Basements are often a dumping ground for items we think we “might need someday”, or they hold items that we are going to get rid of “one day”. Does this sound like your basement?  You can take a few easy steps to reclaim that space and make it an organized space with a designated spot for each item. Here’s how to get started.

Start by De-cluttering

Don’t start to organize until you’ve gone through your items and putting then into 5 piles. You can call these piles:

Items you’ll need to get at continually throughout the year.
Things you need occasionally (such as holiday decorations or  season specific sports gear).
Mementos that you don’t have space to show, but would like to save anyway.
Items you can give away (to friends, relatives or a thrift store).
Items that you know you won’t use ( this is the trash pile)

Once you’ve done this, throw away the trash pile right away and get those items to your friends or family ASAP.  Now you only have 3 piles left.

Designing Your Storage

Divide areas in your basement that will be most appropriate for these items.  Will they go into the storage room? Mask off an area in that room that is going hold these items. Designing a space big enough to hold items listed below is key to having an organizational system that will work.

Tools
Craft and sewing
Holiday decorations
Sports equipment
Suitcases
Camping equipment
Stored furniture
Seasonal clothing
Memorabilia

A tall shelving unit is great for not taking up too much floor space, but will you be able to remove heavy items off of the shelves. Take time to think about what is going on the shelves and how you will access them when needed.

Build a Safe Storage System

There are loads of storage systems available to buy that are pre-made, there are also options to making your own as well.

2×4 studs purchased at the lumber store and painted is an inexpensive storage solution and can be custom designed to your specific height and width requirements. Once they are painted they make a good, sturdy solution.
There are super hard plastic shelves that can be purchased now at your local hardware store.
You could put up a peg board for craft items or to even hang tools and kids toys on too. For the kids you can paint them with fun colours.
Large Hooks can be used for hanging bicycles or other larger items from the ceiling. This saves the floor space.

Best Containers For Your Items

There is such a wide variety of plastic boxes with tight lids that are available. The nice thing about these containers is they stay dry and often keep your items safe from mildew. Using the clear plastic containers is great because you can see what’s inside without having to open each container. It’s still a good idea to label the containers anyway. You can use different colour labels or markers that make it easy to spot what you need faster.

Organizing your basement can take time, but think about the space you are going to be getting back. You’ll feel less stress going into your basement and you just mind find something pretty interesting you have forgotten about. Start with one room at a time down there and before you know it the task of organizing your basement is finished.

You should be enjoying and using every space in your home.

Thank you for reading.
Irene Bilinski – Ottawa/Orleans Real Estate Representative