How much space do you really need?
If you’ve never used a self-storage unit before, it can be hard to visualize just how much space all your belongings will take up once they’re all gathered in one place. A few boxes in the basement, tires in the garage, tools in the shed, and a few pieces of furniture scattered around the house may seem relatively unobtrusive… until the moment everything has to fit into the same unit.
Start with what you want to store
Before you start thinking in terms of square feet, think about your belongings first. Quickly make a list of the main items you want to store:
- Storage boxes and bins;
- Furniture;
- Household appliances;
- Tires;
- Bicycles and sports equipment;
- Tools;
- Seasonal equipment;
- Inventory or company equipment.
Pay special attention to bulky items or those that are difficult to stack. A sofa, table, mattress, or appliance can quickly change the amount of space needed. Conversely, boxes and bins of similar sizes can generally be organized more efficiently.
Think in terms of volume, not just surface area
A 50- or 100-square-foot unit may seem abstract on paper. What really matters is how your belongings will take up that space: their height, their shape, whether they can be stacked, and how often you’ll need to access them.
If your goal is simply to store your belongings during a move and completely empty the unit a few weeks later, you’ll likely use the space differently than someone who wants to come back regularly to pick up tools, tires, or seasonal equipment.
To view available sizes, capacity examples, and associated rates, please refer to our Guide to sizes and rates for mini-storage units in Quebec City.
Why is it so easy to underestimate how much space is needed?
Because in everyday life, our belongings are never all in one place. Some boxes are in the basement. The tires are in the garage. The tools and the lawn mower are in the shed. The furniture is scattered throughout different rooms.
Taken individually, all of this doesn't necessarily seem to take up much space. But once it's all piled up in a moving truck or in front of a storage unit, the actual volume can be surprising.
That’s why even a good estimate is still just that—an estimate. If you’re renting a mini-storage unit for the first time, it’s perfectly normal to have trouble visualizing exactly how much space you’ll need.
Don't forget to leave enough space to move around
Filling every available square foot isn't always the best strategy. If you plan to return to your storage unit regularly, leave enough space to access the items you might need without having to move everything in front of them.
A small aisle, clearly labeled boxes, and frequently used items placed near the entrance can make your unit much more convenient for everyday use.
What if your needs change?
Your needs today aren’t necessarily the same as they will be in a few months. You might have more belongings to store… or, on the contrary, you might gradually clear out your storage unit and need less space.
At Mon Sspace, the variety of available sizes allows us to offer some flexibility as your needs change, subject to availability. Our rental team can also assist you if you’re having trouble deciding between different options.
The right size is the one that fits your reality
You don't need to be an expert on square feet before renting a mini-storage unit. Start by making a list of what you want to store, think about how you'll use your unit, and keep in mind which items take up a lot of space.
Because, at the end of the day, the goal isn't to choose the perfect number of square feet. It's simply to have enough space to keep what matters… while still being able to use your space the way you really need to.
Not sure what size you need?
Check out our different sizes and use our space calculator to help you make your choice.
