A to Z for Using Your Basement for Storage

A basement is a great place for storage but: if damp gets in; you use the wrong kind of container; items are kept at an incorrect temperature or you get a rodent infestation, you could be in for more than you bargained for! Here's our A to Z of tips for using your basement for storage:

Airtight

If you are storing anything in your basement that could potentially be damaged by damp or water, make sure it is sealed in an airtight container. If it is not too large, a plastic food storage box might be ideal.

Basket storage

Buy a set of deep shelves and several cheap baskets that fit well. These are ideal for sorting small items and helping you to find what you need in the basement.

Cycles

Cycles can be stored in basements if the access is easy – why not fix bike hooks on to the wall to hang them on to save space?

Damp

Ensure your basement is not damp before you store anything down there that might be damaged.

Electricity

Have your circuits inspected to ensure they are safe and check your basement lighting regularly to ensure it works when you need to find something quickly.

Footwear

Put a shoe rack or boot box close to the access in the basement to store wellies and muddy shoes.

Good storage

Large, plastic boxes with lids, from DIY stores or on-line sources – make good basement storage. Some will even stack or have drawers.

Humidity

If you do get a build up of humidity, try using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.

Infestations

Check your basement regularly to make sure you don’t have rodent or pest infestations that might damage your stored items and grow worse over time.

Junk

While a basement can be the perfect place to hide clutter do not fall into the temptation of just filling it with junk.

Kids

Have a “kiddy corner” in your basement for the storage of your children’s play equipment such as beach and outdoor toys, or items like play houses, that may have to be taken down and stored away from time to time.

Leaks

Check your basement regularly for leaks and floods, especially if there has been a bout of bad weather. You do not want any of your items to suffer from water damage.

Mark

Mark or label every box, drawer or storage container so you know exactly what is in it.

Neat

Keep your basement neat and tidy at all times to make it easier to organise and to access your stored items.

Open metal shelving

This can work well in a basement because it will allow the air to circulate and will stand up to water damage better than wood. Some open metal shelving can also be reconfigured as your storage needs change.

Poor ventilation

Poor ventilation in a basement will result in excess moisture and could cause mould to grow on your belongings. Check there is some fresh air.

Quick storage area

Many people set up an area from which they can quickly grab things they know they might need. This might be a special cupboard for the storage of extra food-stuffs, such as tins, or toilet rolls - or it might be the space under the stairs where you keep the broom or vacuum handy so you can grab them quickly.

Rails

Fit rails in the basement and hang clothes and coats down there, under covers, during the seasons you are not wearing them.

Sockets

If your basement is not damp, have sockets fitted near tool storage areas so you can check items work before carrying them up and, if need be, use the area as a workshop.

Tools

A basement is a great place to store tools. Organise them into one corner so you can find them easily and ensure anything dangerous is either under lock and key or out of reach of children.

Understairs

To maximise the use of storage space under your basement stairs, fit specially-sized graduating shelves.

Vertical space

Try to store things right up the walls of your basement. Fit shelving to make the most of vertical as well as horizontal space and to help you organise.

Wine

A basement can be the perfect place to store wine. Find a corner away from any light or possible heat sources and set up a wine rack.

X-tra items

One of the beauties of having a great storage area such as a basement is that in enables you to stock up. Create a corner in which you can keep non-perishable items you buy in bulk or when there are special deals around such as “buy one get one free.”

Yearly clear-out

Make yourself have a “Basement Day” once a year, where you spend a few hours sorting and clearing out the basement, and reorganising storage.

Z-beds

Store z-beds, roll up futons and spare mattresses in your basement ready to bring up when you have lots of overnight guests. This gives you more day-to-day space in the main body of the house.