1. Home
  2. Hacks & How-to's

Take on your cluttered basement with this organizing guide

By

Is your basement your home’s catch-all for clutter? You’re not alone. Many people use the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality when it comes to their less-than-tidy basement, filling it with a mix of seasonal decor, treasured family mementos, tools, and plain-old trash. But your basement can be so much more.

Whether you plan to turn your basement into a space for the kids to gather with their friends, a man-cave for the guys, or you just want to find the things you are looking for when you need them, organizing your basement is always a good idea. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know how to start the basement organizing process, we’re here to help. Our simple tips will show you how to organize your basement and make it easier than you thought possible.

Recommended Videos

Start fresh

Before you begin any basement organizing project, you’ll need to start fresh. Remove everything from your basement and find a  suitable “staging site” to temporarily house everything—the garage or even the backyard (weather permitting).

If your basement is too large to tackle the entire cleanup at once, section it off and do it in stages and by categories. For example, start with Christmas decorations, tools, or boxed baby items. Do the same process for each category of items.

Sort: This takes the most time, but it’s where your newfound organization will really pay off. Go through every item, and every box, putting things into one of three categories:

  • Keep 
  • Donate/Sell
  • Trash

When you decide to keep something, be sure it’s something you really need, use, or love, and then give it a quick clean before putting it back into the basement. Utilize plastic storage bins and other organizing products to keep items together by category and label every single box for easy identification. Repeat the process for every category and every part of the basement. 

Clean and paint

Now that the basement is empty, it’s time to give each section of the room a thorough cleaning.

Walls, floors, and windows should be vacuumed, swept, and washed until they are sparkling clean. Scrub walls and floors with detergent and water, followed up with a rinse of a diluted household bleach solution.
Note: make sure windows are open for proper ventilation. 

After the walls and floors dry, paint the walls for a fresh, clean look. Note: If you have moisture issues in your basement, start with a mold-retardant and waterproofing primer before painting.  

Organizing essentials

Now that you’ve thinned out your clutter and cleaned up your basement, it’s time to organize. 

  • Plastic bins do a far better job at keeping out moisture than cardboard boxes, so swap out any cardboard storage containers for plastic. Remember to label every bin for easy identification of the items inside.
  • Multi-tier shelves maximize your wall storage space and are perfect for storing paint, cleaning supplies, and other items you commonly need or use. Add hooks for storing extension cords, gardening tools, and brooms.
  • Don’t forget the stairwell! Good organization takes advantage of every square inch of storage potential, so think of the stairwell as an extension of the basement and use it for floating shelves, wall-mounted racks, and other storage solution items.
  • Heavy-duty hanging hooks can keep bicycles, beach umbrellas, and chairs stored for winter without taking up a single inch of available floor space.
  • Cubbies and customized built-in storage may be the answer if your basement is part of your family’s living space. They’ll provide ample storage and functionality while improving the aesthetic appeal of the room. There are many pre-made storage solutions available online or at your local home store, or you can DIY your own to suit your room’s unique style.
  • Wall-mounted pegboards take cluttered tools, cleaning or crafting supplies, and turn them into an organization masterpiece. Customize yours with wire racking units, hooks, mountable baskets, and more.
  • Curtains can be used for more than windows – try adding a tension rod and curtain to hide storage areas from sight.
  • Old cabinets from your kitchen renovation can find new life as basement storage. Mount cabinets above your washer and dryer for holding detergents, bleach, and other laundry essentials, or use them for extra pantry space for canned goods, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and more.

It’s easy for your basement to turn into the catch-all area of your home, but we’ve shown you how easy it can be to restore organization and sanity to even the messiest space. The trick is to purge what you’re not using and keep only the items you and your family need and love. Stick to your organization plan and take advantage of the storage items you’ve purchased or made to keep clutter at bay and stay organized every day.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Kim Renta
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kim has written for Bloomingdales, Movado, and various e-commerce wine sites. When she's not writing about wine and…
How to clean glass shower doors the right way (say goodbye to streaks)
The natural way to get a sparkling, clear shower door — without all the chemicals

Glass shower doors add a touch of elegance to any bathroom, but they can quickly lose their sparkle because of soap scum, grime, and pesky streaks. Fear not! With the right cleaning techniques and a few simple ingredients, you can restore your glass shower door to its pristine condition. Let's explore effective methods for how to clean glass shower doors without leaving behind streaks.
What is the best thing to use to clean glass shower doors?

When it comes to cleaning glass shower doors, you have two primary options: DIY natural cleaners or commercial glass cleaners. DIY solutions are often cost-effective and environmentally friendly, while commercial cleaners may offer convenience and specialized formulas for tough stains.
White vinegar and dish soap for cutting grime
For a powerful yet natural cleaning solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, adding a few drops of dish soap. Spray the solution onto the glass surface and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grime. Then, scrub gently with a sponge or microfiber cloth and rinse thoroughly with water. However, exercise caution when using vinegar on surfaces like natural stone, as it can cause damage.
Baking soda and dish soap instead of vinegar solution
If you prefer to avoid vinegar, a mixture of baking soda and dish soap can also effectively tackle grime on glass shower doors. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of dish soap, then apply it to the glass using a sponge or cloth. Scrub gently in circular motions, focusing on areas with stubborn stains, before rinsing thoroughly.
Lemon and lemon oil to kick streaks to the curb
Harness the power of citrus to banish streaks from your glass shower doors. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it directly onto the glass surface, focusing on areas with visible streaks. The acidic properties of the lemon help dissolve residue while leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent. For added protection against future water marks, lightly coat the glass with lemon oil after cleaning. Your glass won't streak again for a long time!
Tips for keeping your glass shower doors clean and streak-free

Read more
This is how much it really costs to replace the windows in your home
From window type to material, the scope of your project will affect your window replacement costs

Replacing a window is a bigger project than many homeowners realize. With so many options to choose from, windows come in a variety of materials and styles, each affecting their overall cost. Today, we’re discussing the window replacement cost, so you can get an idea of what to expect for your next renovation.

How much does it cost to replace a single window on average?
The cost to replace a window can range from anywhere between $450 and $1500, with the average price of a window replacement costing $730, according to MarketWatch. Depending on the type of window, the material, and the location you live, window replacement prices can change based on the scope of your project.

Read more
25 stellar staircase ideas to freshen up the look of your home
Not ready for an entire remodel? Update your staircase with one of these ideas

If you want to change the interior of your house, you can change out throw pillows and invest in new furniture, but your stairs are a set thing, right? Not quite. You may not be able to move stairs or rip them out entirely, but you can get creative about your stair design.

Changing up your staircase can be one way to upgrade the look of your home and it isn't as difficult as you may think. If you aren’t sure how to accomplish this, we’ve got 25 ideas ranging from subtle to dramatic to help you figure it out. Keep reading for inspiration on how to update your staircase.

Read more