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2026 UK Student Storage Comparison: Hidden Fees & Best Value Guide
Student storage pricing can be incredibly confusing. You receive a quote that looks like a bargain, only to be hit with a final invoice full of "extras" like insurance, box delivery, and collection surcharges.
To make your move simpler, we’ve conducted the UK’s most comprehensive review of by-the-box student storage. We’ve compared the top four providers, Door2Door Student Storage, Kit Keeper, Lovespace, and The Box Co., across four critical categories:
Collection & Re-delivery | Pricing | Reliability| Additional Charges
Student Storage
Comparision
To make things simple, we go through each step of Student Storage and explore the charges in each section!
We look at student storage material delivery, this is the delivery of empty boxes and packaging materials delivered to you. Then we look at student storage box collection, this is the collection of your full boxes which then go into storage. Lastly we look at box re-delivery, this is the return of your full student storage boxes to you.
1. Material Charges
Student Storage
Most students need boxes and tape. While some brands offer "free" boxes, the delivery and material costs vary wildly. Here we show some additional material charges you might have to pay for by-the-box student storage in the UK.
Will you be charged for unused student storage boxes?
Some brands will charge for boxes that you've ordered but end up not using.
The "Unused Box" Win
In a huge win for students in 2026, the industry has moved away from charging for unused boxes. Door2Door Student Storage, Kit Keeper, Lovespace, and The Box Co. all currently offer £0 charges for boxes you order but don't end up using.
Will you be charged for student storage packaging materials delivery?
If you decide you need student storage packaging materials, you will most likely be charged for the delivery of packaging materials (if you need them!).
Here is how much each door-to-door student storage businesses charges for package material delivery in 2026:
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Door2Door Student Storage £7.95
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Kit Keeper £12.99
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Lovespace £6.95 (£9.95 on Saturday)
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The Box Co. Free!
How much do Student Storage brands charge for material packaging?
When ordering student storage, most brands will ask if you need packing materials. This includes things like double walled cardboard boxes, parcel tape and bubble wrap. Here we compare the prices for these by-the-box student storage brands.
All these brands have different size boxes for each description. So, to make things fair, we have looked at prices based on the volume of the boxes. Small boxes (40.5L-42L), Medium Box (64L-86L), Extra Large Box (97L-151L).
Overall, Door2Door Student Storage has the best material packaging prices for by-the-box student storage in 2026.
Brand | Small Box | Medium Box | Ex Large Box | Bubble Wrap | Parcel Tape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
£3.50 | £3.85 | £5.75 | £3.50 | £2.50 | |
£4.50 | £5.50 | £6.50 | £3.50 | £3.50 | |
£2.95 | £3.95 | £5.95 | £3.00 | £2.75 | |
£4.65 | £6.25 | £7.25 | £7.97* | £4.85 |
Pro-Tip: If you want the lowest upfront cost for materials, The Box Co. leads with free delivery, but Door2Door Student Storage offers the best overall value when you factor in the quality and volume of the boxes.
2. Collection Charges
Student Storage
The "collection" phase is where many students get caught by surprise fees. Some brands charge a flat fee, while others add "London surcharges" or "item fees." Below we have shown some additional collection charges you might have to pay for by-the-box student storage in the UK.
Is there an additional charge for box collection for door to door student storage?
Some door-to-door student storage services charge extra for collection of your boxes. This includes charging for premium dates to collect your boxes from you, ranging from £3 per item to over £50 per order.
So, which door to door student storage businesses do this?
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Door2Door Student Storage does not charge for student storage box collection.
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Kit Keeper does charge £45 for student storage box collection, plus an additional £5.99 for London collection.
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Lovespace does not charge for student storage box collection.
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The Box Co. does charge for student storage box collection. This varies from £9.95 to £14.95 for orders less than 5 items.
Is there an additional charge for student storage door step collection?
This is an additional charge for door to door student storage collection from your doorstep in student accommodations. Some brands may only collect from reception areas or ground floors.
So, which door to door student storage businesses do this?
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Door2Door Student Storage does not charge for doorstep student storage box collection, but this is only available in certain locations.
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Kit Keeper does charge an additional £60 for doorstep student storage box collection. This is only available in certain locations.
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Lovespace does charge an additional £30 for doorstep student storage box collection. This is only available in certain locations.
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The Box Co. does charge for doorstep student storage box collection, this figure is not available on their website.
Will you be charged for student storage collection on a Saturday?
Many students move out on weekends. If you need a Saturday slot, be prepared to pay a premium. Some door-to-door student storage services offer Saturday collection, here is who provides this service and who charges for it.
So, which door to door student storage businesses do this?
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Door2Door Student Storage does charge for student storage box collection on a saturday.
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Kit Keeper- does charge for student storage box collection on a Saturday.
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Lovespace- does charge for student storage box collection on a Saturday.
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The Box Co.- does not provide Saturday student storage box collection.
Comparison Overview
This shows all the information from above in an easy to view table.
Student Storage Brands | Unused Boxes Charge | Packaging Delivery Charge | Collection Charge | Doorstep Collection Charge | Saturday Delivery | Insurance Charge | 25+miles from Collection Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Door2Door Student Storage | NO | YES £7.95 | NO | NO Only available in certain locations. | YES | NO | YES £5 per item per 25 miles |
Kit Keeper | NO | YES £12 | YES £45 +£5.99 for London | YES Additional £60 Only available in certain locations. | YES | NO | YES £3.99 per item |
Lovespace | NO | YES £6.95 £9.95 for Saturday | NO | YES Additional £30 Only available in certain locations. | YES | NO | YES £7 per item per 25 miles |
The Box Co. | NO | NO | YES Varies from £9.95 to £14.95 for orders less than 5 items | YES Undisclosed figure. | UNAVAILABLE | NO | YES £19.50 per item for 25 miles (78p per mile) |
Prices 2026
Student Storage
Below we have compiled the total prices of the main student storage brands in the UK. This includes all the hidden bits that are concealed in the terms & conditions page so that you can compare at a glance the true cost...
We've taken the leading brands and included all the costs so that you can see the true cost of storing your items on a "like for like" basis.
Below prices include: £100 insurance and 1 roll of tape.
Prices as of: 25/05/2025
Reliability
Checkout the student storage brand reviews! Here are the pros and cons based from reviews other students have left on google.
We've added links to each brands review pages so you can see the reviews for yourself.
Some brands only have reviews in one location, where as others have multiple review sites.
Trustpilot- 4.6/5★
Review scores as of: 25/03/2024
Additional Charges
Student Storage
Below we have shown some additional charges you might have to students in the UK may have to pay for by-the-box storage. These aren't usually told when paying for the service, but are tucked away in the terms and conditions.
Will You Be Charged for Parking Fees & Fines?
For students living in busy city centers or university halls, parking is often restricted. Some by-the-box storage companies pass their operational risks directly to the student.
So, which door to door student storage businesses do this?
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Door2Door Student Storage: The most student-friendly option. They do not charge students for parking fees or fines incurred during collection.
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Kit Keeper: Vague policy. While they don’t explicitly list a fine, they state the student is "responsible for providing parking," which can lead to failed collection fees.
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Lovespace: Charges the student for all parking fees and any fines received during the appointment.
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The Box Co.: Charges the student for parking fees and fines.
Will You Be Charged for Driver Waiting?
Some by-the-box student storage businesses will charge you if your driver is kept waiting whilst they are coming to collect or deliver your boxes.
So, which door to door student storage businesses do this?
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Door2Door Student Storage does not charge you for driver waiting.
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Kit Keeper does charge for driver waiting time, however this fee is not disclosed.
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Lovespace does charge for driver waiting time. If the driver has to wait more than 10 minutes, you will be charged.
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The Box Co. does not charge you for driver waiting.
Is there an additional charge for student storage door step collection?
This is an additional charge for insurance on your door to door student storage items.
So, which door to door student storage businesses do this?
In a huge win for students in 2026, the industry has moved away from charging for £100 insurance for your boxes. Door2Door Student Storage, Kit Keeper, Lovespace, and The Box Co. all currently offer £0 charges for £100 on your items!
Get the Full Picture
Some brands will pay Student Accommodations for exclusive advertisement rights in their building.
This means you won’t see any other student storage advertisement's at your residency, only that brand.
This doesn’t mean the other brands aren't available at your location, only that they are not allowed to promote their service at your accommodation.
