How To organize Your Spooky Basement

Decluttering Your Basement

Is your basement dark and dreary? Decluttering these spaces can seem like an overwhelming task if you have a lot of stuff in there. Let’s just admit it, especially with clutter, the basement can seem a little spooky. Most basements are known as being unused areas in your house. The air is musty, the floors are damp, and it feels just a bit scary.

This Halloween Inspired DIY project will help you declutter your spooky basement and provide you with ideas to help improve the look, function, and organization of the space.

Is your basement a repository for everything that does not fit in the rest of your home? Do you dread having to go down there to do your laundry or get something that you need? Well, many feel the same way.

Uses for Your Basement

The first part is determining how you would like to use this space.  Do you want to create more living space? Workout section? Update your laundry room? First things first, start by making a plan. Think of your specific goals and what zones or areas you might want in the space; then create an action plan. Taking the time to plan, will help reduce any frustration as you begin working on your project.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when decluttering your basement:

1. Envision and write down how your ideal basement will be finished and furnished.
2. Create a map and list all of the clutter spots within the basement. Prioritizing your time will provide you with a better understanding of how much time you need to allocate to complete each task.
3. Create a list of must-haves for you to declutter your space. Set completion dates to keep you on track. Make sure to pick dates that are attainable as you start working.

Organizing Your Basement

Organizing what is currently in the space. If you want to get your basement organized, first you have to declutter to gain space. Refer back to your checklist and the grab storage solutions needed. This method forces you to decide what stays and what goes.

Start sorting everything into three piles:

1. Donate: These items tend to be in good condition.
2. Throwaway: Anything that is garbage, unrepairable, or not usable.
3. Keep/Storage: All items that you plan to keep and use for the future.

Mentally prepare yourself when you choose to start decluttering your basement and keep in mind there will be tough decisions going through the process.

Key Things To Remember For A Big Project

1. Before you commit to the entire room, start with a few small areas. One drawer, one shelf at a time; This will give you a sense of accomplishment and create momentum to continue working.
2. It helps to start with the usable space first. (Countertops, shelves, and drawers). These areas can be clutter magnets. Clearing these spaces will allow you to rearrange and prioritize what to use them for. Plus it’s typically the most seen and used space. It will feel instantly better!
3. The 80/20 rule: Your goal is to get rid of the things that take up space and you do not use 80% of the time.
4. You can have space or things but not both. Clear out what you no longer need, to make space for what you do.

Conclusion

By now you should well be on your way to a little less spooky and clutter-free basement. Declutter and sort your items, then place the items back in an organized way, decorating, and enjoying your space. Are you still feeling overwhelmed and in need of some help?  Contact us for a complimentary consultation today!

Wandering if you need professional organizer? Get our guide here.

See you soon,

Audra