You moved to Amsterdam for the canals, the cycling, and the stroopwafels. You did not move here for 45m² apartments with no garage, no attic, and a "storage unit" that is actually a bicycle-width closet under the stairs. But here you are, six months in, with a suitcase of winter clothes under the bed, three boxes of books on top of the wardrobe, and a growing conviction that Dutch apartments were designed for people who own exactly four possessions.
Amsterdam's housing stock is famously compact. The average rental apartment is 60m², and that includes the bathroom. If you brought your life from the UK, Ireland, the US, or anywhere with normal-sized rooms, you have a storage problem. This guide is for English-speaking expats who need somewhere to put their stuff — without paying Shurgard's Amsterdam prices.
Why Amsterdam has a unique storage problem
Three things converge: Small apartments (average 60m², vs 76m² in London, 95m² in Dublin). No garages (most Amsterdam buildings are canal houses or post-war flats — neither comes with a garage). High turnover (expats move frequently, students rotate annually, and the rental market is hyper-competitive).
The result: Amsterdam has the highest per-capita demand for external storage in the Netherlands. Shurgard and City Box have multiple locations across the city, and they are almost always at 90%+ occupancy. Which means prices stay high, availability is tight, and you are paying €150–€200/month for a unit the size of your "spacious" bathroom.
Packhood exists specifically for this gap. Local Amsterdam residents with unused garage bays, storage rooms, attic space, or bike sheds list them on the platform. You rent directly, month-to-month, at 40–60% less than commercial. Search Amsterdam.
Amsterdam storage prices by area (2026)
Centrum: Almost no commercial storage within the ring. Shurgard Centrum is technically in Oost. Packhood hosts in Jordaan, De Pijp, and Plantage: €80–€140/month for a garage or storage room. Scarce but worth checking — a canal house basement can be surprisingly dry.
Oost (East): Shurgard Amsterdam-Oost: €160–€200/month. City Box Amstel: €130–€170/month. Packhood: €60–€110/month. Good host density in Watergraafsmeer and Betondorp. Close to UvA Science Park (student demand).
West: City Box Sloterdijk: €120–€160/month. Packhood: €55–€100/month. Oud-West and Bos en Lommer have residential garages. Nieuw-West has larger spaces at lower prices.
Zuid (South): The most expensive area for everything, including storage. Shurgard: €180–€220/month. Packhood: €70–€130/month. De Pijp, Rivierenbuurt, and Zuidas expat demand is very high — book early.
Noord: The most affordable area. Limited commercial options. Packhood: €45–€85/month. North Amsterdam is across the IJ but connected by free ferries. If you do not need daily access, storing in Noord saves 30–40% vs Zuid.
Amstelveen / Diemen (suburbs): Allsafe Amstelveen: €90–€140/month. Packhood: €40–€80/month. Popular with expat families who need more space. Good public transport links to the city.
Common expat storage scenarios
"Just arrived, apartment not ready": You landed two weeks before your rental contract starts. Your company's relocation package does not include storage. Packhood is perfect for 2–4 weeks of temporary storage — no minimum stay, no setup fees. Book a space near your temporary Airbnb.
"Going home for summer": You are leaving your Amsterdam flat for 2–3 months but keeping the lease. Store your valuables rather than leaving them in an empty apartment (burglary risk + insurance issues). A Packhood locker or small garage costs €40–€70/month.
"Between flatshares": Your contract ended but you have not found the next one. Everything you own is in boxes. This is Amsterdam's most common storage need. Book a garage for 1–2 months while you search on Funda, Kamernet, or Facebook groups.
"Too much stuff, too small flat": The permanent solution. You have winter clothes, sports gear, sentimental items, and books that do not fit in 45m². A small Packhood space (€40–€60/month) gives you a permanent overflow closet. Access once a month to rotate seasonal items.
"Bicycle storage" (yes, really): If you own a cargo bike, a race bike, and a city bike (peak Amsterdam), your hallway is a velodrome. Some Packhood hosts offer dedicated bike storage for €25–€40/month. Dry, secure, and your landlord stops complaining about tyre marks on the wall.
How Packhood works in Amsterdam
Search your Amsterdam postcode. You see available spaces nearby — garages, bergingen (storage rooms), attic spaces, and lock-ups — with photos, dimensions, and monthly price. All prices are in euros, all communication can be in English (most Amsterdam hosts speak it fluently).
Book online, pay monthly through the platform. Every booking carries a €300 Hostgarantie. No minimum stay, 7 days' notice to cancel. Hosts are identity-verified through the platform.
Pro tip for expats: If the listing is in Dutch, use your browser's translate function. But most Amsterdam hosts write descriptions in English or both languages. If you are not sure about anything, message the host before booking — response times are typically under 24 hours.
FAQ for Amsterdam expats
Do I need a BSN to use Packhood? No. You can sign up and book with any email address. Packhood is not linked to the Dutch municipal registration system.
Is there English-language customer support? Yes. Packhood's support operates in English, Irish English, British English, and Dutch.
Can I deduct storage costs from my taxes? If you are self-employed (zzp'er), business storage is a deductible expense. For personal storage, no — but your employer's relocation package might cover it. Check with your HR department.
Are Amsterdam basements safe for storage? Depends. Canal house basements can be damp (high water table). Always visit in person and check for moisture before booking. Basements in newer buildings (post-1970) are generally fine.
What about basement storage in my own apartment building? Many apartment complexes have berging (storage cage) in the basement. If yours is full or too small, Packhood is the next-best option — a host space nearby beats a commercial unit on the ring road.