How to Keep Mice Out of Your Storage Unit (And Why They Love Your Stuff)

Let’s get one thing straight—mice are freeloaders. They don’t pay rent, they don’t help move boxes, and they sure as heck don’t bring their own snacks. Yet somehow, they think your storage unit is a five-star resort.

If you’ve ever opened a box to find chewed-up fabric, mouse droppings, or worse—a full-blown mouse condo in your couch cushions—you know what we’re talking about. But don’t worry. We’ve got your A.S.S. covered. (That’s “All Secure Storage,” in case you’re new here.)

This guide is all about how to keep those squeaky squatters out of your storage unit—without turning into a full-time exterminator. We’ll also break down why mice even show up in the first place and what you can do to make your unit less appealing to the little pests.

Storage units are basically Airbnb listings for rodents:

• Dark and cozy? Check.
• No rent or rules? Check.
• Plenty of snacks (aka your stuff)? Big check.

They especially love:

• Cardboard boxes (great for nesting)
• Fabric (makes a lovely bed)
• Paper (easy to shred and chew)
• Food crumbs (left behind during your “quick” move-in)

Bottom line: if it’s warm, chewable, or smells like last summer’s BBQ… it’s mouse bait.

We’re not saying you need to build a steel fortress—but there are a few smart moves you can make to keep the rodents guessing (and preferably running).

Cardboard is like Disneyland for mice. If you’re still using it to store your stuff, just know you’re basically rolling out the welcome mat.

Instead, use sealed plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. The kind even a determined mouse can’t chew through (and believe us, they’ll try).

This should go without saying, but don’t store food. Not even “non-perishables.” Not even the leftover trail mix you forgot was in your camping gear.
Mice have super-sniffer powers and will find it. They always find it.

It’s not magic, but it helps. A few cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil placed around your unit can act like a little rodent “nope” zone.

Bonus: it smells way better than mothballs and doesn’t make your stuff smell like Grandma’s attic.

Keep your boxes and bins off the ground. Pallets or shelves help reduce hiding places and moisture—plus it’s just smarter storage.

Also, mice are lazy. If they have to climb, they’ll think twice. (Well… some of them.)

Let’s talk about the stuff people think helps but just makes things weirder (or stinkier):

We hate to say it, but sometimes the little freeloaders sneak in despite your best efforts. Here’s what to watch for:

Let’s get real: not all storage units are created equal. We actually give a rat’s A.S.S. … pun fully intended.

Here’s how we do our part to help keep rodents out:

Whether you’re storing seasonal gear or your grandma’s vintage couch, we make it a whole lot harder for anything furry to make itself at home.

Here’s the deal—we could slap “rodent-proof” all over our site like some companies do, but we’re not gonna lie to you.

No storage unit on Earth is 100% rodent-proof (unless it’s built like Fort Knox and smells like bleach).

But we can proudly say: our units are among the cleanest, most well-maintained, and rodent-resistant options in Montrose and the surrounding areas.

And if that’s not enough peace of mind, just think about the alternative: Sharing a unit with a mouse named Gary who chews through your moving blankets and starts a family in your snow boots.

Hard pass.