Unlocking Extra Space: A Smart Strategy to Expand Your Home Without Moving
Here’s One Way to Increase the Size of Your House Without Moving
By Garry Marr, Financial Post, October 10, 2025
If you fear moving to a larger home, try a different plan. Many Canadians shed clutter and use self-storage. The housing market now drops prices by near 20% in some parts. The economy may stall, so people rethink how they use their rooms and things.
Decluttering: More Than Just Tidying Up
This trend is not about body shaming. It cuts the extra load of junk in your home. Most people own basements, garages, or spare rooms that hold items rarely used. Experts say these spaces hide "treasure" that one later sells for little, donates, or throws away. They warn that using living space as storage may cost more than paying for an outside option.
Home prices in cities such as Toronto top about $1,000 per square foot. Money spent on keeping unused items inside adds up quickly.
Self-Storage: The Thriving Industry
Here, the self-storage industry steps in. Canadians now use it more, nearing Americans who have almost twice as much storage per person. Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation said Ontario has 7.3 million square feet of self-storage. That area equals roughly 2,200 NHL ice rinks. The space grew by 11% from 2020 in just three years. It does not slow much even if the housing market does.
Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? now run over 175 franchises in Canada, the United States, and Australia. They help people downsize and sort their items. James Alisch, Chief Revenue and Operating Officer, notes that many Baby Boomers now downsize. Families then figure out what to keep, store, or toss.
Why Canadians Are Choosing Storage
Many factors drive the surge in self-storage:
• Homes now offer smaller spaces with fewer garages or basements.
• Higher home costs force better space use.
• Events like marriage, children, or downsizing add storage needs.
• Economic doubts block moves while boost storage needs.
Danny Freedman, Interim CEO of Forum Make Space, leads a firm that runs about 28 storage centers in Canada. He notes that a pandemic once raised use, and even after a small drop, demand stays high. New storage builds cost more. This fact lifts rental rates.
The Hidden Cost of Keeping Untamed Clutter
Many homes lose room use when they turn a space into storage. When you compare the cost of owning or renting a storage unit with lost room value, the storage cost can seem a good deal. Decluttering and using outside storage can make your house feel larger. This plan works without the stress or price of moving.
A Resilient Market
Investors now back self-storage. They see it as a safe bet amid long-lasting life trends. Colliers International says that even if new supply changes rates a bit, buyer trust remains strong. Growth in storage comes from steady life changes. This trend goes beyond simple economic ups and downs.
Final Thoughts: Declutter to Expand Your Living Space
For many Canadians, tight living spaces make life hard. Decluttering with self-storage can add extra room. Moving is one way to gain space, but smart use of what you own can work, too. It saves money and avoids the pain of relocating.
If you feel stuck with too much clutter or do not know where to start, many companies help remove junk and guide you in sorting your things.
This article is part of ongoing coverage on real estate and personal finance trends. Subscribe for full access to Financial Post content, including expert insights and market analyses.
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