How to Organize Excess Basement Storage
Let's face it -- any items we don't use on a regular basis seem to end up in the basement. Unfortunately, it only takes a few years to amass quite a collection of excess "stuff" that can add up to a major storage problem. Basement storage issues can be solved with some decluttering, sorting and organizing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Declutter your basement before attempting to implement storage solutions. There is not much point in organizing items that should be thrown out or that are never used. Sort items in the basement into three piles for garbage, to sell at a garage sale and to keep and organize. Get rid of any objects that have no value or use and hold a garage sale to sell items that other people may be able to use that you don't need.
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Sort basement items into categories such as sports-related gear/clothing, tools, holiday decorations, office-related items, craft/hobby supplies, memorabilia and BBQ/picnic items. Decide which items need to be accessed readily and which items can be enclosed in boxes or containers. Any items that you want to keep but that you know you will not need to access can be put in a cardboard box or plastic container and labeled with the contents.
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Organize tools and carpentry-related items in one area of the basement. If you have a workshop, that would be the ideal location. Install a peg board on a wall to hold tools. Small items such as screws and nails can be put in plastic organizing trays according to size and kind. Fishing tackle boxes may be used for fishing tackle for those who fish or to organize other small items.
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Put any items that you want to access on a regular basis -- such as craft, art or sewing supplies -- on open shelves in baskets, small boxes or plastic containers. Label each container such as thread, cross-stitch patterns, paintbrushes, cotton floss, sewing needles, craft paint, buttons and fabric. Designate separate areas for art supplies, sewing items and craft supplies.
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File papers in a filing cabinet in the basement. This is especially beneficial when you don't have a home office to keep important documents such as passports, wills, insurance policies, work contracts, receipts, warranties and product manual instructions. Pick up a filing cabinet at a garage sale and purchase some file folders. Be sure to label each file.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have just remodeled your basement, consider built-in cabinets that provide closet space, open shelves and drawers. An economical solution for basement storage are shelving units that have the look of untreated wood and come in various widths, heights and depths to suit your storage needs.
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