Top Tips for Decluttering Your Basement

Like the garage, the basement tends to be a space where more and more items get piled up as the years go on. From old clothes to furniture, tools to boxes filled with items you haven’t looked at in ages, anything and everything can end up in this room, which can cause it to become dangerously cluttered. The basement is meant to be a versatile space, allowing for extra storage or even extra living space if needed, but it must be organized to be able to function at its best. If your basement is cluttered and you don’t know where to start, we have just the help you need.

Here are our top tips for decluttering your basement.

Stage the Area

The great thing about the basement is that it’s capable of being a multi-use space, which is very advantageous, especially if you’re looking to maximize the square footage of your home. From play areas to offices, an extra living room to a home gym, there are plenty of ways to utilize this room in your home. The even better part is that you’re still able to store items, put in a laundry room or create multiple spaces when it’s mapped out properly. That’s where we recommend starting. Go down to your basement and take in its potential. Plan out each area in a way that works for you. Maybe one side of the basement will be for storage, while the other end will be where you’ll set up the kids’ playroom. In getting an idea of how you want to use the space, you’ll be able to create the basement you’ve always wanted.

Choose Proper Storage Tools

The basement is more prone to the elements than other areas of the home. It can be damp and dark, especially if it’s unfinished, so being mindful of how you store your items is important. Using sturdy, airtight containers will help you ensure that any items stored in these containers are kept in pristine condition. Whether you’re storing seasonal clothing in this space or holiday decorations, placing them in quality storage containers will help preserve their condition. You may also want to consider building multiple shelves, much like we suggested for the garage. In storing items up, you leave more space on the floor, so that you have ample room for your home theater, gaming center or man cave.

Make a Designated Laundry Area

If your laundry room is located in the basement, you’ll want to keep this area separate from the rest of the room, as well as expertly organized. Be sure to leave space to hang clothes, iron them and fold them, so that they’re not in the way of how the rest of the space is being used. Having a dedicated space for your laundry room will add so much more functionality to the space, offering a much less cluttered appearance.

Other Top Tips

Maintaining a decluttered basement takes some commitment, but it’s easily achieved. Other top tips we have include:

·         Using multipurpose storage furniture

·         Setting aside time to regularly declutter

·         Labeling all boxes and storage bins

·         Sticking to a plan and maintaining organization

Don’t let your basement become the place where unwanted things go to pile up. Getting organized will help you create a functional space that has the potential to add even more value and comfort to your home.