How to Organize the Basement

Moisture poses the biggest threat to using a basement for storage--
you'll face a constant challenge to keeping things dry. These steps
will show you how to keep most of the water out so that you can take
advantage of an ideal place to stash a variety of household objects.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Keeping it dry

1. Clean the walls and floor thoroughly with detergent and water (follow that with a diluted bleach solution if mold is present). Fill any pores or gouges with grout or resin filler. Use a wet-dry shop vacuum to remove water afterward.

2. Paint concrete basement walls and floor with a waterproofing sealant, or install a vapor barrier. Look for a sealant that protects the concrete and also blocks soil gases such as radon.

3. Keep the basement floor drain clean and clear of debris. Install a water alarm and a sump pump if flooding is an issue.

4. Put items in waterproof plastic bins if any water remains after taking these steps. Place packets of silica gel desiccant in the bins to further absorb moisture. Raise items off the floor with wooden pallets or plastic crates.

5. Run a dehumidifier in the basement, and empty its pan regularly. (Don't run a dehumidifier unless you have installed a vapor barrier or sealed the concrete, or it will actually draw moisture.)

6. Expect mildew: Choose what you store in the basement very carefully if there is any water or moisture present. Do not store books, papers, photographs, artwork or important documents in the basement. Think twice about storing off-season clothes and quilts there as well--you may rue the day. See 140 Store Your Wedding Dress and Other Textiles.

7. Try to keep the temperature between 60 to 75 degrees F (15 to 24 C) and the humidity between 50 and 60 percent.

Keeping it orderly

1. Install shelving units to store wine, paper towels, canned foods and other items (see 129 Store Bulk Purchases).

2. Label all boxes on the front and sides so you can tell at a glance what's in them (see 57 Live Better Through Labeling). Better yet, use clear plastic storage bins.

3. Install a smoke detector, fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide alarm. Leave space around the fuse box, furnace and water heater to allow easy access.

4. Hang hoses, bicycles and chairs from the ceiling joists. Avoid hanging anything from the pipes, which could damage them.

Tips & Warnings

• If your laundry is in the basement, vent the dryer to the outside (see 62 Organize Your Laundry Center).

• Keep a flashlight in a wallmounted rack near the door for power outages.

• Install roof gutters and downspouts, and grade the soil around your house to channel rainwater away from your foundation.

• Homeowner's insurance may not cover damage caused by sewer or drain backups or flooding; so check your policy before you store valuables in the basement.

• Wine thrives in basements because of their cool, constant temperature and darkness (see 93 Organize Your Wine Collection).

• Never store anything in direct contact with bare soil if you have an unfinished space.

• Never store flammable liquids in the same basement room as a gas water heater.

• Don't run a frost-free freezer in your basement if you have moisture problems.