You’re moving to a smaller place, renovating, or inheriting a house full of stuff. A storage unit seems like the easy solution: just put everything in there, and you’ll figure it out later. But "later" often takes a long time, and the rent keeps coming due every month.
In this article, you'll learn how much a storage unit in Antwerp really costs, what hidden costs there are, and when it's best to store your belongings or get rid of them.
In short: A storage unit of about 5 m² costs around €80 to €120 per month in and around Antwerp, while a 10 m² unit costs around €130 to €205, plus mandatory insurance. For the contents of a two-bedroom apartment, after about five months you’ll have paid more in rent than it costs to have the place cleared out. A storage unit is worth it if it’s just temporary. For items you might "need someday," getting rid of them is almost always cheaper.
1. How much does a storage unit cost in Antwerp?
These are the prices for Shurgard, Storo, Cobalt Box, and Selfstore in and around Antwerp, as of October 2026. They change frequently. The larger the unit, the lower the price per square meter.
2. The costs you don't see right away
- Insurance: Required by most providers, usually €9 to €18 per month.
- Security deposit and setup fees: Sometimes a deposit of up to a few hundred euros, an administrative fee, or a lock that you have to buy.
- Promotional prices: The "first month for €1" or "up to half off" offer usually applies only to new customers and for the first few months. After that, you'll pay the regular price.
- Price increases: The terms and conditions often state that the price may increase after six months and that it is indexed annually.
- Moving twice: First to the storage unit, and later back to a home or, alternatively, to the recycling center.
3. Sample Calculation: A Two-Bedroom Apartment
According to storage companies, you'll need 6 to 9 m² to store the contents of a two-bedroom apartment. Expect to pay about €140 per month, including insurance.
A clearing out an apartment A two-bedroom unit starts at €600 (excl. VAT) or €726 (incl. VAT). Storage units list their prices including VAT, so we compare prices including VAT. After just about five months, you’ll have paid more in rent than the clearance would cost—and your belongings will still be there.
4. When is a storage unit actually a smart choice?
- During a renovation: Your furniture will have to be moved out for a few months, and then it will be returned.
- Between two homes: Your old place needs to be vacated, but your new one isn't ready yet.
- For a temporary stay abroad: You'll be coming back in a year and want to keep your belongings.
- For items of real value: heirlooms, art, or furniture that you'll definitely reuse.
5. When is it better to declutter?
- You keep things "for when we eventually move to a bigger place" or "for the kids," without any specific plan.
- You haven't been to your gym in months.
- All of these items are worth less than a year's rent.
- You have duplicates of most of your belongings, or they won't fit in your new home.
6. The middle ground: choose first, save small
You don’t have to keep everything or throw everything away. Choose what you really want to keep, and rent a small storage unit of 1 to 2 m² for those items. Have the rest picked up. We send usable items to be reused, and the rest to certified recycling facilities. A small storage unit costs a fraction of what a large one does, and you don’t pay rent for items you no longer use anyway. To learn how to decide what to keep, read our article on downsize.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square meters of storage space do I need?
According to Shurgard, you’ll need about 4 m² for a one-bedroom apartment, 7 to 8 m² for a two-bedroom apartment, and about 10 m² for a three-bedroom apartment. The storage units are about 3 meters high, so you can stack items easily.
Can I cancel a storage unit on a monthly basis?
Usually, yes. The minimum rental period is often one month, with a notice period ranging from one week to one month. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, especially if you’re taking advantage of a promotion.
Do I need to get insurance?
Most providers require insurance. Check to see if your home insurance already covers the items in a storage unit.
Can you guys empty my storage unit?
Yes. Even if your belongings are already packed in boxes, we'll pick them up and dispose of whatever can be thrown away.
Would you rather get rid of it than pay for it every month?
- Send photos of the items you want to sell, and you'll get a quote right away
- Pay once, no monthly rent
- Items that are still usable are sent for reuse
- Even from a storage unit, a basement, or a garage
Or give us a call at +32 469 63 55 62.
