Moving schedules can be tricky, especially with the thriving real estate market along Colorado’s Front Range. For many homeowners, it’s not uncommon for the home they’re living in to sell before they find the perfect house to buy. When this happens, you can’t immediately hire a moving company to transport your belongings to your new home. Instead, you’ll need to rent a storage unit to keep your belongings safe until you find a new house. Though most storage facilities are designed to keep your belongings safe from the elements and damage, your stuff can still face threats from insects and pests. Here’s how to keep your storage unit pest-free.
Store Items Off the Floor
Boxes kept on the floor are easy for insects and rodents to get into. Instead of leaving these critters a tempting target, keep your boxes off the floor by stacking them on wooden pallets or top tables, bookshelves, chairs, and couches. Wondering where you can get wooden pallets? Ask your local hardware store if they have any they want to get rid of. Often, the store managers will happily let you have them for free. If not, you can always buy a few new ones.
Keep Food Out of the Unit
Food is the most tempting item for both insects and rodents. Individuals who choose to store pantry items in their storage unit often find their unit covered in unwanted pests when the time comes to move into their new home. When packing your boxes, make sure there’s no food inside. Clean dishes, cookware, and kitchen utensils thoroughly to remove food residue. Avoid packing any food items in boxes unless you know for certain that they’re tightly sealed. Both sealed goods and open containers need to be used or thrown away before moving items into storage.
Ditch the Cardboard
Pests and rodents love to nest in cardboard boxes. All it takes is a little tough chewing and determination, and they’re inside your boxes, damaging your stuff. Instead of packing everything in cardboard boxes, opt for durable plastic containers. These hard-sided boxes make it almost impossible for insects and pests to get inside. Best of all, they’re less likely to be damaged by water or moisture, keeping your belongings safe in the long run.
Be Proactive
Most storage facilities hire a pest control company to keep the worst insects at bay. However, it never hurts to take a few extra precautions in your own unit. Set out a few traps in the corners of the units and make your own pest deterrents by soaking a few cotton balls in peppermint or rosemary oil. These scents deter most pests and will help keep your unit pest-free. Keep in mind and you’ll want to check on the deterrents and traps at least once a month to make sure everything is fresh and working properly.
When you’re ready to move into your new home, schedule a moving estimate with Eden’s Moving Service. Our experienced crew will get your belongings safely to your new home as soon as you get the keys to your new house.
