How to Keep Mice Out of Your Storage Unit

No one wants to open their storage unit and find signs of a rodent infestation. Mice may be small, but they can cause big problems by chewing through boxes, nesting in furniture, and damaging valuable belongings. If you’re renting a storage unit, keeping mice out should be a top priority to protect your items from contamination and destruction. The good news? With the right precautions, you can create a rodent-proof storage space and keep your belongings safe. This time on the Albuquerque Self Storage blog: how to prevent mice from invading your storage unit.

1. Choose a Clean, Well-Maintained Storage Facility

The first step in keeping mice out of your storage unit is choosing the right facility. Not all storage facilities have the same level of cleanliness and pest control measures. Choosing a clean and well-maintained storage facility means you will be starting off on the right foot.

Look for a facility that:

• Has regular pest control services in place.
• Keeps units clean and free of debris that could attract pests.
• Uses sealed doors and secure foundations to prevent small rodents from sneaking in.
• Offers climate-controlled units, which tend to be better sealed and less prone to pest issues.

Before signing a lease, inspect the unit and ask about the facility’s pest prevention policies.

2. Never Store Food or Anything Scented

Mice have an incredible sense of smell and will be drawn to any food, crumbs, or even scented items inside your unit. To prevent this:

• Avoid storing any food, even dry goods or pet food.
• Wipe down furniture, appliances, and storage containers to remove any food residue.
• Skip scented candles, air fresheners, or fragrant soaps, as these can also attract rodents.

Even if food is sealed in plastic or metal containers, mice can still detect it—and where there’s food, rodents will follow.

3. Use Plastic Bins Instead of Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are an open invitation for mice—they love chewing through the material and using it for nesting. Instead of packing belongings in cardboard, opt for sturdy plastic storage bins with tight-fitting lids.

• Plastic is much harder for mice to chew through.
• Lids create a sealed barrier that prevents pests from getting inside.
• Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside without having to dig through multiple boxes.

For added protection, use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing, bedding, and soft goods to keep them safe from pests.

4. Elevate Your Belongings Off the Ground

Mice typically enter storage units by crawling under doors or through small gaps near the floor. Keeping your items elevated on shelves, wooden pallets, or racks can help minimize the chances of them nesting in your belongings.

• Store boxes and furniture at least a few inches off the ground.
• Keep items away from walls and corners, where rodents like to travel.
• Use metal or wire shelving instead of wooden shelves, as mice are less likely to chew on metal.

By lifting items off the ground, you reduce the likelihood of a mouse making your storage unit its new home.

5. Seal Any Gaps or Entry Points

Even the tiniest gaps in a storage unit can let mice sneak in. If you notice any small openings around your unit’s door or walls, talk to the property manager about sealing these gaps before you move in. They can then:

• Use steel wool or copper mesh to block any small gaps (mice can’t chew through these materials).
• Apply weather stripping around doors to create a tighter seal.
• Place a door sweep at the bottom of the unit’s door to prevent entry.

Most storage units are designed to be secure, but checking for small gaps and sealing them can add an extra layer of protection.

6. Use Natural Repellents to Deter Mice

Mice dislike certain smells, and using natural repellents can help keep them away from your storage unit. Consider placing the following around the perimeter of your unit:

• Peppermint oil – Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in corners.
• Cedar blocks or chips – Mice dislike the strong smell of cedar.
• Cloves or bay leaves – These herbs have a scent that repels rodents.

Avoid using mothballs, as they contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to people and pets.

7. Check on Your Storage Unit Regularly

If possible, visit your storage unit every few weeks to check for signs of mice. Look for:

• Droppings or gnaw marks on boxes or furniture.
• Shredded materials (like paper or fabric) that indicate nesting.
• A musky, unpleasant odor that could suggest an infestation.

If you see signs of mice, notify the storage facility immediately and take action to remove them before the problem worsens.

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping mice out of your storage unit. By choosing a well-maintained facility, storing items in plastic bins, sealing entry points, and using natural repellents, you can greatly reduce the risk of rodents invading your storage space.

Taking these precautions will help protect your belongings, giving you peace of mind that everything in your unit remains safe, clean, and pest-free.

Looking for a secure, well-maintained storage facility? Call Albuquerque Self Storage today to find a pest-free storage solution that meets your needs. It’s what we do!