A home
basement serves many purposes, including additional living space and storage. It is a fact, that homes never have enough storage space. Having a
basement is a major asset for families with small children and seniors. When you have a
basement, it is not always necessary to build external storage like a
shed.
EZ Greensboro Junk Removal While basements have many benefits, they can also be a burden. You would be surprised by the large volume of homeowners and tenants who ignore their
basements. They continue to fill the space with unused items that are not ready for recycling or the landfill. Before you know it, the
basement is packed to the brim with everything from unused clothes, toys, baby furniture, holiday decorations, sports memorabilia, and athletic gear. Even if there is a
basement, the space becomes useless once it is full. This is why some households recycle their unused item to ensure there is always
basement space.
Basement Storage Tips
Most basements are unfinished, meaning they are not suitable living spaces. With this said, the space is still suitable for
storage, just not for everything. It is crucial to know the storage recommendations for items before placing them in storage. For example, winter clothes should not be stored in damp
basements. Clothing exposed to humidity will mildew, mold, and eventually deteriorate. Floor mats, bed linen, drapes, shoes, pillows, stuffed animals, handbags, napkins, tablecloths, coats, and wedding dresses should not be stored in damp basements Canning jars, dishes, silverware, bicycles, outdoor furniture, surfboards, planters, sports gear, and appliances are generally approved for damp storage. However, it is crucial to keep these items out of water.
Basement Storage Preparation
Prepping items before they enter
basement storage is crucial. Items that are improperly stored are exposed to the elements even in a
basement. As previously mentioned, basements are generally damp, which can lead to mold and mildew. If you are lucky enough to have a finished
basement, storage issues are minimal. It is still just as important to prepare each item before it enters storage.
- Install a dehumidifier in damp basements to reduce humidity levels
- Wood furniture should not be stored in damp basements. Wood prone to humidity damage will warp over time
- Photos, personal documents, tax returns, and other paper items should not be stored in damp basements. Placing these items in resealable plastic storage containers may not be enough to protect them from dampness
- Install wall shelves above floor level for storage
Basement Storage Organization
It cannot be stressed enough, the importance of organization when it comes to dry
basement storage. An organized
basement will offer quick and easy access to the furnace, water heater, electric box, plumbing pipes, and the items in storage.
- Install cabinets alongside the interior walls. Utilize the wall cabinets for unused plastic toys, dishes, home decorations, shoes, bed linen, and electronics
- Install shelves alongside the interior walls for home improvement materials. Here, you can safely store paint cans, caulk, varnish cans, roofing tars, drain openers, paint removers, foam insulations, and wood putties
- Make space specifically for lawn care, such as lawnmower oil, filters, sparkplugs, weed killers, and degreasers
- Install wall fixtures for your hand tools. Utilize hooks for grass shears, rakes, levels, hacksaws, wrenches, pipe wrenches, wire strippers, scrapers, and clamps. Shelves with dividers can be utilized for all other hand tools and battery-powered tools
Utilize Resealable Plastic Containers
Resealable plastic containers are ideal for arts & crafts materials, small toys, paper files, sheets, pillowcases, curtains, and books. Plastic containers can also be utilized as file boxes for your personal and business documents. It is recommended to utilize clear plastic containers for more transparency. Instead of searching through all the containers to find a specific item, you will have visibility without opening the lids.
Organizational Holiday Decoration Storage
An organizational strategy is vital for storing holiday decorations. Storage experts recommend utilizing a system that allows decorations to be rotated. The first container should contain decorations for the upcoming holiday. For example, it is June when the storage shelves are installed. So, the next holiday is Independence Day or July 4. Your Independence Day decorations should be placed in the first open slots. The next holiday is Labor Day, followed by Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Once Independence day is over, move your Labor Day decorations into the first slot. Move each storage container forward until the last slot is empty. This is where your Independence Day decorations will be stored.
Nonperishable Food Storage
Most families buy nonperishable food products in bulk to save money. The
basement is a great place to store canned vegetables, dried lentils, raw pasta, nuts, herbs, sauces, salsas, oatmeal, sauerkraut, canned fruits, cocoa, rice, jams, jellies, teas, juices, and vinegar. It is perfectly okay to store opened flour, meal, dried beans, herbs, raw pasta, and rice. However, these food products should be stored in airtight plastic or glass containers. Home canned fruits and vegetables like peaches, green beans, salsas, corn, pickles, beets, asparagus, sauerkraut, pickled corn, jellies, and jams should be stored on shelves.
Utilize Area Under Stairs For Storage
The area underneath the stairs makes the ideal storage for household items, toys, books, arts & crafts materials, and guest linen. To take advantage of the under-the-stairs space, it is recommended to build a custom shelf or cabinet. Add a door to complete the space.
Laundry Room Expansion
Laundry rooms are utilized for washers, driers, ironing boards, irons, and laundry detergent. Only a small shelf is needed for folding and ironing clothes. Unused space can be utilized for nonperishable food storage, bed linen, cleaning supplies, and kitchenware.
Build Tool Storage Space In Garage
It is vital for households to take advantage of every inch of space in their garages.
Garages are utilized storage of one or two vehicles. There is generally extra space alongside the interior walls. Here, you can build storage for hand tools. Industrial shelves work great for
garage storage. A wall pegboard works great for hand tools with handles that have holes. Scrapers, handsaws, levels, adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, spatulas, scissors, and ratchets. A wall shelf with dividers can be utilized for hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, mallets, chisels, cutters, vises, clamps, and knives.
Additional Living Space
A finished
basement makes the ideal living space for a young adult, teenager, or senior family member. Waterproofing of walls and floors is a requirement to create a
basement living space. Most homeowners hire professional service providers to seal their
basements. If you consider yourself a skilled handyman, you can save money by doing it yourself. Once the walls and floor are sealed, you can install drywall or paneling and tile to create a living space.
