For decades, Toronto has been the epicenter of both business and culture in Canada. With a population exceeding three million, it is also the most populous. When it comes to upscale living, traditional areas such as the “millionaire’s row” neighborhoods of Rosedale and Bridle Path are being supplemented by luxury condos. But this new type of luxury living demands a change of perspective in the way residents store their treasured belongings.
Up and coming neighborhoods for millennials
Toronto has always been a cosmopolitan city. But today, there is a greater mix than ever among the wealthy, including traditional Canadian families, first and second generation immigrants and a wide range of ages. Younger generations, in particular, have different needs and preferences. They tend to eschew the mansions in the leafy suburbs, preferring modern amenities, lower maintenance needs and city center convenience.
Modern condo developments such as Aura at College Park and the new Yorkville development check all the boxes. Located in the heart of the city, the two or three bedroom apartment complexes have facilities like fitness centers, coffee shops and creches right there on site.
The only downside is that apartment living inevitably necessitates a degree of minimalism. They simply do not have the spare storage rooms, basements and outbuilding that are associated with larger properties. This is why secure storage is such an important part of the mix for Canadians living in Toronto’s new upscale neighborhoods.
Finding secure storage in Toronto
There is a choice of Toronto storage units across both Toronto and other major cities in Canada. This is a vital factor, as one of the main benefits of living in the center of the city is to have everything you need at your fingertips. By using a storage facility that can be reached in minutes, residents can afford to push the minimalist ethos as far as they wish, knowing that anything placed in storage can be quickly retrieved.
Of course, to have the confidence to do this, the facility needs to boast more than just proximity. Security is another important consideration – most professionally operated storage units comprise 24/7 security and recorded CCTV. The unit also needs to feature climate controlled to protect contents in Canada’s highly changeable climate. Keep in mind that temperatures in Toronto can drop below -20C (-4F) in winter, but it can be as warm as 35C (95F) in summer. The other important factor to consider is access. Most storage facilities are accessible during normal working hours and at weekends. But some offer access outside these hours, or special units that can be accessed 24/7.
Storage units are available in a choice of sizes. They typically start at five feet square, which is similar to a large closet, and go right up to 20 by 30, which is comparable to a double garage. Naturally, everyone’s needs are different, but it makes sense to err on the larger size as we typically acquire more belongings over time.
Organizing treasured belongings in storage
Placing property into storage can feel like a wrench at first, especially when it comes to treasured belongings such as books or antique pieces of furniture that have special meaning. Making sure everything is properly cataloged and accessible is not just about being organized. It also provides peace of mind that those family treasures can be easily accessed and retrieved whenever you want to.
Use purpose-built boxes for smaller articles so that you can stack them safely and create an inventory. In this age of mobile technology, that will allow you to locate and lay hands on anything you need in minutes. It is also another reason to opt for a unit that is a little larger than you need – it provides freedom to maintain a clear aisle so you can reach even those items at the back without having to empty out the entire unit.
