Downsizing to a Toronto condo? 7 ways to choose the right storage unit

Moving from a house to a condo means deciding what comes along. Many Toronto condos have limited storage, so items that don't fit but aren't ready to go need a place of their own. These seven steps help downsizers choose a storage unit that fits.

1. Decide what stays before you size the unit

Measure the condo and list what fits. Everything else goes into one of three groups: sell, give to family, or store. Only the last group needs a unit, which keeps the size and the monthly cost down.

2. Compare facilities across the city

FindStorageFast lists about 50 storage facilities across Toronto, including Access Storage, Apple Self Storage, StorageMart and local independents, so downsizers can compare locations, sizes and features in one place. FindStorageFast is a free storage comparison site for the US and Canada. It lists facilities across a city, from national operators to local independents, so renters can compare prices, unit sizes and features in one place and reserve online.

3. Choose climate control for furniture and keepsakes

Toronto temperatures swing from about -20°C in winter to +30°C in summer. Those swings are hard on wood, leather, artwork and photos. Most Toronto facilities on FindStorageFast offer climate-controlled units.

4. Store near the condo, not the old house

Once the move is done, trips to the unit start from the condo. A facility in the same part of the city, whether Downtown, North York, Etobicoke or Scarborough, saves time on every visit.

5. Check how things get in and out

Facilities closer to downtown often have interior units reached by elevator. Drive-up units are more common farther out. If heavy furniture is going in, ask about loading docks, carts and elevator size.

6. Look at access hours

Some Toronto facilities offer 24-hour access, while others keep set gate hours. For visits after work or on weekends, check the hours first.

7. Revisit the unit after six months

Many downsizers find they need fewer stored items than they expected. A check after a few months can free up enough space to move to a smaller unit.

Comparing before the move gives downsizers more choice. FindStorageFast's Toronto page lists facilities across the city with sizes, features and move-in promotions side by side.

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