The basement is one of the most versatile spaces in any house, but many homeowners fill it with clutter, stacks of boxes, and unused furniture. Setting aside a weekend to organize your basement is a great way to maximize the space. You’ll get rid of clutter and make the basement more functional.

Use the Three-Box Method to Sort Clutter

A key obstacle many homeowners encounter when organizing their basement is clutter. The three-box method is an easy way to sort everything you own. Label three boxes or areas of the basement with “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash.” All items you want to keep will be placed in the appropriate spot as you organize. Place donation items in a cardboard box and drop them off at a local charity next time you run errands. Finally, put trash in the garbage cans or by the road for pick-up day.

Think About Purpose as You Organize Your Basement

Most basement spaces are large open areas, which means endless options for their use. When you organize this space, think about your goals for the area. You might hope to add another bedroom that will be used for guests. Maybe you would like to create a home theater where you can kick back with friends to watch football. The purpose will also influence what furniture and storage you need to purchase.

Choose Storage Options

After you determine the purpose of your basement, install the right furniture for the space. If you are going to convert the basement into a living room, an entertainment center and shelving for DVDs and gaming consoles would be appropriate. If you organize your basement to create a playroom for your children, bins to store toys would be helpful. A craft area or workshop can be arranged with pegboard, a work table, and cabinets or shelving. Whenever possible, repurpose the storage options you already have to save money.

Use Airtight Containers to Organize Your Basement

Even if you have not experienced flooding problems in the past, basements are vulnerable to moisture and may flood during a natural disaster. It’s best to store documents, electronics, and linens upstairs and out of the damp environment. However, if you are storing sentimental items or anything that might be damaged by moisture in the basement, use airtight containers. Plastic containers are easier to label, stack, and move around than their cardboard counterparts.

Use Shelving and Vertical Storage

Basements often have a lot of vertical space, so relying on horizontal storage solutions isn’t the best use of square footage. Metal shelving is an affordable, all-purpose option for organizing the basement. Place items in plastic bins, label the containers, and store them on the shelves. If you are setting up a family room, bookshelves or wall-mounted shelves will hold DVDs and tech devices to keep the floor clear.

JW Goad Home Inspections offers inspection services in the Clarksville area of Tennessee. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.