How to keep mice and bugs out of your storage unit.

Put items in airtight plastic totes.

Packaging your belongings in plastic totes with airtight lids is highly advisable to prevent pests from gaining access to your items. Plastic containers provide an excellent barrier against pests, especially for fabrics, linens, and clothing.

To ensure maximum protection, we advise purchasing new cardboard boxes for storage. New boxes are more robust and have fewer gaps or punctures that could serve as entry points for pests. Additionally, new boxes are typically designed to withstand the weight of stacked items for extended periods, making them ideal for long-term storage.

If you are using free-moving boxes, it is essential to exercise caution. Please refrain from using cardboard boxes obtained from grocery stores or restaurants, as they have been known to attract unwanted pests. Opt for new, sturdy moving boxes that offer reliable protection for your valuables.

Do not store food inside a storage unit.

It is essential to avoid storing any food inside your storage unit. While this may seem like a self-explanatory rule, many individuals overlook this crucial step and inadvertently invite rodents and other pests into their storage space. Even if you are in a hurry during your move, it is vital not to leave any food items inside the storage unit.

It is advisable to thoroughly search your stored belongings to ensure that no food is present in any form, even unintentionally. Check furniture, including areas beneath cushions, and inspect all kitchenware, such as storage containers, pots, and pans, for crumbs or leftover food residue.

Furthermore, ensuring that the surrounding area is adequately cleaned, free of any crumbs left by previous tenants or leftover lunch from the moving day, is crucial. Keeping your storage unit entirely free of food and refraining from eating inside can help eliminate the possibility of attracting unwanted pests with lingering smells.

These extra steps can help ensure that your belongings are adequately protected and prevent pest infestations in your storage unit.

Raise items off the ground a couple of inches.

Keeping your stored items raised a few inches off the ground is advisable to prevent bugs and rodents from crawling into your belongings. A practical solution is to use open shelving or to lay clean pallets on the storage unit floor.

Elevating your storage items can keep pests from entering your boxes and protect your belongings from moisture damage. A storage unit with high humidity levels is more likely to have moisture issues, which can result in mold growth and mildew.

Open shelving or clean pallets to raise items off the ground is a simple yet effective way to protect your belongings from potential damage and pest infestations. It is a vital step to consider when storing items in a unit for an extended period.