If you rent a storage unit, you are literally paying for the square footage to store your belongings somewhere. You have to decide what size storage unit you want to rent, with a larger storage unit costing you more money. That is why you will want to maximize and fully use the space in your storage unit. 

Place Pallets on the Floor 

First, you will want to line the floor of the storage unit with wood or plastic pallets. Pallets help keep your boxes off the floor and help ensure that your boxes don't get damp and damaged and that pests don't get inside your boxes.  

Placing pallets on the floor also helps create a stronger base for stacking your boxes on. It provides a sturdy foundation to stack your boxes on. This will help make it easier to stack your boxes up. 

Go Heavy to Light 

Second, when you are stacking boxes in the storage unit, you will want to from heavy to light. Stack any boxes that are heavy on the bottom of your unit. This will create a sturdy base, and by stacking the heavy boxes on the bottom of your unit, you will ensure that your heavy boxes don't crush your lighter boxes. Place lighter boxes on top of the heavier boxes. This will reduce the chance that the boxes will topple and your items inside the boxes will get damaged. 

Use Similar Sized Boxes 

Third, as you pack things up to put them inside of your storage unit, you are going to want to use similar-sized boxes to pack your items up. Stick to one to two sizes of boxes. This will make it easier to stack up the boxes and maximize the space inside of your storage unit. 

Use the Walls 

Fourth, as you add items to your storage unit, use the walls to help support the boxes. Place the boxes against the storage unit's walls to start with, placing the boxes around the edge of the storage unit first. This will leave you with extra space in the middle that you can use. You can also create aisles by lining the boxes up against the walls. This will make it easier to find things as well. Having things more organized will help you maximize the use of the space. 

Use Shelving 

Fifth, if you have awkward-sized boxes and items to store, you will want to use some shelving in your unit as well. You can install and build freestanding shelves in the storage unit, which will allow you a safe place to put awkwardly sized items.  

If you want to maximize space in your storage unit, you need to keep things organized. Place pallets on the floor to keep your boxes safe and establish a sturdy base. Place heavy boxes on the bottom, and stack lighter boxes on top of them. Use similar-sized boxes so that you can more easily stack up the boxes. Use the walls to establish a border with the boxes; use shelving if you have awkward items to store and want to maximize your space.  

For more information on non-climate controlled storage, contact a company like Inland Boat and Storage.