Last Updated on July 3, 2022 by SimplyStoring Team
Are you considering building a storage room in your basement? Well, whether your basement is finished or not, it can quickly become a catch-all for random items, including workout equipment and seasonal clothing.
Building a storage room in your basement is a great way to free up some extra space in your home. Not only will this give you a designated spot for all of your things, but it can also be helpful in organizing your belongings. There are a few ways you can build a storage room in your basement. This way, you’ll add more storage and keep the floor clear from debris.
Here are some helpful ways to build a storage room in the basement.
Install Sturdy Open Shelving
One of the easiest ways to build a storage room in your basement is by installing sturdy open shelves. This will give you plenty of space to keep all of your items organized and out of sight while still being easy to access when needed.
If you’re also looking to keep everything off the floor, try to invest in some heavy-duty shelving. Opt for ventilated, open shelving in durable metal or sturdy plastic. Avoid wooden units as any damp that might lurk in your basement could damage and warp it.
Bring In Airtight Containers
Consider storing in-season or extra clothing, bedding and towels in airtight containers. This will keep them clean, dry, and dust-free while they’re not in use. Airtight containers come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find ones that fit your available space perfectly. Store the heaviest boxes on the bottom shelves or at the bottom of the piles to avoid any catastrophes when you try to access them.
Install A Pegboard
If your basement has exposed pipes or other fixtures, cover them up with a pegboard. This will give you a place to hang tools and other items while also freeing up floor space. You can buy a pegboard at any home improvement store, and it’s easy to install with just a few screws.
Store Bulky Items in Baskets
Larger items like shovels and rakes often get stuffed into the corners of your basement, taking up a lot of space. Instead of leaving them on the floor, invest in some large baskets where you can store these items instead. This will keep everything neat and tidy while also freeing up a little bit more space for other things.
Consider investing in wire storage baskets to create a complete storage unit. These baskets come in four different sizes and dividers, so you can customize them based on what you’re storing.
Make Sure you Label Your Storage Boxes
You might think you’ll remember what’s in each box, but it can be tough to recall after a few months (or even years). That’s why it’s important to label each of your storage boxes with both the contents and the date you put them in storage.
Labeling everything in your basement storage unit will tell what is in each box and give you a good idea of where the box will be stored. Keep your tools and DIY equipment somewhere low down and accessible. For broken things that you’re planning to fix, store them on top of the shelf.
Install Clothes Rail in Your Basement Storage Unit
Another thing you can do to manage your basement storage unit is to install a clothes rail. This will give you a good way of organizing your clothing items, especially if you are planning on storing winter garments in the summer. You can hang more delicate pieces like hats, scarves, and dresses near the top of the closet and heavier coats towards the bottom.
Install Heavy Duty Hooks and Overhead Racks in Your Ceiling Space
Make sure every space in your basement is put into a task. If you’re out of floor space, use heavy-duty hooks and overhead racks to use the ceiling space. Overhead storage is more suited for lighter items, so use it to get more shoes and accessories off the floor and other awkwardly shaped and longer things out of the way.
Build a Fold Away Work Space
A fold-away workspace is a great way to maximize your basement storage area, especially if you have an unfinished basement. It’s just like working on the floor of your closet, but with the added bonus of having more room for standing up and moving around freely.
If you have DIY skills and want to use your basement as a workspace, consider a fold-down desk that offers a sturdy surface that tucks out of the way when it is not in use. This will leave you with the wall space where you can mount shelves, pegboards, and hooks to store all the tools you need to keep accessible.
Build a Customizable Shelving System
Invest in a versatile shelving system that can be customized to your needs. This is especially important if you plan on using your basement for storage, as it will allow you to keep the space organized and tidy. Look for a shelving system that can be adjusted to fit your particular storage requirements.
Install Floating Shelves
One of the most important aspects of your basement organization is keeping things off the floor. And shelving units are a great way to do that. But if you don’t have a lot of space to work with, consider installing floating shelves instead. Floating shelves can be placed just about anywhere in your basement and are perfect for storing smaller items.
Use Plastic Storage Bins
Plastic storage bins are ideal for storing larger items in your basement. They’re stackable, so you can store them one on top of the other. When picking out plastic storage bins, look for ones that have handles or wheels for easy transport.
Plastic storage bins are also sturdier than cardboard boxes, and they allow you to see what’s inside, so you don’t spend all day digging through storage looking for your holiday decoration or seasonal clothing.
Opt for Built-In Storage
If you’re short on storage space in your home, built-in storage can be a great way to make better use of the space you have. If your basement is also finished, you can consider adding built-in storage to make better use of the space. Built-in storage can take many different forms, such as shelving units, cabinets, or even a custom closet.
Shelving units are great for storing items that you don’t want taking up floor space, such as holiday decorations, out-of-season clothing, or extra linens and towels. Cabinets are ideal for storing items that need to be kept out of reach of children, such as paint cans, cleaning supplies, or power tools. A custom closet can be designed to store just about anything, from clothes and shoes to sports equipment and holiday decorations.
Under Storage Under the Stairs
If you have a lot of space under your basement stairs, this is the perfect place to create some extra storage. You can install shallow shelves and drawers to keep holiday decorations and sports equipment out of sight when they’re not in use. If there isn’t enough room for shelving units, consider adding built-in cabinets instead.
You can also create your own under stair storage by using wall shelves, boxes, baskets, and jars. This will give you enough room to bring your pantry out of your kitchen, especially if it’s accessible from the basement.
Install a Storage Furniture
If you have the space, consider installing storage furniture that comes with built-in storage solutions. Think of benches with hidden drawers, sofas with roomy compartments, and pet crates that double as side tables. These are very important elements, especially in your basement.
If you don’t have the DIY skill to make one, you can search your local furniture store on the web for these space-saving pieces.
Use a Trolley as a Portable DIY Trolley
Trolleys or carts are good for organizing multi-purpose items, such as clothes hangers and accessories. You can use it to hold toys, kitchen utensils, or even your appliances.
One option is to make a DIY trolley from scratch by using old boxes, paper rolls, wooden planks, and other lying materials. It’s a great project for your weekends – or you can save some time by using an old trolley from the garage and repainting it to match your home’s decor.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure that you have designated spaces for everything in your basement so that you can easily access and organize them when needed.
Related Questions
Can you store stuff in your basement?
Yes, the basement is the perfect place to store your stuff because it’s dark, cool, and roomy, making it an ideal storage area. Make sure that you keep it clean and organized to avoid clutter, moisture, and mildew build-up.
What types of items can you store in your basement?
There are many different items that you can store in your basement, including old clothes, documents, paperwork, books, toys, furniture, seasonal decorations, and more. However, it’s a good idea to prioritize the items you use frequently or will likely need access to in the future, as these items may be better suited for storage elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Whether your basement is finished or not, you can still do so without sacrificing much if you want to store things there. Just make any boxes or baskets kept off the floor, everything is stored in airtight, waterproof containers. This way, plenty of shelving units and built-in cabinets will ensure that your belongings are both organized and protected from the elements. Don’t forget to properly ventilate the space to avoid any moisture build-up, leading to problems like mold or mildew growth.
