Kandice VincentA Guide to the Best Self Storage in Toronto
If your garage or shed no longer has enough space for your belongings, maybe now’s the right time to get your hands on the best self storage in Toronto. Luckily for you, we’re to help you with that!
We combed through the entire Greater Toronto Area in search of safe, secure, and clean self-storage facilities for all types of storage purposes.
Before we share what we found, we’ll go over the expenses of getting self storage in Toronto first. Should you have any questions about them, we’ll answer them later on in the article!
Understanding the Costs of Self Storage in Toronto
We’re going to start by admitting that renting a self-storage unit in Toronto is rarely cheap. You’re going to pay for a lot of things, not just the storage space itself.
As per the 2020 Self-Storage Almanac, the average unit size in North America is 10’ x 10’, which has an average cost of $190-$395 a month in Toronto.
If you’re renting one in Mississauga, however, a storage unit of the same size will only be about $195-$260.
It’s clear that location can affect the rates of self-storage units. We suggest to take these average costs with a grain of salt because the rates different significantly based on a lot of factors.
Hence, when looking for self-storage facilities in your area, don’t forget to ask about the contract, terms, and services included, regardless of type of storage.
Anyway, here are some of the factors that affect the price of self-storage units in Toronto:
Location
It’s no secret that the cost of apartment and condominium rentals in major and populated cities run higher because of the high demand for real estate, compared to units in provincial areas.
In the same manner, self-storage facilities in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to be pricier over locations further out such as Mississauga and Oakville, so deciding where to store your items will influence your storage expenses.
Time and duration
Most rental prices are advertised based on monthly storage unit fees, making it easier for customers to make direct comparisons between self-storage facilities.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce expenses, then we recommend going with storage facilities that require minimum time commitments.
Renting a storage space for a minimum of twelve months with must of these will be a lot cheaper than renting it for only three or six months.
Storage unit size
Obviously, the larger the unit, the higher the cost. It’s important to know the number of items that you’re planning to keep inside the storage unit in order to maximize the cost of the space.
If you’re planning to rent only to declutter your home and garage, then we think that standard-sized storage units would be enough. You don’t want to end up getting an enormous storage space with not enough items to throw inside it.
Insurance
Some storage facilities require customers to sign up for any type of insurance for extra protection of their properties. It’s definitely an added cost, but it insures your belongings in case of emergencies.
After all, storage facilities aren’t immune to natural disasters such as fire, earthquake, and floods, so having insurance could mean getting reimbursed in case any of your items get damaged during calamities.
The Best Self Storage in Toronto
After explaining the cost of renting self storage in Toronto, it’s time to reveal which storage facilities we think worth your attention. Check them out below to see which ones offer the type of storage that you’re searching for.
1. XYZ Storage
| BEST FOR | Personal and business storage units |
| STORAGE TYPES | Compact: 12 – 25 square ft Small: 25 – 50 square ft Medium: 75 – 150 square ft Large: 150 – 300+ square ft |
| WEBSITE | https://www.xyzstorage.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 207 Weston Rd #100, Toronto, ON M6N 4Z3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 416-604-0404 |
| ACCESS HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
If you’re looking for a storage facility with both personal and commercial storage units, then look no further than XYZ Storage. It offers different sizes of self-storage units as well, from mini storage lockers to garage-sized storage units.
As one of the sources of the best self storage in Toronto, we found that XYZ Storage is one of the top-rated storage unit facilities in the area, boasting an average rating of 4.9 out 5. Most of its past and current customers have nothing but praise for its safe and secure units.
What makes it stand out from other storage unit facilities is its reservation policy, which allows customers to reserve a unit without paying with a credit card, while they decide on what unit or date they’re looking to rent. This is available to confirm there will be a storage unit available for the customer while they decide.
It’s basically a short-term hold of a unit while they review their options. However, to finalize and confirm their booking, they are required to pay and sign a lease agreement.
They also do prorate rent. This means that if you move in on September 19th, you only pay from the 19th to 30th for September instead of paying for the entire month of September.
They have the same policy for move-outs, allowing the customer to pay only for the time they store.
Pros
- No reservation fee
- No cancellation fee
- Has 5 locations across Toronto
- Serves clients outside Toronto
- Available 7 days a week
- Has a variety of storage options starting from 4x3x4
Cons
- Can be hard to book during peak seasons
Customer Reviews
XYZ Toronto has received mostly positive feedback from its clients. Here are some comments we found on Google Reviews:
“I had a great experience with the facility and staff at XYZ. In particular, Lela was incredibly helpful. She was great help to me all the way from creating my booking to putting my belongings away. Lela was able to pull up my booking right away even when I didn’t have my order number ready. When it came to moving, she showed me everything I needed and helped me with a cart. I highly recommend XYZ storage for anyone looking to put their stuff away!”
“I had a fantastic experience at the XYZ Weston storage location. The services were all easy to use & accommodable. The staff was friendly, experienced, & helped to provide the best experience possible. Juddie specifically was such a blessing! Made our experience memorable. Thank you!”
2. Access Storage
| BEST FOR | Short-term rentals |
| STORAGE TYPES | Portable storage units, compact storage units, medium storage units, and large storage units |
| WEBSITE | https://www.accessstorage.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1 Woodfield Rd, Toronto, ON M4L 2W1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 587-210-5111 |
| ACCESS HOURS | 24/7 access |
Access Storage makes it easier for storage owners to access their units any time of day, even during the wee hours of night. Its office hours are only from 8am to 10pm, but storage owners are free to drop by anytime.
It offers different sizes of storage units that can be used for personal, business, and moving purposes. Each self-storage unit comes with features such as 24-hour security, regular maintenance, outdoor parking, a climate-controlled facility, and alarms.
Access Storage’s storage units are open to customers across the Greater Toronto Area looking for affordable and secure self-storage units. New customers will be entitled to 4 weeks’ worth of free rent as well.
If other storage facilities tend to tie customers to long contracts, consider Access Storage different. You can rent any of its self-storage units for as short as 4 weeks long.
Aside from keeping your belongings safe, Access Storage offers truck rentals, packing supplies, and mailbox rentals for those who are in the process of moving house. If you need a hand in transporting your items, it can even refer you to a reliable moving company.
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Free rent during the first month
- For personal, business, and moving purposes
Cons
- Ideal mainly for short-term rental
Customer Reviews
Access Storage Toronto boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Google Reviews, based on over 200 reviews. Take a look at some of the comments left by its customers:
“I have recently used Access Storage and I have to say that I have been nothing but impressed with my experience. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to assist me with my unit. The facility is very clean, the hallways and the units are well lit and there is lots of loading and parking space. I would definitely recommend this storage facility to anyone.”
“I was in a position where I needed a unit ASAP for my business. Getting a unit was very quick, everything was explained very clearly. Altaf from Access Storage was always happy and polite and accommodating and I had the best customer service experience ever.They even had merchandise available right in the office- packing tape, locks for units, boxes, bed bags & paper to wrap delicate items. It was a seamless process and I am so thankful it was very close to my community. The unit was very clean and easily accessible.”
3. Green Storage
| BEST FOR | Short-term and long-term rentals |
| STORAGE TYPES | Self-storage units, personal storage units, business storage units, and vehicle storage units |
| WEBSITE | https://www.greenstorage.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 145 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON M5A 1H7, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 416-366-2489 |
| ACCESS HOURS | 24/7 access |
Established 15 years ago, Green Storage has grown into one of the most trusted sources of storage units for personal and business use. It’s built several massive storage facilities with over a thousand units all over the Ontario area, including Toronto, Ajax, and Aurora, among others.
Some of the features of its storage units are 24-hour surveillance, charging stations, LED lighting, packing and moving supplies, individual fire and smoke alarms, heated storage facilities, and free Internet and coffee for customers.
For extra protection of its clients’ belongings, Green Storage offers insurance for both personal and business storage units, with a coverage of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. It can offer full coverage insurance as well, if that’s what the customer wants.
During the process of moving in, Green Storage’s team will assist clients from the beginning until the end to ensure a hassle-free and convenient experience. If you need a hand in transporting your items to your new home, you may ask for a moving company referral from them.
Pros
- Insured storage units
- Advanced security features
- Free packing and moving supplies
Cons
- Monthly rates tend to be pricey
Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews proving that Green Storage is an excellent and reliable self storage facility:
“We have been using this facility for 6+ months now and have been very happy with their services. The set up was very easy, shout out to Frank for his professionalism and exceptional client services. We originally booked a unit that was too small, when the movers arrived, they quickly accommodated an upsizing of our unit so the movers did not have to wait around. The hallways are all very well lit and I always feel very secure when accessing my unit.”
“Who knew needing a storage space would lead to a great experience. When I think of storage units I expect a dark and dirty place like in the movies. Not here with Green Storage. Everything is bright and clean. I had the pleasure to deal with Frank and I don’t mean that lightly. Frank was kind and professional from the start. He made sure I understood everything before I left. This place feels like a family and I love that about this place.”
4. Bluebird Self Storage
| BEST FOR | High-tech security and support |
| STORAGE TYPES | Personal storage units, business storage units, and self-storage units |
| WEBSITE | https://bluebirdstorage.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 19 Esandar Dr, Toronto, ON M4G 4C5, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 416-421-6378 888-427-1869 |
| ACCESS HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 6:00am – 11:00pm |
Another top-rated storage facility in the Greater Toronto Area is Bluebird Self Storage, carrying a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 on Google Reviews. Most of its customers praised its well-maintained facility, convenient access, and topnotch security features.
Bluebird Self Storage offers mainly storage units for personal and business purposes, ranging from compact units to garage-sized spaces. Its storage units can be used for seasonal storage, residential storage, and even storage for business inventory.
In terms of location, Bluebird Self Storage is found at the center of the Greater Toronto Area, making it easy for storage owners to access their units any time. It doesn’t allow 24/7 access, but customers may visit every day from 6am to 11pm.
Bluebird Self Storage offers units that are air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, which are perfect for storing temperature-sensitive items. Each storage unit is equipped with 24-hour surveillance and advanced security technology.
Pros
- No reservation fees
- Climate-controlled room
- Clean and safe storage facility
Cons
- Doesn’t allow 24/7 access
- Rates tend to be pricey
Customer Reviews
Here are some of comments posted by past customers on TrustPilot:
“The Bluebird facility at 19 Esander is higher priced than one that’s closer to me, but after I checked out the cheaper one, it was no contest. I went to see both facilities before deciding, and the cheaper one was actually a bit scary! But at Esander: outstanding cleanliness, modern facility with temperature control, excellent security, ability to load in on one level with no elevator and not even a bump over a door jamb! The first person who took me through was a great rep for Bluebird. When I came to seal the deal, the manager AND the rep (different than first) were really good to deal with. I feel confident that the goods I’m storing there will be as safe as if they were still in my basement. (And I’m thrilled to have my basement space back!!!)”
“Helpful and very friendly staff, they genuinely care about their customers. Andras, the manager was very polite and thorough, he helped us choose the right size unit, he went over and beyond our expectations. I would highly recommend this place to everyone.”
5. Cabbagetown Self Storage
| BEST FOR | Customer Service and Storage Sizes |
| STORAGE TYPES | Storage units of various sizes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cabbagetownstorage.com |
| ADDRESS | 431 Parliament Street Toronto, ON M5A 3A1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Email: [email protected] Phone: +14169670700 |
| ACCESS HOURS | Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Monday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Next on our list is, once again, another highly regarded self-storage company in Toronto.
Cabbagetown Storage is most known for the variety of unit sizes it has to offer to its clients. With the size options, those who are looking for personal or business storage spaces need not look further than Cabbagetown.
Aside from the size options, Cabbagetown Storage is also known for the facilities available on-site. Those who are just moving in can do so easily and comfortably thanks to Cabbagetown’s drive-up access and freight elevator, the latter of which can handle weights of any size.
The site also has one of the best securities on this list, featuring digital video surveillance alongside onsite security, which is available seven days a week.
Unfortunately, there is no 24/7 access, but storage space owners are welcome to come by any day of the week to access their storage spaces.
Pros
- Can be found in a residential/commercial neighbourhood
- Features climate control
- Drive-up access and freight elevator available
- Digital video surveillance and onsite security
- Variety of unit sizes available
Cons
- Doesn’t allow 24/7 access
6. Q Self Storage
| BEST FOR | Self-Storage Units and Customer Service |
| STORAGE TYPES | Storage units of various sizes, Boats storage, RV Parking Slots |
| WEBSITE | https://www.qselfstorage.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1245 Martin Grove Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 4X2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Email: [email protected] Phone: (416)743-8181 |
| ACCESS HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm Available by phone after hours for any inquiries. Keypad Access Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm |
Q Self Storage provides storage solutions in Etobicoke, Ontario. They can also accommodate both residents and businesses located in Vaughan, Toronto, Milton, Rexdale, and several other surrounding areas.
You can rest assured that your belongings will be secured since Q Self Storage has advanced 24-hour video surveillance, an alarm system and keypad coded access. When you rent a unit at their facility, you will also have access to reasonably priced storage supplies, dollies, and handcarts if you need them .
Q Self Storage has different sized units reaching up to 450 square feet and all are on the ground level. They also offer parking slots to store your RV and unit sizes specially made for boats and watercraft.
What we like best about Q Self Storage is that they have a Size Guide Calculator on their website that allows you to estimate how big of a space you’ll need. You simply select what kind of items you’re interested in storing and you’ll receive an instant size suggestion.
Pros
- Climate controlled units
- Has options for boat storage
- Offers parking storage for RVs
- Onsite security and keypad access
Cons
- Doesn’t allow 24/7 access
7. Vaultra Storage
| BEST FOR | Short-term and long-term rentals |
| STORAGE TYPES | self-storage units, portable storage units, business storage units, garage storage units, and document storage |
| WEBSITE | https://www.vaultrastorage.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 200 Fairbank Ave, Toronto, ON M6B 4C5, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 647-371-5107 |
| ACCESS HOURS | Open 24 hours |
Vaultra Storage is a 100% Canadian-owned company that provides self-storage solutions in Toronto. They have since expanded into several markets across Canada, making their services more accessible to a large customer base.
This establishment provides self-storage units of various sizes, which we found useful because customers can find the right storage space for them whether they’re looking to store small items, furniture, or automobiles.
What we liked best about Vaultra Storage is that they have high-definition cameras and 24/7 motion recording, which we believe gives customers peace of mind that their belongings are safe and secure.
Moreover, they also have electronic gate access, which we believe improves the security and privacy of their facilities. We also believe this is more convenient than using keys to open storage units.
We’d also like to point out that they have heated and non-heated units to help maintain air quality, prevent rodent and insect infections and manage dust buildup.
Aside from that, Vaultra Storage offers door-to-door services, though we should note that this service is relatively expensive.
Despite that, we found it convenient that they have a wide selection of moving and packing supplies.
In sum, if you’re looking for self-storage solutions in Toronto, we think you should check out Vaultra Storage.
Pros
- 24/7 motion recording
- Self-storage units of various sizes
- Heated and non-heated storage units
- Wide selection of moving and packing supplies.
Cons
- Relatively expensive door-to-door services
- Mandatory insurance of CAD 5,000
Customer Reviews
Knowledgeable and generous with his time
“I stored my items here for two months and Scott was a huge huge help when I moved them out. He was knowledgeable and generous with his time and expertise. Made the whole experience easy and pleasant!.” – Hana A.
Great customer service and friendly staff
“Great storage facility. Amazing staff, friendly willing & able.. great customer service, thanks Augusta. Made my experience a breeze. Very clean& well lit spaces. Couldn’t ask for more. Top of the list, definitely recommend.” -Vernon R.
8. Outback Storage
| BEST FOR | Self Storage |
| STORAGE TYPES | Small storage: 448 cubic ft (8ft tall x 8ft deep x 7ft wide) Medium storage: 640 cubic ft (8ft tall x 8ft deep x 10ft wide) Large storage: 1280 cubic ft (8ft tall x 8ft deep x 20ft wide) |
| WEBSITE | https://outbackstorage.org/ |
| ADDRESS | 318 Greenwood Ave., Toronto ON M4L 2R8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 416.560.8000 [email protected] |
| ACCESS HOURS | 24/7 |
Another self storage company we’d like to recommend is Outback Storage.
One thing we find great about them is that you get 24/7 access for 365 days a year. They also have no contract and no minimum.
In terms of security, they have motion-activated night lighting and DVD security.
We, along with their other customers, like how they offer competitive pricing and have the lowest storage prices in downtown Toronto.
Given all these, we think that this is perfect if you’re looking for a convenient place to safely store your belongings.
Pros
- Lowest storage rates in downtown Toronto
- 24/7 Access
- Great customer service
Cons
- According to a review, it’s not climate controlled
Customer Reviews
“Solid place to store your possessions. Being basically downtown Toronto the rates are cheaper than anything withing a 25 km radius.
24 hr acsess and the clean lot were appealing to me . After meeting like and being treated with respect I chose to use this company. Been almost 4 years now and have been happy and worry free with my belongings. A+5stars!“
9. Apple Self Storage
| BEST FOR | Personal and business storage units |
| STORAGE TYPES | self-storage units, portable storage units, business storage units, garage storage units, and mailbox rentals |
| WEBSITE | https://www.applestorage.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 530 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1T5, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 647-495-7209 |
| ACCESS HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 6:00am – 10:00pm |
However small or large your storage needs may be, Apple Self Storage has you covered. As one of the top storage facilities in Toronto, it offers a variety of storage unit sizes, from units as small as 5×5 to enormous ones measuring 15×25.
Some of the benefits that its storage owners enjoy are well-lit facilities, 24-hour surveillance, packing and moving supplies, individually alarm-rigged units, and all-week access. It doesn’t allow 24-hour access, but owners may drop by from 6am to 10pm any day of the week.
Another reason we included it in our list of options for the best self storage in Toronto is its temperature-controlled units where furniture, computers, electronic devices, paintings, antiques, and medical supplies can be safely stored.
On top of that, some storage units come with a discount of 50% if rented for a minimum of two months, which is good news for those looking for long-term rentals.
Pros
- Discounts for long-term rentals
- Ideally located in downtown Toronto
Cons
- Limited access hours
Customer Reviews
As one of the sources of the best self storage in Toronto, Apple Self Storage has gained hundreds of positive reviews from its clientele. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“My experience with Apple Self Storage has been really great! Logistically, I love the great location downtown, and ease of access to my unit. It is so convenient to drive in, and loading and unloading is a breeze. The downtown location is just so perfect and ideal. But I think what made the experience better is the great customer service. The staff members are very attentive (and kind during these difficult covid times), answering all my questions and queries, whether in person, over the phone, or e-mail. Anita has been especially helpful with my billing questions and accommodating the many changes I had to make.”
“Amazing amenities struck us at our first visit to this site. Staff were very professional and attentive to our needs. Anita was especially fantastic as she took the time to explain everything patiently to us. I like the fact they have four loading bays on site. Anita also answered all of our questions with a tremendously positive attitude. I recommend this location in the highest rating.”
FAQs about Self Storage in Toronto
And with that, we conclude our list of the best self storage in Toronto. If you’ve already decided which storage facility to rent from, don’t hesitate to share it with us.
By the way, if you know other storage facilities around the area that should’ve been included in our list, tell us their names so we can check if they’re worthy of being added to this roster.
