The basement can be a great storage option, but unfortunately, it’s all too common for this space to become a messy dumping ground. It’s easy to tell yourself that you’re getting things down temporarily, but once the mess gets worse, it can be difficult to regain control.
However, a dirty basement doesn’t always have to stay that way. With a few easy basement decluttering tips from the pros, you can get things back in order and transform this area into a functional, space-efficient storage area.
meet the expert
- barbara brock Barbara is the founder and CEO of Brock Inc., a professional events and staging company.
- Lauren Saltman Founder of Living. Simplified. Home organizing service.
Choose an area and clear it completely
Whether you’re working with shelves or cabinets, professional organizer Barbara Brock says it’s important to remove everything before doing anything else.
“The process of elimination is important,” says Brock.
Then, once the cabinets or shelves are clean and neat, you can start editing your items. By making this clear space first, you’re more likely to be selective and careful about what you’re putting back.
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Take inventory of what you have and what you keep
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As you edit out the items in your basement, professional organizer Lauren Saltman suggests making a careful list of everything; This may include cross-checking other areas of your home. This step is important not only for seeing what you already have – it’s also important for knowing what you want to keep and how to categorize it.
“You can have sections for sports equipment, vacations, tools, laundry, kitchen overflow items, and camping,” says Saltman. “Categorizing items and creating zones will help you stay organized later on.”
Again, be sure to include an inventory list inside any storage bins where it might be helpful.
Check out the culprits of these major messes
Every home is different, but if you’re not sure where to start clearing stuff, start with these common clutter culprits:
- Product Manual: “Paper manuals can take up a lot of space, so recycle them and download the information to your computer,” says Saltman.
- Old paint cans: If you have unused or old paint, it may be gone. Be sure to assess the best way to dispose of it safely.
- Old Electronics: If you’re no longer using your old television, VCR, or cell phone, it’s time to sell or recycle it.
- Unknown electronics wires: “If you eventually need a cord for a long-forgotten instrument, you can usually replace it very quickly and inexpensively,” says Saltman.
- Family Heritage: “If they’re living in your basement, they’re not your favorite things,” says Saltman.
buy the right container
If your basement is currently filled to the ceiling with badly labeled cardboard boxes, you probably already know you need to make a major change. But as Brock points out, don’t grab everything that’s available.
“Taking any old container leaves you with a space crunch, either horizontally or vertically,” says Brock.
Instead, look for stackable, watertight compartments that allow maximum efficiency; Saltman says measuring correctly is also important.
label things clearly
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Once you’ve organized everything into boxes, it’s important to label everything.
“Be sure to label all bins and shelves so items can be returned to their proper place after use,” says Saltman.
Although you can purchase special labels or use a label maker, don’t bother. In a pinch, masking tape and permanent markers work equally well.
use a rolling rack
If you’re not sure how to make the most of your basement floorspace, Brock says she personally prefers rolling racks.
“They’re a great space saver and organizational trick,” she says.
These can be perfect for hanging seasonal clothing not currently in use, sports uniforms, or even sturdy fabric organizers.
Be careful with flammable items
Be careful when it comes to storing things like old paint, alcohol or electrical equipment. These must be stored properly as they can be highly flammable. Because many basements are not temperature controlled at all, this can pose a major safety hazard. An alternative solution – such as recycling or donation – may be appropriate.
