How to Keep Mice Out of a Storage Unit and Keep Your Things Safe

Few things are more frustrating than opening a storage unit and finding signs of rodents. Chewed cardboard, shredded paper, droppings in corners, or fabric damage can turn what felt like a safe solution into a stressful situation. The good news is that keeping mice out of a storage unit is mostly about preparation, smart packing, and regular awareness.

Rodents look for three things: food, shelter, and nesting material. A storage unit can accidentally provide all three if items are not stored carefully. Understanding how mice think makes prevention much easier.

Start With Smart Packing Choices

The type of containers you use makes a major difference. Cardboard boxes are convenient and affordable, but they are also easy for mice to chew through. Plastic bins with tight fitting lids provide a stronger barrier and significantly reduce access points. If you are storing fabric, clothing, or linens, sealed plastic containers offer better protection than loose bags or lightly taped boxes. Rodents are attracted to soft materials for nesting, and an unsealed comforter or stack of towels can quickly become a target.

Furniture also deserves attention. Upholstered pieces should be wrapped securely in protective covers, and small openings underneath should not be left exposed. Taking the time to arrange larger pieces carefully inside the unit helps eliminate hidden nesting pockets, especially when you properly store furniture in a storage unit with airflow and spacing in mind.

Never Store Food or Scented Items

Even sealed food can attract rodents because of scent. Pet food, protein bars, spices, and even scented candles can draw attention. Mice have an extremely strong sense of smell and can detect food sources from surprising distances.

Avoid storing:

• Pantry items
• Bird seed
• Pet treats
• Scented soaps
• Open trash bags
• Food residue on small appliances

Before placing appliances like microwaves or mini fridges into storage, clean them thoroughly. Crumbs left behind are an open invitation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes eliminating food sources as one of the most effective rodent prevention strategies. 

Elevate and Organize Strategically

Clutter creates hiding spots. When boxes are stacked tightly wall to wall with no visibility, rodents can move around undetected. Keeping items slightly elevated off the ground using pallets or shelving makes it easier to spot activity early and reduces access to dark, protected corners. Leaving small walkways between rows of boxes helps you inspect the space during visits. It also limits the kind of tight, undisturbed areas mice prefer for nesting.

Soft materials such as blankets and cushions should be sealed inside containers rather than left exposed under plastic wrap. Wood furniture can also benefit from proper covering and spacing, particularly when storing untreated surfaces similar to what is involved in store wood furniture safely without climate control.

Seal Gaps in Your Own Packing

While storage facilities work to maintain their properties, customers still play an important role in preventing pests. Small gaps in boxes, torn wrapping, or loosely closed bins create easy entry points. Use strong packing tape to reinforce seams. Avoid leaving boxes partially open. If a lid does not snap shut securely, consider replacing the container.

Vacuum sealing clothing and linens adds another layer of protection while also saving space. It removes air, compresses material, and makes fabric less accessible to nesting behavior.

Keep the Unit Clean and Dry

Rodents are more likely to settle in spaces that feel undisturbed. A clean, dry unit discourages activity. Sweeping occasionally and removing dust buildup makes the environment less inviting. Moisture also plays a role. Damp conditions attract insects, and insects attract rodents. Preventing moisture buildup reduces the overall appeal of the space. Monitoring humidity levels and checking for condensation helps you stay ahead of potential problems. The Environmental Protection Agency provides practical advice on moisture control here: https://www.epa.gov/mold

Appliances should always be drained and dried before storage so they do not create hidden moisture pockets, particularly when preparing items like washers in the way described for store a washing machine the right way. 

Use Preventative Deterrents Carefully

There are several deterrent options available, including peppermint oil packets, cedar blocks, and commercial rodent repellents. While these can help, they should never replace proper packing and organization. Avoid loose poison or food based traps inside a storage unit. If rodents access them and die inside walls or hidden spaces, odor and sanitation issues can follow.

Non toxic deterrents placed near entry points or inside corners can provide added peace of mind, especially when combined with secure containers and regular check ins.

Choose a Clean and Well Maintained Facility

Prevention starts before you even move items in. A professionally maintained storage property reduces risk from the beginning. Clean grounds, routine upkeep, and responsible facility management all help limit pest concerns. Local Storage Group prioritizes cleanliness across its properties and maintains facilities with pest prevention in mind. While a clean environment significantly lowers risk, it is still wise for customers to take additional precautions inside their individual units. Combining facility level cleanliness with smart packing practices creates the strongest protection for your belongings.

Visit Periodically and Stay Aware

Storage units should not be ignored for long stretches of time. Visiting occasionally allows you to inspect corners, check containers, and confirm everything remains sealed properly.

Look for:

• Small droppings
• Shredded material
• Chew marks on boxes
• Unusual smells

Early detection prevents larger damage. The sooner an issue is noticed, the easier it is to resolve.

Long Term Protection Comes From Preparation



Keeping mice out of a storage unit is not about one single trick. It is about reducing opportunity. Secure containers remove access to food and nesting material. Cleanliness removes attraction. Organization removes hiding spots. When your unit is packed thoughtfully and inspected occasionally, the likelihood of rodent problems drops significantly. Prevention is always easier and less expensive than replacing damaged belongings.

Local Storage Group has many storage facility locations across the Midwest and East Coast U.S. Our goal is to provide the best storage experience possible and provide you with all the information you need to store your belongings properly and safely.