Ontario is becoming a magnet for young and affluent families. It is already home to 40 percent of Canadian residents, and almost a quarter of a million newcomers move to Ontario every year. It is no coincidence that at the same time, there is a self-storage boom currently underway across the province of Ontario, and moving containers are a popular choice.
With new homes getting more compact as the population rises, more Canadians are using rented self-storage systems such as moving containers to safely store their possessions. The storage industry has seen a compound annual growth rate of more than six percent over recent years, and this is predicted to continue over the coming years. Let’s take a look at why residents in Ontario, both new and established, are incorporating these kinds of self-storage systems in their home organization plans.
Living patterns are changing in Ontario
The current economic situation is taking its toll on households everywhere. Ontario has been hit especially hard, and data from Rates.ca shows average monthly mortgage payments have escalated from CN$1,900 per month in the first quarter of 2022 to more than CN$2,500 less than two years later. Many Ontarians are choosing smaller homes, just to keep their monthly payments on an even keel. Inevitably, this means less storage space at home, so they use external storage to store their possessions safely.
Another consequence of escalating property prices is Canadian householders choosing to extend and improve their existing homes instead of moving. Homeowners use self-storage to keep their possessions safe while renovation work is ongoing.
Self storage adds practicality to Ontario living
Whatever your personal circumstances, a self storage container is becoming one of life’s essentials. A growing number of Canadians use moving containers, but not just while they are in the process of moving to Ontario. They can also be used to enjoy clutter-free living in the city’s modern apartment complexes or just when living in a smaller property.
The benefit of these containers is that they provide the ultimate in flexibility, whether you are moving home or simply clearing things out of the way during a renovation. You can have a container dropped off and can pack it in your own time and on your own schedule. Then you can either empty it again after the renovation work is complete, or have it transported to your new home. If there is no space for it there, you can also arrange to have it stored at a secure facility, where your property will be safe but you can still access it any time during normal business hours, and in some cases, 24/7.
Self storage is becoming the norm in Ontario
According to industry data, there are more than 3000 storage facilities across Canada, which equates to about 263 million square feet of storage space. That’s the equivalent of about 4,000 soccer pitches! With one in ten Canadian households currently renting some form of storage unit, self-storage is becoming the go-to solution for storing belongings.
The above statistics show that self storage is not just for those who are downsizing and see it as a necessity. Demand for self-storage in Ontario is far higher than that, and families are actively choosing these units over other self-storage solutions. There are three core benefits that drive this choice:
- Safety and security – using a purpose-built steel framed container ensures that property is protected from the elements, from rodent damage and from theft. Sure, many of us have a friend with an outbuilding, but anything of value is likely to end up damp, rodent-infested or even stolen. When you store a container at a professional storage location, you know it is protected from theft by video surveillance, security gates, alarms and even on-site security staff.
- Convenience – we mentioned a moment ago that there are thousands of secure storage facilities across Ontario. So even if you don’t have room to keep a moving container in your yard at home, you will be able to store it somewhere close by.
- Accessibility – storage companies know you need to access your property sometimes. They are always accessible during business hours, and some even provide for 24 hour access, 365 days of the year
Self storage is a modern and evolving industry in Ontario
50 years ago, the only storage facilities available to Ontarians were wooden shacks and barns protected by nothing but chicken wire, where property was at the mercy of the elements, rodents and opportunist thieves. Today’s 21st century storage solutions could not be more different. They are purpose-built state of the art structures designed to keep even the most fragile and valuable possessions safe and secure. It is no surprise that they are so intrinsic to modern living in Ontario.
