Let’s be honest: nobody rents a storage unit thinking, “You know what would really complete this space? A family of mice.” But those sneaky little furballs have a way of moving in uninvited—especially when the weather gets cold or someone accidentally stores a box of leftover trail mix from 2012.
At StorRight Self Storage, we love our customers. Mice? Not so much. So here’s your funny-but-serious guide to keeping rodents out of your unit, no matter how cozy it looks to them.
1. Don’t Feed the Freeloaders
Mice have one big weakness: SNACKS. Crumbs, cereal boxes, dog food, old cookbooks that smell like bacon grease—they’re not picky. If you store anything edible, even “non-perishable” items like canned goods or protein bars, you might as well hang a “buffet open” sign on your unit.
Pro tip:
📦 Never store food in your unit. Like, ever. Not even that emergency chocolate stash.
2. Use Plastic Bins, Not Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard is like a luxury hotel for mice: soft walls, easy to chew, and lots of hidey-holes. Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are way harder to get into—and mice aren’t exactly known for their upper body strength.
3. Seal the Deal—Literally
Even if your storage unit is in tip-top shape, it’s worth doing a quick check for any tiny gaps, cracks, or holes near the door or floor. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime (yes, seriously), so don’t underestimate their determination.
Bring a flashlight and do a sweep. If you see light peeking in, consider using weather stripping or steel wool to block it—mice hate chewing through metal. (Wouldn’t you?)
4. Elevate Your Stuff
No, your belongings don’t need to be on a spiritual journey—just a pallet or shelf. Keeping boxes and bins off the ground makes it harder for critters to climb in and easier for you to spot any “evidence” before things get messy.
5. Peppermint: Nature’s Tiny Bouncer
Mice hate strong smells, especially peppermint. Place a few cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around your unit and refresh them monthly. Not only will it smell delightful, but rodents will run for the hills like it’s too much cologne on a first date.–It also helps deter spiders!
6. Visit Occasionally (a.k.a. Surprise Inspections!)
Out of sight, out of mind is how mice like it. If you check in on your unit every few weeks or months, you’ll catch any problems early—plus you’ll remind the rodents that this place has an owner, and it’s not them.
Bottom Line:
If your storage unit looks and smells like a mouse’s dream house, don’t be surprised when they move in. But with the right steps—no food, sealed bins, peppermint power, and regular check-ins—you’ll keep your stuff safe, your unit clean, and your blood pressure nice and low.
Stay mouse-free, friends!