How to Keep Unwanted Visitors Out of Your Storage Unit

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September 30th, 2025

Storing your belongings at a self-storage facility is a smart way to free up space at home, organize during a move, or safeguard seasonal items. But one thing nobody wants in their storage unit is uninvited visitors, bugs, rodents, or other critters that can damage your belongings and create unnecessary stress.

Why Pests Can Be a Problem

Even the cleanest storage unit can attract pests if precautions aren’t taken. Bugs and rodents are drawn to food, moisture, and cluttered spaces, common elements in storage units. Once they settle in, these pests can:

Damage your belongings: Rodents may chew through boxes, furniture, or wiring. Insects like silverfish or termites can harm papers, fabrics, or wooden items.
Create hygiene issues: Droppings, nests, or insect residue can contaminate your stored items and cause unpleasant odors.
Lead to costly replacements: Damage caused by pests may turn a simple storage solution into an expensive problem.

With some simple steps, you can reduce the risk of pests significantly.

Prepare Your Items Before Storage

The first step to keeping critters out is to make sure your belongings are ready for storage:

Clean and dry everything thoroughly. Dirt, crumbs, and moisture attract pests, so wash and dry all items before packing them away. Furniture, clothing, and electronics should be free of moisture and debris.
Avoid storing food or perishable items. Even sealed food packages can attract insects and rodents. If you must store kitchen items, stick to non-perishable, tightly sealed containers and keep them off the floor.
Inspect items for signs of pests. Before storing anything, check for webs, droppings, or holes in boxes, which could indicate existing infestations.

Use the Right Storage Containers

How you pack your items can make a big difference in preventing pests:

Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are far more effective than cardboard boxes at keeping critters out.
Seal boxes and wraps carefully. Tape seams and consider shrink wrap for extra protection.
Elevate your items. Keeping boxes on pallets or shelves reduces exposure to moisture and makes it harder for pests to reach your belongings.

Maintain a Clean and Organized Storage Unit

A tidy storage unit is less appealing to pests. Here’s how to keep it that way:

Leave room for airflow. Pests thrive in damp, stagnant spaces. Proper spacing between items improves ventilation and reduces moisture buildup.
Inspect your unit regularly. Visiting your unit every few weeks allows you to catch potential problems early, like leaks, condensation, or signs of pests.
Keep the surrounding area clean. Liberty Bend Storage’s well-maintained grounds make it easier to prevent critters from being attracted to your unit.

Additional Pest Prevention Tips

Use natural deterrents. Cedar chips, lavender sachets, or mothballs can help repel insects in smaller storage areas.
Avoid direct contact with concrete floors. Cardboard can absorb moisture and attract pests; placing bins on pallets or shelving is an easy fix.
Ensure your unit is sealed properly. Make sure doors close completely and check for any gaps that critters could use to enter.

Peace of Mind with Liberty Bend Storage

Protecting your belongings doesn’t have to be complicated. By preparing your items, packing them securely, and taking advantage of Liberty Bend Storage’s safe and well-maintained units, you can enjoy the convenience of self-storage without worrying about pests.If you’re ready to store your items safely or want advice on protecting specific belongings, our friendly team at Liberty Bend Storage is here to help. We can guide you in selecting the right unit and provide tips for keeping your items safe, so you can focus on what matters most. Visit our size guide to find your perfect fit today!