12 Tips for Supremely Organized Basement Storage
Basements practically beg to store stuff. These pointers help them hold belongings safely, effectively and with uncompromising style
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Sometimes, a basement is simply best used as a storage spot. Even if you're planning to remodel your basement down the road, you can still take advantage of the available space now. Follow these professional tips for how to organize your stuff. You'll wonder how you ever did without this bonus storage room.
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| Kick off with a clean slate. Go through everything you own. “Starting from scratch can help you see the opportunities offered by your lower-level living area,” says interior designer Jennifer Riley Simone of Case Design/Remodeling Indy. “Purging is the name of the game here. Use a discerning eye to evaluate what you actually need to store and get rid of the rest. Always donate if possible.” Safety first. Sturdy shelving is a must for bin and box storage. “We suggest building heavy framed shelving with 2-by-4 studs and paintable plywood,” says Simone. “Measure the items you plan to store to ensure you have appropriate clearance and depth. Never place large or heavy storage items above 5 feet high; you risk injury when trying to get them down.” |
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| Test future layouts. “If you plan to eventually remodel, test out the functionality of your future plans by segregating different spaces with tape on the floor,” says Simone. “Then place your storage items in your proposed area and stick to the design. Are your items accessible to the stairs? What size doorways will you need to move stored items in and out? Test out different schemes until you find one that works.” Plan around the mechanicals. To keep costs down, try to incorporate storage areas around the locations of the house mechanicals: electrical, HVAC, plumbing etc. “That way they’re hidden yet easily accessible,” says Simone. |
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Get organized. If you have multiple storage areas or a large set of shelving, designate specific spots for different items. “Using clear storage allows you to see your valuables,” says Simone. “Large labels can also help you both find items and put them back in the same place.”
Evaluate the environment. Basements tend to be cold and wet, so make sure you use appropriate storage options to protect your valuables. Simone suggests plastic bins or specialty plastic bags to help keep the moisture out, or a dehumidifier to ward off moisture damage.
Evaluate the environment. Basements tend to be cold and wet, so make sure you use appropriate storage options to protect your valuables. Simone suggests plastic bins or specialty plastic bags to help keep the moisture out, or a dehumidifier to ward off moisture damage.
Go for cubbies. They’re probably one of the most popular storage solutions, and they offer great flexibility. “Cubbies are easy to build and can be self-standing to rearrange as storage needs change,” says interior designer Jillian Hack of Peregrine Design Build.
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Get clever with wall storage. Go beyond shelving units, as other options may prove more practical for your needs. Hack suggests wire racks, magnetic systems for tools and a pegboard for sewing essentials.
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| Look under the stairs. “The space beneath the stairs is always underutilized,” says Hack. Built-in shelves or cabinetry can make all the difference. Use the ceiling. Keep stuff safe from groundwater by getting it off the floor. “Create a flange system with simple framing material to create tracks on the ceiling,” says Hack. “Package everything into airtight Tupperware containers and hang it in the flange system to utilize space that would never otherwise been functional.” |
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Bring in baskets. Baskets help to conceal clutter and small items in an organized and easily accessible way. “Mix and match different baskets or create a shelving system that allows for multiple baskets of the same size,” says Hack.
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| Think lockers. “Lockers are a great way to organize personal items like winter wear, sporting gear and seasonal storage without seeing the clutter,” says Hack. Give kids their own lockers with magnetic labels to store seasonal gear. |
Ideabook published on Sept. 11, 2012.
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Another issue, what about radon? If we put something too heavy on the cement floor, will it crack the floor slowly over the years?