Has your basement become an unorganized dumping ground for all kinds of stuff? Now is the perfect time to transform your basement into the storage area of your dreams. Imagine fresh paint on the walls, organized shelving units, neatly arranged totes. It can all be yours. You just need a little nudge to get started. Here are some easy basement storage and organization tips to encourage some spring cleaning.
Basement Storage and Organization Tips
1. De-Clutter
To help you organize when clearing out your clutter, sort items into 4 piles: keep, throw away, donate and sell. Drop off smaller household donations at your local Goodwill. If you have furniture that is still in great shape, contact the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio. They will pick up your furniture and other large household items for free and donate them to a local family in need.
2. Fresh Paint
Brighten up a dark basement, add some personality and pizazz, or cover up old stains and imperfections. KILZ® is an example of a latex primer and sealer that can be applied to almost any surface to hide stains or block odors. After drying, a top coat in a color of your choice can be painted over it.
3. Install Shelves
Wire or plastic shelving is best for preventing potential moisture damage. They are also versatile because you can reconfigure them based on your storage needs.
4. Pack Totes
Store your items in clear plastic totes so you can easily identify the contents. This way, if you don’t want to label every tote you don’t have to.
5. Protect Furniture
If storing furniture, protect it from moisture and dirt by raising each piece off the floor with bricks, covering with drop cloths, and keeping it at least 3 inches away from walls.
6. Hang Tools
Pegboard and wall hooks are an easy and affordable way to neatly store tools; plus, hanging tools from hooks prevents rusting.
7. Get Creative
Take advantage of every nook and cranny by storing items underneath stairs or on overhead racks from the ceiling.
8. Keep It Dry
Once your basement is freshly painted, clean and organized, make sure to run a dehumidifier to help control musty odors and prevent moisture damage.
Tips for Painting a Basement
Painting your basement does more than just make it look fresh and clean, it also protects your basement from moisture damage. Most basement walls are made from concrete, which is a porous material. If moisture accumulates behind the concrete, mold and mildew can grow.
When painting your basement, it’s important to follow these steps. First, make sure to repair cracks and holes in the walls and ceiling. Next, remove mildew stains, if you have any, and clean the walls. When the walls have dried, apply a primer. Finally, paint over the primer with the chosen paint color.
More accessible than attics, a basement can add much-needed storage space to your home. If you have questions, Prim Painting is a Columbus, Ohio, painting company that specializes in interior home painting. Contact us for a free quote today!