storage - head to head
Access Self Storage vs Big Yellow
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| Access Self Storage | Big Yellow | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| UK availability | Good UK dealer coverage | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | Self storage (flexible unit sizes), Office space rental, Vehicle and van fleet parking, Document management | Personal storage, Business storage, Wine storage, Student storage |
| Best known for | Flexible-size storage units | Personal storage units |
Choose Access Self Storage if...
Access Self Storage is a mid-sized UK chain concentrated in and around London, with additional sites reaching cities such as Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester. It is aimed at the same personal and small-business storage market as the larger chains, with vehicle parking as a notable extra service.
Look at: Flexible-size storage units
Full Access Self Storage profile →Choose Big Yellow if...
Big Yellow is one of the larger UK self-storage chains, positioned around individually alarmed units and PIN-code access at each store. It is generally found in and around major towns and cities, and is used by both households moving or decluttering and small businesses needing stock or archive space.
Look at: Personal storage units, Business storage units, Armadillo Self Storage
Full Big Yellow profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK storage companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
Access Self Storage vs Big Yellow - common questions
Is Access Self Storage better than Big Yellow?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. Access Self Storage is a mid-sized UK chain concentrated in and around London, with additional sites reaching cities such as Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester. It is aimed at the same personal and small-business storage market as the larger chains, with vehicle parking as a notable extra service. Big Yellow is one of the larger UK self-storage chains, positioned around individually alarmed units and PIN-code access at each store. It is generally found in and around major towns and cities, and is used by both households moving or decluttering and small businesses needing stock or archive space.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Access Self Storage or Big Yellow?
Access Self Storage: 56 stores across London and the wider UK, described as "over 20 years of experience," per its own website in 2026 (exact founding year not published). Big Yellow: 111 facilities across the UK, including 23 branded Armadillo Self Storage, per its own website in 2026; FTSE 250-listed operator.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK storage companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.