How to Organize Your Basement: Quick Tips to Control the Chaos

In today’s modern world, it seems that none of us have enough storage space to keep all the tools, supplies, clothes, and cherished memorabilia that we collect throughout our lives. It’s got to go somewhere, and for many people – that somewhere is their basement. These utilitarian areas can be the perfect spot to shove something away that you use infrequently, or that you use frequently (hello, wine collection), and want to want to keep but want to keep safe.

What many also don’t know, however, is how to organize a basement to make sure items are labeled, protected, and accessible. Who could blame us? It’s not like they teach basement organizing tips in school – though maybe they should consider it.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get control of your basement storage, you’ve come to the right place. Read through the tips below to learn how to organize your basement by sorting, storing, and decluttering all of the household and personal pieces that have found a home there. Who knows? You might get so inspired you clean out your closets and garages as well!

Keep scrolling to learn what the experts suggest we do to makeover our basement storage and successfully transition out of chaos and clutter.

DIY Tips to Clean Out Your Basement

Taking on a basement cleanout can feel overwhelming at first but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process much more approachable. Ready to get started? Here’s how:

Remove All Items

First things first—clear out the space. Remove all items from your basement and place them in a storage unit. This step might seem daunting, but trust us, it’s essential. By getting everything out of the way, you’ll have a blank canvas to work with, making it easier to clean and organize your space.

Inspect for Damage and Mold

Once your basement is cleared, take the opportunity to inspect for any signs of damage or mold. Basements are notorious for moisture issues, so look for water stains, dampness, and mold growth. Addressing these issues now can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Don’t forget to check the foundation walls and floor for cracks or leaks. If you find any problems, it may be wise to consult a professional.

Dust and Wipe Surfaces

Now that your basement is empty and inspected, it’s time to dust and wipe down all surfaces. Basements tend to collect a lot of dust, so give shelves, furniture, and other fixtures a thorough cleaning. Use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution to wipe down surfaces, ensuring that dust and dirt are removed effectively.

Vacuum and Clean Floors

With surfaces cleaned, turn your attention to the floors. Vacuuming is a great way to pick up loose dirt and debris that might have been missed during the initial removal of items. After vacuuming, mop the floors to give them a deep clean. If you have carpeted areas, consider using a carpet cleaner to freshen them up.

Check and Clean Vents

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy basement environment. Check your vents for dust and debris and clean them thoroughly. This not only improves air quality but also helps prevent potential issues with mold and mildew.

Check and Replace Light Bulbs

Last but not least, ensure your basement is well-lit. Check all light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Good lighting can make a world of difference, not just in visibility, but also in making the space feel more inviting. Consider using LED bulbs for better energy efficiency and longer-lasting light.

Where to Start? Expert Tips for DIY Basement Organization

Now that your basement is clean, it’s time to focus on organization. Where should you begin? Here are some expert tips to guide you:

• Categorize Your Items: Group similar items together. This could be holiday decorations, sporting equipment, tools, etc. Categorizing makes it easier to find what you need and keeps everything organized.
• Use Clear Storage Bins: Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside without having to open each one. Labeling them can also help in quickly identifying the contents.
• Shelving Solutions: Invest in sturdy shelving units. Vertical storage can save floor space and keep your items accessible. Adjustable shelves offer flexibility for different sized items.
• Create Zones: Designate specific areas for different types of items. For example, sports gear in one corner, holiday decorations in another. This zoning helps maintain order and makes the space more functional.
• Regular Maintenance: An organized basement requires regular upkeep. Schedule periodic cleanouts to keep clutter at bay and ensure everything remains in its designated place.
• Utilize Wall Space: Hooks and pegboards can be a great way to store tools, bikes, and other items off the floor, freeing up more space.
• Donate or Discard Unused Items: If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Donate items in good condition, and discard anything that’s broken or no longer needed.

Basement Organizing Tip #1: Assess Your Space

First thing’s first: take a survey of the space you’ve got. After all, you can’t organize anything that you don’t understand. It takes a bit of effort but do yourself a favor by measuring your basement and then roughly sketching out a floorplan. Not only is this key to figuring out what exactly you’re working with but having the measurements handy if and when you purchase storage items like racks or shelving will be a major timesaver.

Basement Organizing Tip #2: Get Vertical

One of the risks of using an unfinished basement for storage is that your stuff could potentially be damaged by water, temperature swings, and even pests. As anyone who’s ever lifted up an old cardboard box only to have the rotted bottom fall out will tell you, you want to get your items off of the floor STAT. The easiest and fastest way to do this is to use the measurements from basement organizing tip #1 to buy or build shelving.

Basement Organizing Tip #3: Contain the Clutter

Once you’ve got shelving in place, the next step is to invest in some clear storage bins or tubs that fit the shelves. As you begin to consider which items should be stored in these clean, new containers, you’ll naturally find yourself deciding not only which things you want to keep – but where exactly they should go. When it comes to placing the bins on your shelves, storage and organization expert Matt Baier suggests, “The more often you are likely to access items, the closer they should be to eye level.” 

Basement Organizing Tip #4: Label, Label, and Label Some More

The key to a great storage solution is knowing exactly where your things are – all of the things. If it makes you more excited to attack this task, go ahead and buy a label maker. This small luxury might just be the prompt you need to finally get ‘er done. If that’s not in your budget (or you’re just worried about buying yet another thing to store), The Spruce recommends using painter’s tape and a marker, as masking tape can become brittle and fall apart over time.

Basement Organizing Tip #5: Purge

While you’re moving through the steps laid out above, you’ll likely find many items you no longer have need or use for. This is a great time to purge your belongings and get them in the hands of people who could really use them. Set up different areas for items you want to “keep,” “sell,” “donate,” and “trash.” As soon as you’ve got everything sorted, move the “donate” and “trash” items out of your space immediately. Take pictures of the “sell” items and list them on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor or Craiglist. (It’s a good idea to give yourself a deadline of how long you’ll hang on to these pieces if they don’t sell immediately.) Now you’re set to tackle the “keep” pile!

Basement Organizing Tip #6: Find Spots for the Hard to Store

Basements can serve as catchalls for stuff we have no idea how or where to store. Items that fit in bins and boxes are great, but if you’ve got hanging clothes, household tools, or anything else that needs a different storage option, you’re going to have to get creative. The Family Handyman suggests building double-decker shelves with hooks to neatly stow paint and cleaning supplies horizontally on the shelves and hanging tools like brooms and shovels vertically on the hooks.

Basement Organizing Tip #7: Admit When You Need Help

Any organization project can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. There is no shame in asking for help from your friends and loved ones. Oftentimes, having another person’s perspective will help you quickly determine if something is actually worth keeping – or if you’re just sentimentally attached. If you realize that one of the main issues is a simple lack of room, it might be time to consider a renting a self-storage space for the short- or long-term.

Basement Organizing Tip #8: Revisit Your Work

Our last bit of advice on how to organize your basement is to consider it an ongoing project. Try to revisit what you’ve stored on a seasonal (or at least annual) basis. Not only will this remind you of all the items you have, it will give you an opportunity to further purge belongings you no longer need. Keeping clutter under control is not a “one and done” situation. Make a commitment to yourself – and your home – to stay on top of the task, even when everything is labeled and stored away.  

Looking for more tips for basement organizing success? Click on the articles we’ve linked to above and check out these useful posts as well:

Easy Ways to Organize a Basement – Budget Dumpster

How to Declutter and Organize the Basement – So Much Better WIth Age

10 Basement and Garage Organizing Mistakes – Just a Girl and Her Blog