Expanding To A Self-Storage Unit? 4 Steps To Protect Your Belongings From Pest Infestation
If you've run out of storage space at home, it's time to rent a self-storage unit. Once you're rented your self-storage unit, you'll need to make sure that you take precautions to prevent pest infestations, especially since you won't be on site to stop damage caused by insects and rodents. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep pests out of your storage unit.
Use Plastic Storage Bins
It might be easier and less expensive – short-term – to use cardboard boxes for your storage needs. However, in the long run, plastic storage containers are going to be better protection against the damaging effects of insects and rodents. Rodents can chew right through cardboard boxes. Unfortunately, that means that everything inside those boxes will become fair game for the mice that find their way into your storage unit. To protect your personal belongings, be sure to store everything in plastic containers. Once you've got the lids attached, wrap a strip of duct tape around each lid to form a protective seal.
Make Sure Items Are Cleaned Before Storage
Insects and rodents are attracted to strong odors. If the items you're going to store are not clean, they could be a welcoming invitation for pest infestation. To prevent odors from attracting pests, be sure that your belongings are cleaned and dried before placing the items in storage. This includes washing your clothing and wiping down all your furniture.
Pack Clothing Carefully
When it comes to your clothing, you want to make sure that you keep rodents and moths away. The best way to do that is to follow a three-part packing system. First, place your clothing in bags. Second, place those bags inside plastic containers. Finally, place moth balls inside each container and seal the lids. This three-part system will ensure that your clothing is safe and secure while in storage.
Elevate Your Storage Items
To protect your belongings from pest infestation, you should make sure that everything is stored off the ground. To do that, you'll need to provide a method for elevating your storage items. The best way to do that is with pallets and storage racks. Pallets will allow you to store larger items off the ground. Your storage racks will provide you with a safe and convenient place to store your plastic bins.
Now that you need a storage unit, make sure your belongings are protected against pest infestation. Use the tips provided here to keep insects and rodents away from your belongings.