Self Storage a Key Ingredient for Vancouver's Minimalist Elite

Modern Vancouver is a city that has become a magnet for Canadians who appreciate a luxury lifestyle, with its blend of contemporary glass towers against a stunning backdrop of mountain views. One of the latest trends among affluent Vancouverites is the rise of what is being termed the minimalist elite. With a preference for simplicity over ostentation, they are redefining our concept of luxury living by combining natural, clean design elements with smart use of self-storage to create living spaces that meet their minimalist ethos without compromising on practicality.

A range of drivers

There are a number of factors in play that are driving Vancouver’s minimalist elite, both practical and aesthetic. From the practicality standpoint, one of the core drivers is the way real estate prices have skyrocketed in Vancouver over the past decade. In 2000, there were detached family homes available in the city for less than $300,000. Today, properties like these start at $2 million. It means even affluent buyers are looking at smaller living spaces, especially in high-end areas like Shaughnessy, Point Grey or Kerrisdale Park.

But minimalism is not just born of necessity. Canadian millennials are more likely to be influenced by global aesthetic trends from as far afield as Japanese zen aesthetics or Scandinavian minimalist designs. Greater environmental awareness is another driver towards conscious consumption and adopting a “less is more” approach.

The storage factor

In years gone by, self storage might have been seen as a tool for hoarding. But for Canada’s minimalist elite, it is a strategic asset. As well as allowing Canadian homeowners to maintain an uncluttered living space while keeping items they truly value accessible, it means they can rotate seasonal items such as sporting equipment and holiday décor, and protect investment items, for example antiques or fine art.

There is a wide choice of storage units for rent in Vancouver from several different Canadian storage companies, but it is essential to bear a few points in mind before committing to rent one:

Location – it might sound obvious, but choosing a facility that is close to home is absolutely essential to allow easy and regular access and make the best possible use of the storage facility.
Size and layout – most storage units are essentially cube shaped boxes, but they can be fitted out with shelving units, garment racks and so on for complete practicality. Sizes typically start at 4’ by 5’ and go up to 10’ by 30’ or even larger. It usually makes sense to go slightly larger than you think you need, as it is worth paying the marginally higher cost to have the flexibility of additional storage space.
Security – this is one of the most important reasons for using a professional and reputable storage company as opposed to a vacant storage space in a warehouse on an informal basis. Canadian storage specialists will offer features like 24/7 surveillance, alarms and gated entry to ensure valuable items are safe.
Climate control – this is just as important as the security, especially for anyone storing sensitive belongings such as designer clothing, fine art or electronics. Vancouver is considered one of the more temperate Canadian cities, but it has experienced some extreme weather over recent summers and winters.

Joining Vancouver’s minimalist elite in the digital age

The minimalist lifestyle is a perfect fit for a luxurious lifestyle in the 21^st century world. The increase in flexible or hybrid work arrangements, including digital nomadism, means a growing proportion of Vancouverites spend months at a time away from the city or even splitting their time between different homes.

In many ways, Canada’s self storage industry has become a silent enabler of Vancouver’s minimalist elite’s lifestyle, offering flexibility, security and freedom. Minimalism is not about austerity, but living with intention. It is a trend that makes every sort of sense, and where Vancouverites are leading, we can expect those living in other cities to follow, both in Canada and beyond.