Basements can be great places to store items but often they can become a place where clutter takes over and organization is non-existant. You do not need to wait for spring cleaning to get control over the clutter. Organizing your basement can be a big job but once you get started the results will be worth the effort.
Step1- Do not go out and purchase storage bins until you are partially through the organization process. The first step in organizing your basement is to rid yourself of the clutter. The only items you need to get started are some heavy duty trash bags and whatever boxes you have laying around. A black Sharpie marker will come in handy and maybe some heavy duty tape.
Step 2- Where to begin? The best way to go about it is to head off to the far corner of your basement. With trash bags ready, choose a small area to begin with. The point of this is to organize your basement for the storage of items that you use on a seasonal basis.
Step 3- If you are not the yard sale type, donating your unwanted items is another option. You are going to come across items such as toys, books, video tapes and old clothing that is just taking up space. Just as when you clean out a closet, if you have not used the item in more than 1 year, it needs to go. Exceptions to this rule are sentimental items. Of course, if you find yourself overly sentimental you will need to get control over those feelings. Most clutter is due to not being able to part with items. Consider that if you are not putting things to use they could be of use to someone else. Play on your charitable emotions in order to let go.
Step 4- Use empty boxes to help you sort through items in your basement. Visually plan where you will store items such as seasonal decorations and summer lawn furniture. Grouping things together by season makes them easier to store and find later.
Step 5- If you find that you have an excess of things such as Christmas decorations and you really do not use all of them, consider giving some to family or friends. Letting go will free up more space.
Step 6- If your basement is partially finished, consider the idea of creating a workshop area or fitness area. Having a goal to use your basement for activities other than just storage will help you to get it organized.
Step 7- As you move to different sections of your basement, remove trash in order to keep from mistaking trash for items that you are donating or saving. Once you are 3/4 done with removing clutter, you will have a better idea of what kind of storage bins you may need to purchase. Take into account the idea that basements can often be damp and storage bins should have secure lids and be labeled.
See How to Organize Your Basement – Part 2 for more tips on storage.
