Look, I get it. You’re packing up your life into a storage unit, and the last thing you want to think about is mice nesting in your winter coats or silverfish eating your old love letters.
But here’s the truth: I’ve been in the storage business for fifteen years, and I’ve seen some things. I once had a customer open a unit to find an entire wasp nest the size of a beach ball. Another time, someone’s antique dresser was basically sawdust from termites.
It happens. But it doesn’t have to happen to you.
Let me walk you through what actually works. Not what some manual says, but what I’ve seen prevent disasters time and again.
First: You’re Probably the Problem
Sorry to be blunt, but most pest issues start with what people bring in. That “perfectly clean” box of kitchen stuff? It probably has invisible food residue. That bag of dog food you’re sure is sealed tight? A determined mouse can chew through it in minutes.
My rule is simple: If it ever contained food, don’t store it. Period. No exceptions. Not even unopened packages. Just don’t.
And clean everything. I mean really clean it. That patio furniture? Crumbs are hiding in the crevices. Those Christmas decorations? There’s probably an old candy cane stuck to something. Wipe things down. It matters.
Your Boxing Strategy Matters More Than You Think
Cardboard boxes are basically fast food and five-star hotels for pests. They eat the cardboard and nest in the dark spaces.
My advice? Spend the extra $10 on plastic bins with locking lids. The hard ones. Yeah, it costs more upfront, but it’s cheaper than replacing your photo albums or your kid’s baby clothes.
If you must use cardboard, become a tape artist. Seal every single gap. Every flap. Every corner. Make it airtight.
A few tricks my grandma taught me that actually work:
- Cedar blocks in with your clothes – moths hate them.
- Dryer sheets scattered in boxes – seems to annoy rodents.
- For a serious barrier, food-grade diatomaceous earth along the walls (just don’t inhale the dust).
How You Stack Your Stuff is Everything
Most people just shove everything in and slam the door shut. Big mistake.
Leave space between your stuff and the walls. I’m talking 3-4 inches all around. This messes with pests’ hiding spots and lets air circulate.
Get everything off the floor. Pallets are your best friend here. At my facility, we keep a stack out back for customers. Just ask – we’re happy to give you a couple. Moisture wicks up from the concrete, and pests love damp places.
Don’t pack your unit so tight that you can’t walk in. Leave yourself a path to the back. If you can’t see problems, you can’t stop them.
Here’s What Most People Forget
Visit your unit. Seriously. The most problematic units are the ones people forget about for six months at a time.
Come by every month or two. Open the door. Take a look around. Does it smell funny? See any droppings? Any weird webs? Your presence alone discourages pests from getting too comfortable.
And if you see something, TELL US. Immediately. At our place, we’d rather handle a small problem today than a catastrophe next month.
Why This Matters to Us
Here’s the thing about our storage facility – we’re not some giant corporation. This is our family business. My dad started it in 1985. We live in this community. Your grandmother probably knows my mother.
When we say we care about your stuff, we mean it. We’re not just renting space – we’re protecting your memories. Your family photos. Your daughter’s wedding dress. The furniture you’re saving for your first house.
That’s why we keep our property clean, why we have proper lighting, and why we’re always around if you need help. We want your experience to be simple and stress-free.
So use these tips. Be smart about what you store and how you store it. And then you can rest easy knowing you’ve done everything right.
If you ever have questions, just ask. I’m usually around the office most days, and I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned over the years.
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