Many basements are used to store waste. As a result, clutter forms over time. While a basement can serve as a great storage space, most basements are not designed to be dumping grounds.
Many people will store their gym equipment, old furniture, and other unused items in their basements and then forget about them. A properly maintained basement will last longer and will not attract pests that can make your living situation unpleasant.
Here, our focus will be on how you can organize your basement area for maximum storage.
Steps to Organize Your Basement
When you clean and organize your basement space, you are triggering a reset of the room. While you go through your basement, you will encounter many items that you have not used for months or even years.
Clutter is something that should be avoided. Clutter takes up space and makes it hard to navigate a room. Clutter will also attract dust and pests and may even rot, depending on the housed items.
A junk removal service may be of service. Simply call or email a junk removal company in your area. They will pick up any unwanted items and recycle, donate, or dispose of your unwanted basement items.
By donating items you no longer use, you will essentially be giving them a new lease on life.
Create a Master Plan
Before you tackle your basement, you should create a master plan. Your master plan will help you in the decluttering process by saving you time and stress. Efficiency is the name of the game.
Create a realistic schedule for the project. Create a deadline and stick to it. Factor in time for breaks, meals, and other projects to avoid burnout.
You can take advantage of long weekends and the holidays to take care of business. Friends and family can also be asked to volunteer their time to expedite the process.
Declutter Your Basement
It is now time to declutter your basement and bring your master plan to fruition. It may help to sort unwanted items together. The condition and size of your basement will either make your organizational challenge easier or more difficult.
The decluttering process may prove daunting, so try and take frequent breaks to reduce your stress. Old furniture and other obsolete items should be thrown out or donated to a local charity.
Some items that are worn but still functional can be refurbished. They can then be donated to the less fortunate, or they can even be sold. You can try selling unwanted items on local classified websites or online auction websites to make some money.
Plan Your Basement Storage Area
If you want to make the most of your basement space, you need to plan ahead of time. Sturdy shelving is very important. The items you plan to store should be carefully measured beforehand to ensure adequate shelf storage for them.
If you wish to build your shelves, you should use plywood that is paintable and 2x4 studs. Also, do not place heavy items on the topmost shelf, as you may injure your back when you try to remove them for future use.
If you have several storage areas, then specific areas should be set aside for certain items. You may also want to add large labels to boxes or containers, as doing so will make it easier for you to identify items in the future.
Moreover, using plastic bins will also make it easier to see what is inside them. Airtight lids can help certain items last longer and prevent bugs and other pests from accessing them. However, certain items, such as clothing, should not be stored in airtight containers.
Clothing requires ventilation. If you would rather use cardboard boxes to store your clothing, then avoid stacking them so that they will have sufficient air circulation.
In addition, if you have sewing equipment, then they can be stored using pegboards. You can opt for magnetic systems to store tools.
If you also use your basement as a rec room, you can save some space and make your basement appear more modern by installing a wall system with baskets that slide in and out.
You should also look under the stairs to see if there is sufficient space for storage. If your budget allows for it, you can also look into adding a few built-in cabinets to further expand your home’s storage capacity.
Groundwater is also a possible issue, depending on where you live. If you have valuables that you need to protect from groundwater, then you should try to keep them off the floor if possible.
You can make tracks on the ceiling by fabricating a basic flange system. All you will need is some basic framing material to make it.
Then, store your items in Tupperware containers and hang them in the flange system to expand your home’s storage capacity further. Use your basement’s ceiling as an additional storage unit.
Taking the First Step
Decluttering a basement and maximizing its storage capacity will take some planning. The basement accessories that you use should help prevent moisture damage and should provide optimal ventilation.
Maximal access is also a must, as you will need to access your basement now and then without feeling claustrophobic or possibly injuring yourself. Metal cabinetry and shelving are also superior to wood-based storage solutions, as most basements are vulnerable to dampness.
Cardboard boxes should also be used as a last resort. Instead, try to use plastic bins whenever possible to help protect your valuables from damage.
A junk removal company can also be of use if you have many items in your basement that you wish to throw out, recycle, or donate without having to handle all of the work yourself.
Source:
