Rapid population growth in Toronto is driving the biggest construction boom in Canadian history. It is also driving a trend towards smaller homes, and specifically high rise apartments. It is a far cry from the days of sprawling houses on large plots, and means Torontonians have had to adopt a different mindset when it comes to the way they store their belongings. Storing property off site is becoming the norm.

The fastest growing city in the continent

Toronto is growing faster in terms of population than any other city in Canada and indeed the entire continent of North America. A report by Toronto Metropolitan University put this unprecedented increase down to what it called a “surge of immigration” from many countries that is in turn contributing to Toronto becoming an “economic powerhouse” on the world stage.

Toronto’s population went up by almost quarter of a million in the 12 months to July 2023, so it is understandable that the city is under pressure to create new homes. The whole Toronto skyline is evolving as new skyscrapers like The One appear around Yorkville and the Harbourfront. Torontonians of all ages are moving into the new apartments, from Gen Z-ers starting out to Boomers entering retirement. Most are having to adapt to a life without clutter – and that’s where the separate storage comes into its own.

Selecting the right storage unit

Canadians can choose from literally hundreds of storage units across Toronto. These facilities have grown in step with the increase in apartment living across the city. But storage units can vary significantly in terms of size, price and quality. Here are some factors to bear in mind:

  • Accessibility – if the storage facility takes 30 minutes to reach or is only accessible during restricted hours, you will not make proper use of it. The idea is to be able to use it to store items you don’t use every day but might still need at short notice. Choose a facility that is within easy driving reach and offers flexible access outside normal office hours.
  • Security – this should be a given with a reputable and professional storage company, but it pays to check. Accept nothing less that 24/7 security, including CCTV, gated access and alarms.
  • Size – there is something of a trade off here. The size of the storage unit directly influences the cost, so it is pointless to pay for a larger unit than you need. On the other hand, the difference in cost between, for example, a five by 10 or a 10 by 10 unit in downtown Toronto is only a matter of about $11 per week, so make sure there is enough space to store everything and leave an access aisle so you can reach items at the back with ease.
  • Climate control – Toronto temperatures can be as low as -18C in winter and above 30C in summer. Choosing a storage facility with climate control that maintains stability in both temperature and humidity makes a lot of sense, regardless of what you are storing.
  • Price – it is a buyer’s market, and there are plenty of storage companies competing for market share, so there are some great introductory offers out there. Of course price is an important factor, but do not simply choose the cheapest without also taking the above factors into consideration.