It’s that time of year again. Time to clean out the basement! It doesn’t always have to be spring to do that deep cleaning! Cleaning out the basement can be a big hassle, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
The biggest concern people have is deciding between trash and treasure! It’s not that easy. Great grandma’s baby blanket? Maybe that should be stored in a nice place. An old apple core? Well, that could be thrown out. Here are seven tips to help make the process a little bit easier.
1. Get Rid of Unnecessary Items:
Start by going through everything in the basement and getting rid of items you no longer need. This can include old books, outdated electronics, clothes that no longer fit, or furniture that is beyond repair. You might consider selling some of these items. If not, donate them to a local charity project.
2. Consider a Storage Unit:
If you don’t want to get rid of items that are still useful, consider renting a storage unit. This will help keep your basement free of clutter and make it easier to organize.
Some items that would be good to put in a storage unit include old furniture, holiday decorations, and sports equipment. This will help free up space in your basement and make it easier to organize. You might also consider putting old treasures in your storage unit. They would be available whenever you need them, but out of your current living space.
3. Sort Everything Into Piles:
Once you’ve gone through the items in your basement, sort them into piles based on what they are or how often you use them. This can include items that need to be thrown out, items that need to go into storage, and items you want to keep.
4. Get Rid of Old Documents:
Old documents such as bills or receipts can take up a lot of space in your basement. Make sure to shred these or dispose of them properly so they don’t end up in the wrong hands.
5. Organize Your Shelves:
Once you’ve sorted your items, take the time to organize them on shelves or in bins. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your basement looking neat and tidy. Some people color-coordinate. Others sort things alphabetically. Do whatever works best for you!
6. Turn Unused Space Into Storage:
Look for any unused space in your basement that can be turned into extra storage. This can include underneath the stairs, in the corners, or even along walls that are not being used.
7. Create a Maintenance Plan:
The last step is to create a maintenance plan for keeping your basement organized and clutter-free. This should include checking on it regularly and organizing items as needed so it doesn’t become a huge project once a year!
By following these tips, you can transform your basement from a cluttered mess into an organized storage area. With the right plan in place, you’ll be able to keep it tidy and make the most of the space in your home. Basements don’t have to be dark and messy! It can be the entertaining area of the home!