What can go in a standard unit?
| What you're storing | Unit type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Winter or summer tires | Standard | 5×5 holds a set of four plus a few bins |
| Patio furniture, barbecue (no propane tank) | Standard | Clean and dry it first |
| Bikes, kayaks, camping gear | Standard | Hang bikes or stand them on end |
| Wood furniture | Climate-controlled | Cold and damp cracks and warps wood |
| Electronics, records, documents, photos | Climate-controlled | Condensation damages them in a closed box |
| Musical instruments, leather | Climate-controlled | Sensitive to temperature swings |
Where do tires and outdoor gear go?
A 5×5 locker holds a set of four tires with room for a few bins, at a median $121 a month. Patio furniture and a barbecue need a 5×10. Clean everything and let it dry before it goes in: trapped moisture is what causes mildew over a winter.
What needs climate control over winter?
Toronto winters swing between hard frost and damp thaws. In an unheated unit, that cracks wood, warps veneers and condenses moisture inside closed boxes. If you're storing furniture or anything electronic, pay for climate control. 71 of the 89 facilities we list offer it; see the climate-controlled guide.
Where do summer cars, motorcycles and boats go?
Vehicles go in a parking space rather than a unit. 54 facilities we list offer vehicle, RV or boat parking. The vehicle storage guide covers sizes and how to prepare a car.
What should you do before you close the door?
- Use plastic bins, not cardboard, for anything staying through the thaw.
- Keep items off the floor on pallets or shelving.
- Never store propane tanks, fuel or anything flammable.
- Photograph what you stored, for your insurance.
What else do people ask?
Can I store tires in a regular storage unit in Toronto?
Yes. Tires, patio furniture and garden tools are fine in a standard unit. A 5×5 holds a set of four and costs a median $121 a month.
Do I need climate control over a Toronto winter?
For wood furniture, electronics, documents, photos and instruments, yes. For tires, patio sets and tools, no.