How to Organize a Basement and Make the Most of the Space

Freestanding metal or plastic shelving are ideal for basement storage. Sheila Say/Shutterstock

Dread going into the basement? You are not alone. Take advantage of being stuck inside during the cold weather to easily and efficiently transform a cluttered basement into one of the most favored rooms in the home.

The first step is to place everything into boxes labeled Keep, Donate, and Discard. Also, consider adding a Garage Sale box (but be honest; if you lack sales experience and there’s not much in the box, it may be best to move these items to the Donate box), and most importantly, a “Keep for 30 Days, Then Decide” bin to avoid impulsive mistakes, particularly with sentimental things.

If possible, clean out the entire basement. As this is not likely in most cases, the next best thing is to work on one section at a time. While you’re at it, check each area of the basement carefully for cracks, water intrusion, etc., and make any necessary repairs immediately.

Unfinished Conditions

If the basement is unfinished and prone to dampness, make sure that the storage solutions can withstand these conditions. This means no cardboard boxes, family photos, important documents, and other vulnerable items.

Painting is another option to consider while the walls are exposed and the floor area is cleared. Paint the basement with a concrete and masonry waterproofer such as DryLok. Ideally, the basement should be painted all at once, but it can be done in sections if care is taken when overlapping the painted areas.

As even the best-sealed basement can have water damage in flood conditions, it’s best to not store anything directly on the ground; instead, opt for shelving that has the bottom shelf a few inches off the ground. Another option is to store things on the floor in sturdy plastic bins. Keep in mind that while a stack of bins may be a cheap option, it can soon become tedious to access items in the bins on the bottom.

Designer Instincts

The open layout of most underutilized basements allows for serious customization. One easy option is to pull everything that’s left in the Keep pile after the sorting into the center of the room, and set up dedicated shelving for the most common clutter category items along the walls.

Think seasonal, kids’ toys, cleaning supplies, food storage, paint and other DIY supplies, and more, as needed. Leave space for a workbench—with a pegboard to allow easy access to tools—or a laundry sorting table. The design is limited only by one’s imagination and needs.

This is also the time to section off an area that can be turned into a living space—whether that’s a kids’ playroom, man cave, or entertainment room. Software such as RoomSketcher, which offers five free projects, allows ideas to be easily modified on a computer screen until satisfied.

Tools and other items can be hung on a pegboard for tidy organization and easy access. Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Basement Basics

Most basement storage solutions include freestanding metal or plastic shelving. This self-supporting shelving can be set against walls or lined up in rows throughout the basement for even more storage. They’re resistant to moisture, can be moved to accommodate minor layout changes, and are available in a variety of load-bearing capacities to accommodate everything from camping gear to heavy paint cans.

Wood shelving can be a DIY option for the ultimate build-to-suit customization. Consider pressure-treated wood and plywood.

Bins on the shelves help organize things further while protecting their contents from moisture and pests. While opaque storage bins are ideal for garage storage because they offer more privacy, clear plastic storage bins rule in the basement.

Also, label everything with a label maker or permanent marker. This makes both retrieving and returning items simple and straightforward.

Remember to always place heavy items on the bottom shelf. You may even want to anchor the shelves to the wall.

Not Done Yet

In addition to getting the tallest shelf units possible to maximize vertical space, consider customizable wire shelves to place above the washer/dryer, slop sink, and other bare wall space.

The ultimate budget saver is to repurpose old kitchen cabinets as enclosed storage, or even old furniture; a bookshelf is ideal to organize the laundry area, a sturdy desk can be repurposed as a workbench; and even an unused dresser can be used for enclosed storage.

Cleaning tools can be hung on a heavy-duty hook organizer. While most basement ceilings are too low for a ceiling-mounted storage rack, if the beams are exposed, use furring strips counter to the rafters to keep 1-by-2s, 2-by-4s, PVC piping, and other DIY leftovers.

Speaking of DIY project leftovers, consider using leftover pressure-treated wood to build some simple shelves or cubes for the area underneath the staircase.

Attic Arrangements

The first step to utilizing attic storage is to make sure that it has a stable floor or install plywood over the rafters to create one. Also, consider installing a fold-up access ladder.

Every Inch

Even attics with V- or W-shaped roof trusses can be maximized by purchasing a shelf kit or building wood shelves that rest between the chords (the space between the slanted beams). If DIYing, be sure to secure the shelves with long wood screws.

What and How

Never store photographs, paint, candles, perishables, musical instruments, wool, or expensive linen clothing in the attic, particularly in an uninsulated attic. Do use clear plastic containers and bins to organize and protect against attic dirt and dust.

Air Takes Up Space

Storing seasonal attire and linens in the attic is a common practice, but clothing can be bulky, particularly winter coats and comforters. Vacuum storage bags offer burly protection while maximizing space.