Top things to think about when renting a storage unit in Toronto

Self-storage units are big news these days – we see advertisements for them everywhere and they are even the subject of reality TV shows like Storage Wars. But in cities like Toronto, Canadians are feeling the pinch of the nation’s housing crisis, with prices having skyrocketed by more than 20 percent in two years. Here, self-storage is not entertainment, it is one of life’s necessities.

It is human nature to acquire possessions and squirrel them away. But the majority of 21st century Torontonians live in apartments, as vertical growth has increased faster here than in any other Canadian city. There just isn’t the storage space in terms of attics, basements and spare rooms that previous generations took for granted. Renting a storage unit in Toronto is an elegant solution to the problem, but there is plenty to think about when choosing the right one for your needs. 

Choose your local Toronto self-storage facility

Convenience is important, as you will find you need to visit your self-storage unit more often than you think. The large Canadian storage businesses have storage units all over Toronto so take some time to find the one closest to you. It is actually about more than convenience. The closer the storage unit is to home, the better use you will make of it. Having it close to hand means ou are less likely to keep clutter at home “just in case” you need it. 

Size matters when it comes to storage units

Storage units in Toronto start at five feet by five feet and go up from there. So just how much storage space do you need? That’s a question that only you can answer, but keep the following points in mind:

• You will be surprised at just how much you can pack into a small space. For example, five by five sounds small, but it’s the same size as a walk-in closet and will accommodate about eight large storage boxes. 

• If you need access to everything, you don’t want it packed so tightly that you have to empty the whole unit to reach the back – so consider a slightly larger space than you need.

• Think ahead. It’s better to have some spare space ready, and typically, the difference between, say, a five by ten and a ten by ten in Downtown Toronto is only a matter of about $20 to $25 per week.

In other words, if in doubt, it makes sense to go large when hiring your storage unit.

Heated and climate-controlled storage units

Many of the household items you might place in storage need to be kept in a climate-controlled environment. These include antiques, items of clothing, wooden or leather furniture and electronic appliances, to name just a few. The good news is that most reputable self-storage companies offer heated and climate controlled facilities as a matter of course. However, it is a point worth checking and is a reason to steer clear of “informal” storage providers whose rates seem too good to be true. 

Easy access storage units 

Most storage unit companies in Toronto offer easy-access ground-level units for anyone who needs them. These are especially useful if you have mobility problems or if you need to store items that are cumbersome, such as larger pieces of furniture or outdoor items like bicycles. It means you can drive right up to the unit and unload directly and with ease. 

Insurance and Extras

There are other fine details that you will need to discuss when you take out your storage rental contract. For example, most reputable storage facilities provide good security as standard, but some offer extended security protection packages. It’s worth checking if there is anything of high value in your storage unit. 

Also, check the insurance situation. Oftentimes, Canadian homeowner cover extends to items held in storage, but not always. In other cases, your storage company might offer insurance as part of the deal. Again, it is a detail that you need to check. Also, make doubly sure that any single items of high value are specifically covered.

Other extras include additional services that the storage company might offer, such as removal services or van hire.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• The Advantages of Storage Facilities
• The Benefits of Investing in a Storage Unit
• How To Increase Storage Space At Home