Organizing your basement? Whether you’re looking to get rid of unused items or need to implement efficient storage systems, these ideas will help transform your basement into a usable storage space. Check out these top tips for basement storage and organization below!
Try Basement Decluttering Tips
There’s no reason to store items you no longer want or use, so decluttering is an important first step to organizing your basement. Set aside a couple of days to do an inventory of all your items. Try using the four-box technique to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or store. Getting rid of seldom-used items will help keep your basement clutter-free, making long-term organization and storage easier. Consider going through your items every year to prevent clutter from building up again and ensure your basement stays organized over time.
Here are a few questions to consider as you declutter:
- Do you use or value this item enough to keep it?
- Is this a seldom-used item that you could borrow from somebody else should the need for it ever arise?
- If the item is part of a set, do you need the entire set or can you keep just a couple pieces of it?
Waterproof Your Basement
Basements are mostly subterranean, which means they’re prone to dampness, mold, and mildew. This can create unpleasant odors and become problematic when storing sensitive items like photos, musical instruments, wooden furniture, mattresses, and cardboard boxes. To help prevent your items from becoming damaged by moisture, it’s important to take proper precautions.
Use these tips to waterproof your basement and turn it into a safe storage space:
- Install a sump pump to prevent basement flooding
- Clean your basement walls, then coat them with mold-resistant paint
- Set up a basement dehumidifier to help prevent mold and mildew
- Make DIY basement deodorizers with baking soda and essential oils to absorb unpleasant smells
Designate Different Storage Zones
Once you’re done decluttering and proofing your basement, create categories or storage zones for your remaining items to help keep them organized. Creating designated storage zones is one of the best basement organization ideas as it can reduce visual clutter and make it easier to find items when you need them. You might consider categorizing by season (i.e., summer, fall, winter, spring) or type (i.e., toys, holiday decorations, camping gear, etc.). Be sure to label each storage zone clearly to keep the areas feeling decluttered and organized.
Take Advantage of Basement Under-Stair Storage
Utilizing under-stair storage space can be a great DIY project—and way to keep your basement organized! Not only does this maximize an often-unused part of the basement, but it also creates visual interest and makes the empty space work for you. To get started, carefully measure the available space under your stairs and consider its shape. Then, use shelving or build drawer boxes by installing drawer slides and attaching cabinet doors. From storing books and seasonal clothing to hiding away items that don’t match your basement’s decor, the options for this space are endless!
Upgrade Your Basement Laundry Room
If your laundry room is in the basement, add a few storage solutions to make this space more functional and organized long term. Add a row or two of shelving near your machines for easy access to items like detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. Keep loose items like wool dryer balls or pocket change in one spot with small trays you can place on the shelves. Consider installing laundry room cabinets to take advantage of hidden storage options. Keep your basement laundry room tidy by investing in multiple baskets, hampers, or storage bins to separate colors, whites, delicates, darks, and more. Hang a sign with clips or clothespins to keep lonely socks in sight until their match is found.
Install Basement Shelving
It’s best not to store anything in direct contact with the basement floor, so installing some kind of shelving is crucial to keeping your belongings in top shape—whether you’re storing cleaning supplies, decor, off-season clothes, or keepsakes. Open shelving is ideal for unfinished basements or basements that are primarily used for storage, as it allows air to circulate while enabling you to more easily see what you have. There are several types of basement storage shelves to choose from, including floating shelves, standalone shelves, and adjustable wire shelves—which are typically better weight-bearing options for heavier or bulky items like large boxes and totes. If your basement is finished and you’re seeking a more polished look, built-in shelving is another great option.
Use Airtight or Plastic Containers
Place items in airtight, plastic containers for extra protection from pests and outside damage. To help prevent moisture build-up, you can even toss a few humidity-absorbent gel packets into the bins. If possible, opt for transparent basement storage bins so you can more clearly see what’s inside, and label each box for additional convenience. When stacking, it’s best to place the heaviest bins at the bottom to help prevent them from collapsing or toppling over.
Organize with Pegboards or Hooks
Like shelving, installing a pegboard or putting up hooks can help you get the most out of the vertical storage space in your basement. This wall storage system allows you to customize a solution for whatever you need to hang. Many people use pegboards and hooks to organize tools, but they can also be helpful for storing seasonal wreaths, art supplies, lights, cleaning supplies, toys, and more. This handy basement storage tip can help you keep items organized but still within easy reach.
Utilize Multipurpose Furniture
Incorporating multipurpose basement furniture is one of the most functional and space-saving storage solutions for finished basements, since this storage solution doubles as decor. One common option is to find an entertainment center for your TV that comes with built-in cabinets and drawers for hidden basement storage. Similarly, foot rests, ottomans, side tables, and coffee tables that open up create convenient storage space for excess blankets, board games, toys, and other items.
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This post was originally published 10/05/2017, and last revised on 07/10/2024 with updated information.
