Don’t Share Your Key or Access Code
Be wise about who you share access to your unit with. Always use your best judgment, and never allow someone into your unit unless you already know that you trust them around your belongings. Storage units – or more specifically, the items within them – have a lot of value for people with bad intentions. Unless it’s a person you know and trust, you shouldn’t be letting anyone in.
Pack Items in Plastic Totes with Tight Lids
The best way to keep pests out of your belongings is the pack them in boxes that have airtight lids. Plastics boxes are typically the best choice and are especially good to use for liners, fabrics, blankets, and clothing.
If you choose to use cardboard boxes, we recommend buying new boxes. This will ensure the boxes are stronger and are less likely to have any punctures or gaps that pests could enter. If you are using cardboard boxes in your storage unit, we recommend making sure the tops and bottoms are taped securely, rather than folding the box flaps to close them. Avoid using cardboard boxes from grocery stores or restaurants. These boxes are known to attract unwanted pests because of the food scent embedded in them.
Do Not Store Food
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people make the mistake of storing food inside their storage unit. If you’re moving in a hurry, one thing you should not pack up and put in your storage unit is your pantry. Even canned or dried goods will get rodents attention. Some people have traces of food in their storage unit, and they don’t even realize it.
Before you move items such as furniture, or kitchen items, look for food ¬- vacuum or clean furniture between and under cushions. Check your kitchen items such as storage containers or pots and pans for any crumbs or food residue on the surfaces.
This goes beyond the obvious tip of not storing food in your storage unit. You should also make sure that the surrounding area is swept and no crumbs are left behind from a previous tenant or from a quick bite to eat you had there on moving day.
Keep Your Items Raised Off the Ground
While bugs and rodents can crawl, it is helpful to keep your items elevated off the ground. An easy way to do this is by using open shelving or placing pallets on the ground. Be sure that your shelving or pallets are clean before you place them in your storage unit. Not only will this step help keep pests from getting into your belongings, but it will also protect your belongings from moisture.
Cover Mattresses and Furniture
Make sure any mattress you keep in your storage unit is free of insects before places it in storage. In order to prevent them from coming in be sure to use a plastic mattress cover, specifically designed for keeping pests out. Next is your furniture. Bugs can burrow into upholstered furniture, and rodents will chew through it. Make sure anything that has fabric is covered, and not just covered, but covered correctly. Use plastic for items such as mattresses or non-upholstered furniture, and breathable material for couches and fabric-covered chairs.
Remember that you want to keep pests out, but you also want your items to stay the way they are when you put them in your storage unit. Wrapping furniture too tightly in plastic or cloth can cause moisture build-up underneath and ruin your furniture.
Monitor & Clean
Treat your unit like an extension of your house: visit it from time to time to check-in on your belongings. While you are there, tidy up by sweeping the floor. Check for mouse droppings and other signs of unwanted activity. Report any findings to our office.
Use Natural Repellents
1. Keep the area clean, and broom swept.
2. Put cedar blocks in a bowl on a shelf.
3. Drop lavender or peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and place them in your unit
