plants or biological materials
- Cash, high-value jewellery or loose precious metals
- Explosives, firearms and ammunition
If you are unsure about a specific item, we will advise you clearly before you book.
How Our Long-Term Storage Process Works
1. Enquiry & Quotation
You contact us by phone or online and tell us what you need to store, where from, and for roughly how long. We provide a clear, no-obligation quotation, based on the volume of items, access at both ends, and any packing help required. We explain all costs upfront so you know exactly what you are committing to.
2. Survey – Virtual or Onsite
For larger loads or more complex properties, we carry out a short video or onsite survey. This allows us to estimate space accurately and plan the right vehicle, crew and packing materials. A proper survey helps avoid surprises on the day and ensures everything fits into the storage space reserved for you.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack yourself, or use our professional packing service. Our teams use sturdy cartons, wrapping paper and bubble wrap, and protect furniture with quilted covers and export-grade wraps if needed. We label boxes clearly and produce an inventory so you have a record of what has gone into storage, which is particularly useful for longer stays.
4. Loading & Transport to Store
On collection day, our trained movers load your belongings carefully, using trolleys, blankets and securing straps to keep everything stable in transit. We transport your goods directly to our storage facility, where they are checked in and placed into clean, dry, secure storage units or containers, ready for long-term holding.
5. Long-Term Storage, Unloading & Return
Your items remain safely stored for as long as you require. When you are ready for redelivery, we agree a convenient date, retrieve your items and deliver them to your new or existing address. Our team will unload and place furniture and boxes into the rooms you specify, so you can get back to normal quickly.
Transparent Pricing for Long-Term Storage
We price long-term storage on a combination of:
- Volume of goods (measured in cubic feet or metres)
- Length of stay (monthly or annual agreements)
- Collection and redelivery costs
- Optional services – packing, materials, specialist handling
There are no hidden fees: we set out storage charges, minimum terms where applicable, and any access or handling costs in advance. Longer commitments can attract more favourable rates, and we are always happy to explain how to reduce costs by decluttering or optimising how items are packed.
Why Choose Professional Long-Term Storage Over DIY
Using a professional company like Storage Ratcliff offers clear advantages over self-storage or informal arrangements:
- Safety & protection – correct stacking, wrapping and inventory reduce damage and loss
- Insurance cover – goods are protected by our goods in transit and storage cover, subject to terms
- Convenience – we handle collection, loading and return; no van hire or heavy lifting
- Expert handling – experienced crews move pianos, antiques and fragile items carefully
- Reliability – agreed contracts and clear procedures, not casual verbal promises
DIY or basic man-and-van options can appear cheaper, but often lead to damage, inadequate packing and unclear responsibility if something goes wrong.
Insurance and Professional Standards
We take our responsibilities seriously and operate to high professional standards:
- Goods in transit insurance protecting items while being moved to and from storage
- Public liability cover for work at your property and our facility
- Trained moving teams experienced in safe lifting and handling techniques
- Regularly checked, well-maintained vehicles and equipment
- Documented procedures for inventory, storage and redelivery
We will explain the level of cover included as standard and any options for additional protection where high-value items are involved.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
Careful packing and thoughtful storage planning protect both your belongings and the environment. We use durable reusable furniture covers, recycled cardboard where suitable, and efficient loading methods to minimise wasted space. Where possible, we reuse packing materials internally and work with suppliers who focus on sustainable products. Our teams are trained to avoid unnecessary trips and to plan routes that keep fuel use and emissions down while still delivering on time.
Real-World Long-Term Storage Use Cases
- Moving house: Store surplus furniture while you market your property, or keep everything safe during a gap between completion and moving in.
- Office relocation: Hold furniture, files and IT equipment while you fit out new premises or remodel existing space.
- Urgent moves: If you need to vacate a property quickly due to sale, tenancy change or building issues, we can collect and store at short notice.
- Long trips abroad: Keep your possessions secure while you work, study or travel overseas, with the reassurance they will be ready on your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does long-term storage in London cost?
Costs depend on how much you store, how long for, and whether you need us to pack and collect. We typically charge a monthly rate based on the volume of goods, with a separate fee for collection and eventual redelivery. Longer stays can qualify for better rates, and we will always suggest ways to reduce space, such as disassembling furniture or decluttering. You will receive a clear written quotation before you commit, with no hidden extras or surprise charges.
Can you offer same-day or urgent long-term storage?
Subject to availability, we can often arrange rapid or same-day collection into storage, especially within London. If you have been given short notice to vacate, or a sale completes sooner than planned, we can usually get a crew and vehicle to you quickly. The more information you can provide about access, volume and timings, the easier it is to accommodate urgent requests. It is always best to call us as early in the day as possible so we can organise schedules and confirm what we can offer.
Are my belongings insured while in long-term storage?
Yes, your goods are covered by our standard goods in transit insurance during collection and redelivery, and by our storage insurance while they are in our facility, subject to policy terms and limits. We explain the included cover level clearly when you book. For particularly high-value items, we may recommend additional cover or a declared value basis. We also minimise risk by using careful packing, secure units and controlled access, which all help prevent damage, loss or unauthorised handling.
What is included in your long-term storage service?
Our service can be as simple or as comprehensive as you need. As standard, we provide storage space in a secure, monitored facility and careful handling at our warehouse. Most clients also use us for collection and redelivery, with a trained crew and suitable vehicle. You can add professional packing, provision of packing materials, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, and help placing items in your new property. We are happy to tailor the package so you only pay for the elements you actually require.
How is your service different from a basic man-and-van?
A casual man-and-van may move items from A to B, but usually without formal contracts, inventory systems or proper insurance. Our long-term storage service is fully managed and fully insured, with trained staff, secure facilities and documented processes from initial survey through to final delivery. We use appropriate packing, correct stacking and protective materials to prevent damage, and we remain responsible for your goods throughout the agreed period. This gives you far more certainty and peace of mind, especially for long-term arrangements.
How far in advance should I book long-term storage?
We recommend booking as early as you can, particularly during busy moving periods such as summer and month-end. A week or two’s notice usually allows us to schedule the ideal collection date and allocate space in our facility. However, we understand that circumstances change quickly, and we will always try to help with last-minute requests. Even if your dates are not fixed, it is worth discussing plans with us in advance so we can pencil you in and advise on the best options.
