A basement with comfy seating, useful surfaces and ample storage is a wonderful place to be
1. Declutter
As with any organization project, you’ll want to kick things off with a serious declutter sesh. Decluttering is like some twisted form of fun for those precious souls who love to organize. For others, it’s a big headache that you’ll want to put off for as long as possible. Hence, you may be tempted to skip this step, but doing so will fill you with regret later on in the organizing process. Decluttering will make things a lot easier in the next few steps.
So persevere! Or maybe befriend one of those weird ones who enjoy it. Either way works. Separate your belongings into four categories to simplify the job.
Keep
In the beginning, it will seem like everything should go in this category. But once you dig a little deeper (literally and figuratively), you’ll realize that many of your items just aren’t serving a purpose in your home anymore. If you’re really struggling with the decision to keep or kick to the curb, it’s time to go Marie Kondo:
Does it bring you joy?
Have you used it within the last year?
Does it offer some sentimental value?
If not, it’s time to take Elsa’s advice and let it go.
Sell
It should be fairly easy to add to this category. After all, you may be getting rid of some things...but those things will turn into cash once the process is over. Consider selling items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, at your local secondhand store, or using online services like thredUP or Poshmark. Make sure your items are in working condition (or at least capable of being repaired) and be transparent about the status of the item when you list it for sale.
Donate
Can’t sell it? Or just don’t want to hassle with it? Go green! If at all possible, donate your items rather than throwing them in the trash. This will save your items from landfills and give them a second life with someone who might appreciate them and not just keep them shoved into a dark corner of the basement for untold months or years.
You may be able to donate to a nearby thrift store, homeless shelter, or other charitable organization. Some charities will even pick up the items at your house so you don’t have to interrupt Operation: Basement Organization.
Throw Away
Hopefully, this will be your smallest category. In our eco-friendly era, it’s better to recycle, donate, or sell your belongings than to add them to the world’s overflowing landfills. But some items simply can’t be recycled or reused, and it’s time to say goodbye. Be sure to check with your garbage service to make sure your belongings can be safely disposed of in the trash.
2. Prepare the Space
The hard part is over! The rest of the process will go quickly, and now it’s time to get down to business. Our next basement organization tip is to prepare the space for your super awesome new organization system. That includes the following.
Cleaning
After all your decluttering, you’ve probably got more than a few dust bunnies and mysterious crumb piles lying around your basement. Get rid of them by sweeping, vacuuming, spraying down surfaces, etc. You’ll love having a blank canvas for storing and displaying the items that have made the cut.
Painting
There’s no better way to transform your basement than with a fresh coat of paint. If your basement is a dark and uninviting space, bring warmth and light by painting the walls a bright white, a calming light blue, or a classic gray.
Renovating
Want to take things a step further? Your unfinished basement might be ready for an overhaul. If you have the time and the budget, you may want to consider a complete renovation. Install carpet or hardwood flooring; bring in a couch, chair, and desk; install a TV; and make it your new favorite spot to hang out.
Organize your basement using bins with these reliable Bin Holder Brackets
3. Create a Spot for Everything
Here comes the most rewarding step: putting all of your belongings away in their new home. Oh wait—you still have no idea where you’re going to put everything? In that case, it’s time to go shopping. We’re talking bins, shelves, cabinets, hooks...all the stuff you need to organize your basement to a T. By creating a designated spot for everything, your basement will be far more likely to stay organized, rather than looking like a bomb went off no less than a week later.
You know, we may actually know where to find all those goodies...hmmm...
4. Install a Wall Storage System
When you have items you’re just not sure where to put, you may be inclined to toss everything into a corner and turn out the light. Stop right there! Go the extra mile by installing a wall storage system, which will allow you to save on space and give you easy access to your belongings any time you need them. This is the perfect way to house all the tools for your favorite hobby, seasonal decor, wrapping paper, etc.
5. Make an Inventory List
You’ve gone to all the effort of keeping and organizing all this stuff, and now you can’t even remember what you own. Sound familiar? Avoid this common pitfall by making an inventory list. Yep, it’s time to embrace your inner nerd! Whip up a spreadsheet, bring out the clipboards, or better yet, tape a laminated list on the front of every bin or shelf.
Having an inventory list will help you avoid rummaging through every bin when you’re looking for the snow clothes or knitting supplies. Trust us, your future self will thank you. Which will be an anticlimactic way to utilize time travel, but who are we to judge?
Organize Your Basement with Flow Wall
Ready to put these basement organization storage ideas into action? We like your enthusiasm!
But before you get started, check out Flow Wall systems that can make your basement organization dreams come true. From deluxe cabinet sets to customized wall panels and accessories, Flow Wall is your one-stop-shop for storage solutions.
If you’re not sure what you need, use our free design services to reimagine your neglected basement, transforming it into a spot you actually use. Imagine that!
