Need Ideas For An Empty Basement? We've Got 22 Of Them
Let’s cut the pretense and just call the basement by its real name: dumping ground.
Every piece of junk and clutter we think we might need someday but we’re not quite sure what to do with ends up in the basement.
Cast-off kitchen appliances you keep in case of emergency. Those curtains that might be perfect for some window, someday. Old comic books. The dog sweater from Aunt Edna.
Clean. It. Out.
We know. We can sense your shudder from here. But it has to be done. Next up: The fun part. Once you have that nice open space, the possibilities are endless.
10 Basement Clutter Clearing Tips
Here are 10 tips for clearing out that basement and 10 ideas for great ways to use your happy new space. Take a deep breath and dive in.- Spread Out Your Stuff — Are you staring at lots of boxes of stuff? Empty each one out into the middle of the room. It will force you to go through everything and make a decision about it.
- Pile, Pile, Pile — Create separate piles and label them: KEEP. DONATE. RECYCLE. TRASH.
- Deal With It — As you clear out, touch every single item. No leaving anything for “later.” Deal with each and every item as you pick it up — decide to keep it, donate it or toss it.
- Everything In Its Place — Separate the “keep” pile into new categories — craft supplies, toys, sports equipment. Assign each category a location: tuck craft supplies in clear plastic bins and stack them on a shelf. Send sports equipment to a sturdy bin in the garage. Label everything.
- Work On It Every Day — Even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Every bit of time adds up, and it’s less overwhelming than caging yourself down there for hours at a time.
- Ditch The Cardboard Boxes — Don’t use cardboard boxes for storage in your basement. They crumple and dent and they don’t protect items from dampness. Choose sturdy plastic containers instead.
- A Dumpster Is Your Best Friend — Have one ready in the driveway. Every item out of your basement and into the dumpster is a small victory.
- Take Breaks — When indecision sets in, you need to walk away for a bit. You’ll come back with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
- Shelve It — Shelves are important in a basement declutter, since you’ll need to keep your valuables safe from flooding. Metal shelving is affordable and easy to assemble, and it withstands heat and humidity better than wood.
- Hang It Up — Use hooks and pegs to store items up off the floor, freeing more space.