There’s nothing worse than opening up your storage unit to find your favorite comforter has acquired some new stains or droppings next to your furniture. While our storage units are secure and the goal is to keep these unwanted creatures out, you may be attracting them by the way you pack your items! Here’s a few extra steps you can take to ensure pests and other furry critters stay out of your belongings.
This tip goes beyond just making sure your storage unit doesn’t become your second pantry. Food can collect in all sorts of places, which is why it is critical to clean all your items prior to moving them into storage. Double check couch cushions on sofas are clear of wrappers and crumbs, and make sure to empty any vacuums you may be keeping in your unit. The human nose may not be able to pick up on those tiny food particles but bugs sure will and you may have a full blown infestation on your hands if you’re not careful.
It doesn’t take much to take precautions, and raising your items a few inches off of the ground will help significantly. Wood pallets are a great way to prop boxes and furniture up a bit and they’re easy to find around town. Additionally, raising items off of the ground helps protect them in the winter months from cold temperatures.
Prior to lining your storage unit with mouse traps in every corner and using harsh chemicals around the perimeter, try going the natural route first. Rodents are repelled by the smells of lavender and peppermint, so put a few drops of these essential oils onto cotton balls and place them throughout the unit. Cedar blocks also work! These remedies will leave your unit smelling fresh and pleasant unlike the harsh chemicals that will seep into your furniture overtime; a win-win situation.
Plastic totes work better to keep critters out of your things because plastic is a thicker barrier than cardboard. Rodents and bugs can chew their way through cardboard boxes, especially if moisture has weakened the box. The best way to keep your items preserved is to make sure they are secured in an airtight container. If you are using cardboard boxes, purchase new boxes to ensure no pests have already made their way inside and use packing tape on all seals and edges to provide a further barrier.
In the event your storage unit has unwanted guests, it’s easier to deal with the problem early on. Visit your unit every so often and take a look around. Make a note of any damaged boxes with holes, bugs inside, or animal droppings. If you find anything suspicious, please contact us so we can fix the problem as soon as possible.