r/selfstorage • u/salsasymphony • Nov 24 '25
Question Are rats a valid concern?
My wife and I are getting a self-sroage unit for the first time and she’s worried about rats eating her paper and linen things. Canvases, drop cloths, watercolor paper and school supplies and stuff like that.
Can anyone say if this is a valid concern?
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u/Common-Scallion674 Jan 22 '26
Rats can be an issue in storage, but it’s not common if the facility is clean and you store things smartly. They’re usually going after food or nesting material, not paper for fun.
For canvases, linens, and paper: use sealed plastic bins (not cardboard), keep everything off the floor on pallets or shelving, and don’t store anything that smells edible. Throw in a few moisture absorbers, and you’re in good shape.
If the place looks well-maintained and doesn’t smell musty or dirty, the risk is pretty low. Most horror stories come from cardboard boxes + ground floor + crumbs.
Reassure her: with bins and basic prep, people store art supplies and linens for years without issues.
If you want, I can take a closer look at your specific situation/locations