storage - head to head
Big Yellow vs Shurgard
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.
| Big Yellow | Shurgard | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | United Kingdom | Belgium (opened its first centre in Brussels in 1995); operates in the UK as Shurgard UK |
| Making trailers since | 1998 | 1995 |
| UK availability | Widely available - large UK network | Good UK dealer coverage |
| Range covers | Personal storage, Business storage, Wine storage, Student storage | Personal storage, Business storage, Moving boxes, Storage consultation and sizing help |
| Best known for | Personal storage units | Personal storage |
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 →Choose Shurgard if...
Shurgard is a pan-European self-storage operator with a sizeable UK network, aimed at the same mix of personal and business storage customers as its listed UK rivals. Its 2024 acquisition of Lok'nStore makes it one of the larger groups by combined UK site count.
Look at: Personal storage, Business storage
Full Shurgard 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.
Big Yellow vs Shurgard - common questions
Is Big Yellow better than Shurgard?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. 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. Shurgard is a pan-European self-storage operator with a sizeable UK network, aimed at the same mix of personal and business storage customers as its listed UK rivals. Its 2024 acquisition of Lok'nStore makes it one of the larger groups by combined UK site count.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Big Yellow or Shurgard?
Big Yellow: 111 facilities across the UK, including 23 branded Armadillo Self Storage, per its own website in 2026; FTSE 250-listed operator. Shurgard: 92 self-storage facilities in the UK, per its own website in 2026. Shurgard completed its acquisition of Lok'nStore Group in August 2024, bringing that UK chain under the same parent group.
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.