Basement Organization
When organizing your basement the first step is to clear everything out. Next, if your basement is not finished, hire an expert to waterproof your basement. There’s nothing like a flood that destroys everything in your basement. You will also want to protect against mold or mildew. To do so, follow these steps;
Do not allow water to accumulate in your basement.
Do not use carpets in your basement
Use a dehumidifier to limit condensation and humidity which causes mold to grow. Set at 50% relative humidity.
Scrub the walls and floors with detergent and water, and rinse with a diluted bleach.
When dry, paint everything with a mold-retardant and waterproof primer.
If your basement is finished, or water and mold proof, you can now begin to create a plan for how to store your belongings in your basement. As is the same with other areas of the house, you want to clear the area, and then sort items into 4 piles (Keep, Trash, Donate, and Sell).
Basement Organization Ideas
Begin by purging and cleaning
When deciding whether to keep an item or get rid of it, ask yourself if you really need it, if you value it, or could it be of better use to someone else?
Do not store anything in your unfinished basement that is susceptible to mold. This includes
Paper products, cardboard, or photos
Mattresses, pillows, blankets, sheets, clothes or fabrics.
Wooden items
Musical instruments
Use DIY deodorizer to keep your basement smelling fresh
Create zones for different categories of storage (Seasonal, Holidays, etc.)
Utilize shelving that is off the ground, just in case of a flood.
Never store anything in direct contact with the floor.
Use airtight containers to keep out insects.
Add desiccant gel packets to help with moisture.
Use pegboard or custom hanging for your tools and equipment.
Install cabinets and extra storage near your washer and dryer.
These basement organizational tips have been brought to you by (Lauren Thomann, lifestorage.com)
