7 Organizational Tips for Basement Storage

If you are organized with your basement storage, you can avoid clutter, store your belongings better and also make optimal use of your living space. Basements are ideal for storing seasonal clothes, large pieces of luggage, canned food, paper and extra office supplies. Efficient basement storage enables you to have easy access to the items you need and also to keep them in good condition for a long time. Some useful organizational tips for basement storage are enlisted below.

1 – Organize All the Storage Items

There are several belongings we all need to store in the basement from time to time. You can use the basement to store non-perishable food items such as canned foods and sauces and vegetables such as onions and potatoes. You can keep away excess office supplies such as paper and stationery. Craft accessories and paper for the kids, pens and pencils, toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are all cheaper if bought in bulk. Organize all these items according to their area of use. It is preferable to have a separate storage area for food.

2 – Group Similar Items Together

Keep office paper and documents neatly stacked. Family photos can form another group of items. Stationery and small office items can be grouped into another box. Keep food items in the pantry.

3 – Store Items in Plastic or Metal Shelves

To protect your belongings from water damage, mold and mildew, avoid using wooden shelves or cardboard boxes for long term storage. Wood and cardboard are not moisture resistant, and in case of a moisture problem in your basement, these materials could cause damage to your stored items. Always ensure that your stored belongings have proper air circulation available. Congested storage may lead to mold or mildew.

4 – Use Labels for Containers

Accessibility is an important requirement when it comes to basement storage. You do not want to waste time going through all your stored articles, every time you need something from storage. The key to improving basement storage efficiency is the use of labels or clear containers. You can easily detect what is stored where, and spend minimal time searching. Make sure your labels are clear and easy to decipher, in case someone else is looking for something in the basement.

5 – Keep Heavy Items on Lower Shelves

Never keep heavy items on the top racks of shelves or cabinets. In case they topple over, someone could be seriously hurt. Avoid keeping chemicals or household cleaners in the bottom racks. Young children could easily access these items and harm themselves.

6 – Use Available Space Under Stairs

If you have free space under your basement stairs, use it efficiently by either building a storage shelf or neatly stacking boxes there. You could also keep large items such as luggage underneath the staircase.

7 – Discard or Give Away Items You do not Need

To free up storage space, minimize clutter and to improve air circulation, you must go through your stored items from time to time. Set aside those articles you have not used for a long time and consider donating them to your local charity.