Can You Get Bed Bugs from a Storage Unit? What Movers Wish You Knew Before Packing

Can You Really Get Bed Bugs from a Storage Unit?

Yes, it is possible to get bed bugs from a storage unit.
Bed bugs can survive in stored items like mattresses, furniture, and boxes—especially if they were infested before being placed into storage. They can also crawl between units in poorly maintained facilities or spread from other tenants’ belongings.

Most storage units are rented back-to-back without thorough cleaning, which increases the risk. According to the National Pest Management Association, 1 in 5 Americans has dealt with a bed bug infestation or knows someone who has.

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Real Story from a Move in Bethesda, MD

A few years back, we helped a couple move from a long-term storage unit in Bethesda. They had carefully wrapped their furniture and mattresses in plastic, thinking it would protect them.

What they didn’t know? The previous renter in the neighboring unit had stored infested furniture, and the bugs migrated. When we unpacked their belongings, a few live bugs were crawling inside the folds of the plastic wrap.

Our crew immediately sanitized our equipment, flagged the unit with the storage facility, and helped guide the clients to a pest control pro before bringing anything into their new home. It was a close call—but a good reminder that even the cleanest families can run into bugs during a move.

How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Storage Units?

Bed bugs get into storage units by hitchhiking inside infested items or spreading from nearby units. Here are the most common ways they enter:

• A previous tenant stored infested furniture, mattresses, or boxes
• Units share walls, ventilation, or floor cracks that bugs can crawl through
• Unsanitized moving blankets or pads were reused between customers
• Someone stored unsealed bedding or clothing, giving bugs a hiding spot

Many people assume that renting from a big-name storage company in Arlington, Silver Spring, or DC guarantees safety—but unless the facility has an active pest control policy, you’re taking a risk.

Signs Your Storage Unit Might Have Bed Bugs

To spot bed bugs in your storage unit, look for these common signs:

• Dark or rust-colored stains on mattresses, boxes, or upholstered furniture
• A musty, sweet odor, which comes from bed bug pheromones
• Shed skins, eggshells, or live bugs, often found along seams and crevices
• Small bite marks after touching or using stored items

These signs usually show up when retrieving items from long-term storage, especially in units without climate control or pest management.

At BoxStar Movers, our crews are trained to inspect for these red flags before loading your belongings. If we see anything suspicious, we stop the move and work with you to prevent cross-contamination in your new home.
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How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Storage Units

To avoid bringing bed bugs home from storage, follow these proven prevention tips:

1. Use Plastic Storage Bins

Cardboard boxes are easy for bed bugs to hide in. Use hard plastic bins with tight-sealing lids to block pests.

2. Cover Furniture and Mattresses

Wrap mattresses, couches, and upholstered furniture in bed-bug-proof covers. This keeps bugs from burrowing in or escaping later.

3. Choose a Pest-Controlled Storage Facility

Pick a clean, climate-controlled unit with good lighting and verified pest control practices. Don’t hesitate to ask what their protocol is.

4. Avoid Storing Food or Scented Items

Never store snacks, pet food, or even dryer sheets. These attract both bugs and rodents.

5. Sanitize Before Storage

Wipe down all furniture, vacuum cushions, and wash clothing before packing. Don’t bring existing pests into storage with you.

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At BoxStar Movers Packing, we go the extra mile to protect your items. We sanitize all moving blankets and never reuse equipment between clients without cleaning. If you’re moving in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or DC and want a safe, pest-free move—we’ve got your back.

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What to Do If You Think You’ve Got Bed Bugs from Storage

If you suspect your storage items have bed bugs, act quickly to stop them from spreading. Here's what to do:

1. Isolate the Item

Place the suspected item in a sealed plastic bag or container. Do not bring it inside your home.

2. Inspect Thoroughly

Use a flashlight to check seams, folds, corners, and undersides for live bugs, eggshells, or black dots (droppings).

3. Call a Pest Control Professional

Especially for soft items like mattresses or couches—don’t unpack until a professional gives the green light.

4. Notify Your Moving Company

Let your movers know so they can sanitize their equipment and take precautions before continuing the move.

5. Use Heat Treatment

Bed bugs can’t survive high heat. Use portable heat chambers or contact a local service with heat treatment equipment.

At BoxStar Movers, we’ve partnered with reliable exterminators in Alexandria, Gaithersburg, and DC to support clients in situations just like this. We’ll help you coordinate a safe, clean move—even if the bugs try to crash the party.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs in Storage Units

Can bed bugs live in storage units for months?

Yes. Bed bugs can survive in storage units without feeding for up to 12 months. Even if a unit looks clean, it could still harbor hidden pests from previous renters.

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How can I store furniture to avoid bed bugs?

Wrap furniture in bed-bug-proof encasements, avoid using cardboard, and keep items off the floor. Plastic bins and sealed covers offer the best protection during storage.

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Which storage facilities in the DMV are safest from bed bugs?

Look for storage units in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or DC that offer climate control, regular pest control, and strong customer reviews. Facilities with 24/7 security and cleaning protocols are ideal.

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Should I inspect items after taking them out of storage?

Yes. Always inspect mattresses, couches, and fabric-covered items before bringing them into your home. Use a flashlight to check seams and corners for signs of bed bugs.

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Final Thoughts: A Clean Move Starts Before the Truck Arrives

Moving isn’t just about boxes and bubble wrap. It’s about protecting your peace of mind. Don’t let hidden bed bugs ruin your fresh start.

Whether you're downsizing in Mclean VA, relocating to a condo in Arlington, VA, or finally settling into your dream home in Bethesda, MD—BoxStar Movers is here to make it smooth, clean, and stress-free.

We’re not just another moving company. We’re your moving partner, with thousands of successful local moves and a commitment to the little things—like checking for bed bugs so you don’t have to.

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Ready to Move Without the Bugs?

Get in touch with BoxStar Movers, your trusted DMV moving company. We offer:

• Sanitized trucks and blankets
• Bed bug–smart packing practices
• Storage recommendations based on experience
• Friendly, professional movers who treat your stuff like it’s their own

📞 (202)843-9181 or get a free quote online and let’s plan your move the right way.

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