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Do you spend as little time in your basement as possible? Is it such a mess that you can’t stand being in it for more than a few minutes at a time? If this is the case, it may be time to work to declutter your basement and give it a good clean. Not only will you gain more storage space by decluttering, but you will also add value to the area once you are through with it.
Many homeowners don’t see their basement as a place to renovate. But a clean, organised basement will help increase the value of your home and bring more enjoyment to your life. Read on for tips on how to declutter your basement to make it more attractive.
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Decluttering Your Basement
Set a time limit as you declutter
You may look at your basement and feel completely overwhelmed by all the old clothes, toys, glassware, boxes, and more that is strewn about. Break up your time into 15 to 20-minute intervals. Taking smaller steps will help the process of decluttering go much more smoothly, and it won’t be as intimidating that way.
Install shelving units along the walls
Instead of keeping everything scattered on the ground, install sturdy shelving units along one side of the wall. You can also buy pre-built shelves that will fit neatly along one side of the basement. Use these shelves to stack your belongings on so that they are off the ground and organized. This gives the appearance of more space in your basement.
Use large plastic bins with strong lids
Keep everything in your basement organized with large plastic bins. Separate craft items, seasonal decorations, bins of clothes, old paperwork, and more by storing everything in bins that close with strong lids. Make sure you label everything clearly. It won’t hurt to put a label on the top of the bin as well as the side, so you can always find what you are looking for quickly and easily.
Designate an area for garbage and recycling
As you clean your basement, don’t hesitate to get rid of the things you don’t use anymore. We often keep knick-knacks, paperwork, old clothes that don’t fit anymore, obsolete electrical items, and more in our basement in case we need them someday. Nine of ten times, we don’t. Anything that can be recycled, put in boxes and bags. Throw out anything that isn’t worth donating. Most importantly, don’t leave those boxes and bags laying around-take them out of the basement and free up the room as soon as you have them sorted and packed.
Designate areas for all of your belongings
If you are like most homeowners, your washer and dryer are in the basement. Make sure all of your laundry needs are kept right next to the pair. You’ll also want to designate a special area just for holiday decorations, labelled clearly so you can find them easier. Keep bins and boxes of things you use the least in the back, and keep items you use more often in the front.
Upselling Your Basement
Install a basement dehumidifier
If you are trying to upsell your basement, you certainly don’t want to risk having mold pop up anywhere. Basements are often a breeding ground for mold because they don’t get the same amount of heat and sunlight that other rooms do, which results in high humidity levels and increased moisture. Installing a dehumidifier in your basement is your best bet when you need to keep the moisture out of the air. You’ll choose the preferred level of humidity you want in your basement on the unit. When it registers that level in the air the unit will kick on, drawing in the excess moisture and converting it into water. Check out Leslie Phillips’ handy list of the best dehumidifiers for basements that will help you make the right choice.
Repaint your concrete floors
One way to greatly improve how your basement looks is to paint the concrete floors if you have them. It isn’t as hard as it sounds! Check your local hardware store for concrete paint, and then get to work when you get home. Your floor will look like new in no time, which can really upsell the basement when you have potential buyers walking through.
Cleaning up your basement
Decluttering isn’t just about organizing. Keeping your basement clean and useable is also important. Start by clearing the area of all cobwebs and dust. Clean off any old windows and keep them open to let in as much light as you can. Clean off grimy light switches and replace broken electrical covers. Install brighter light bulbs to make the room look bigger. Fix anything in your basement that needs to be repaired, such as holes in the walls or leaky pipes.
Create a space both you and potential buyers will love
When you clean and declutter your basement, this adds useable square footage to your home. Buyers will be able to easily envision what they can use the basement for if you decide to sell. Even if you aren’t selling, you will have created a space you can use and be proud of!
