How to Protect Your Storage Items from Pests

How to Effectively Shield Your Stored Belongings from Pest Infestations

If you don’t have room for your mother’s hope chest or the rocking chair you plan to pass on to your grandkids, one option is to put these items in storage. The possessions that you choose to store away—rather than sell—are important to you. The last thing you want is for rats to bore a hole in that hope chest or for termites to damage your rocking chair. To prevent these scenarios, follow our tips to protect your storage items from pests.

For affordable storage in the DC area, please contact Georgetown Moving and Storage at (703) 889-8899 today!

Pack Belongings in Plastic Boxes

When preparing items for storage, it’s vital to pack all loose belongings in boxes. This prevents them from gathering dust or being damaged from toppling over. Cardboard boxes are the most common packing material, but if you have concerns about bugs and rodents, plastic bins are a much better choice. Pests can’t chew through this material, ensuring your belongings remain protected.

Check Every Item for Pests before Packing

The last thing you want is to unintentionally trap critters in your storage unit with your prized possessions. To ensure this doesn’t happen, inspect every item for signs of infestation. Vacuum chair cushions, clean-out dresser drawers, and double-check lampshades to ensure no unwanted hitchhikers make their way into your storage unit.

Don’t Store Food

Most facilities ban the storage of food, and with good reason. Even mere crumbs and dried spills can be enough to attract insects and vermin, so make sure you thoroughly wash and dry anything that once held food, such as a mini-refrigerator, before you put it in storage.

Wrap Furniture in Plastic

You can’t pack your rocking chair in a box, but it still needs protection. Wrap any furniture, especially upholstered items, in plastic to create a shield. This way, if a stray rat or mouse finds its way into your storage unit, you won’t fear damage from claws or droppings. Wrapping soft items in plastic also helps protect against destructive moths.

Defend Your Storage Unit

To guard against pest damage during long-term storage, equip your unit with items designed to trap or deter intruders. Here’s what we suggest:

• Set mouse traps and fly paper on the floor to catch intruders.
• Place mothballs or cotton balls soaked in lavender or peppermint oil in coat pockets, desk drawers, and cabinet shelves.
• Place blocks of cedar wood in the corners of your storage unit. The smell is pleasant to humans, but the powerful aroma acts as a natural insect repellent.
• Sprinkle a barrier of Boric Acid powder or Diatomaceous Earth around the items you want to protect against pesky insects. You can find these products at your local garden center.
• Apply a dusting of sage around the storage unit to deter snails and slugs from entering.

Why is Cleaning and Drying Furniture Essential Before Wrapping for Storage?

When preparing furniture for storage, it’s crucial to ensure every piece is meticulously cleaned and completely dry. This practice serves multiple purposes:

1. Prevent Mildew and Mold: Moisture trapped inside furniture coverings can create an environment ripe for mold and mildew growth. By thoroughly drying each item, you significantly reduce this risk, helping to maintain your furniture’s integrity and appearance.

2. Avoid Dirt Accumulation: If dirt and grime are left on furniture, wrapping can seal these particles in, potentially causing long-term damage. Regularly cleaning your furniture helps preserve its condition by preventing potential staining or abrasion during storage.

3. Deter Pests: Food residues hidden in couches or chairs can attract unwanted creatures, such as rodents and insects. Cleaning your furniture ensures that no enticing crumbs or odors remain, making it less attractive to pests.

By taking these precautions, you protect your stored furniture from being compromised by mold, dirt, or pests, ensuring it remains in excellent condition until it’s time for use again.

How Elevating Furniture Safeguards Your Belongings in Storage

Storing furniture can be tricky, especially when you can’t constantly check on it. That’s why taking preventive measures is crucial to ensure your items remain in top condition.

Protect Against Moisture

One of the main threats to stored furniture is moisture. Elevating your furniture off the ground can significantly reduce the risk of water damage, especially in cases where water might seep into the storage unit. Unwanted moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which can damage upholstery and wood. By lifting your furniture just a few inches, you create a barrier that helps keep it dry.

Air Circulation

Another advantage of raising your furniture is improved air circulation. When furniture sits directly on the ground, it restricts airflow, potentially leading to damp conditions. Elevation allows air to flow beneath your items, keeping the environment fresh and dry, which is essential for preserving materials like wood and fabric.

Prevent Pests

Elevating furniture also deters pests. Rodents and insects are less likely to nest or cause damage if they can’t easily access your items. Having your belongings off the floor makes it harder for pests to reach them, thereby prolonging their longevity.

Implementation Tips

• Use Wooden Pallets: These are excellent tools for elevating furniture. Easily available and sturdy, wooden pallets offer reliable support.

• Consider Metal Risers: For an even more robust solution, metal risers can offer higher elevation and greater durability.

By taking these simple steps to elevate your furniture, you’re investing in their long-term protection and preserving their quality for future use.

How to Prepare Wood Furniture for Storage

Before placing your wooden furniture in storage, it’s crucial to prepare the pieces to ensure they remain in excellent condition. Here are some steps you should follow:

Clean Thoroughly

Start by wiping down your furniture with a soft cloth and mild soap or a wood cleaner. This removes dust and dirt that might cause damage over time.

Apply Protective Coating

Use a quality furniture polish or a coat of wax to treat the surfaces. This protective layer acts as a barrier against environmental changes, helping to prevent cracking and splitting.

Consider the Environment

Understand that wood can be sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Ensure your storage solution can help mitigate these changes by possibly choosing a climate-controlled environment.

Cover and Elevate

Protect your furniture from dust and any potential scratches by covering it with a breathable fabric, like an old sheet. Avoid plastic covers, as these can trap moisture. Also, consider elevating your furniture slightly off the ground to protect it from unforeseen spills or flooding.

By following these steps, you’ll help ensure your cherished wooden pieces remain beautiful and intact, even while in storage.

Rent a Storage Unit in an Indoor Facility

Traditional self-storage consists of units that open up directly to the outside. This makes them more vulnerable to pest problems, not to mention moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Georgetown Moving and Storage offers a more sheltered option with indoor climate-controlled storage facilities. This “portable vault” storage system is less likely to experience pest problems, more secure from the elements, and fully protected by security cameras and onsite warehouse managers.

To learn more about our economical storage options in the DC area, please contact Georgetown Moving and Storage at (703) 889-8899!