Do you need more storage space? You may find
a solution to your storage problems in your basement.
If your basement is finished, or you are considering finishing your basement, identify the items you want to store and assess the available space in your basement. Is there a closet? How are you using the space near the stairs? Is there space in the utility room? Are you using your basement for laundry? Is there a door to the outdoors or to a garage in your basement?
If you're planning on
remodeling your basement you will want to consider how to use some of the space for storage and identify what you need to store there.
Here are
10 ideas for creating basement storage space:
1. Storage near the Stairs. The space near the stairs is a great place to store items. You could build storage into the wall, or use graduated shelves to optimize storage. Narrow shelving can be mounted on landings to hold books or decorative items.
Consider using the space
under the stairs for storage. Small shelving units can be mounted under steps. Wire racks and baskets work well in small spaces. Hooks can be hung under stairs.
2. Closets. Basements often have alcove areas that can be framed as closets and used for storage. Make the most of these "nook and crannies". Depending on the size, some of these alcoves can be converted into craft areas and could accommodate a narrow table or desk for sewing or working on craft projects. Add doors to contain the clutter of unfinished projects. Use the back side of a door for storage by adding hooks or narrow shelves.
Closets can be organized with a shelving inserts to store infrequently used items such as Christmas decorations or holiday cookware and china. Be sure that shelves are deep enough to hold bins and boxes. Don't forget to label bins or boxes.
Use your space wisely. Closets can be built in the corners of a basement or under stairs to keep the contents out of sight.
3. Alcoves. Alcoves in a basement are perfect places for shelving. Create a place for book storage or for collections. An alcove can also be a space for a home office. Add a desk shelf and some overhead shelves for books and files and you will have a space to work that can be hidden by doors "on your day off".
4. Built-in Storage. Basements are generally "activity areas" and built-in shelving can optimize the space and either hide or display contents. Use cabinets around the perimeter of the space for books and even built-in seating where items can be stored under the seat or in a storage bench. More homeowners are installing fireplaces when they finish a basement. If a fireplace is in your plans, consider framing it with built-in shelving.
5. Laundry Room. If your laundry is located in your basement consider adding cabinets to store supplies. Be sure to install a closet rod for hanging clothes. Use jars for storing detergent and dry bleach. Add a bulletin board, a great place for socks that get separated in the dryer. Tack the sock to the board until you can locate the match.
6. Media Center. Big screen TVs, speakers, DVD players, cable boxes and stereos and their accessories - DVDs, CDs, computer games, all require space. Built-in media units are the best for storing electronics and hiding wires. Doors can be used to protect and hide a TV when not in use. Pull-out drawers can be used to keep small items and components organized and accessible.
7. Work Room. Free standing utility shelving can be built or purchased inexpensively to hold tools, materials and supplies.
8. Walk-out Basement Exit. Add hooks for hanging coats, jackets and pet leashes near the exit and cubbies for shoes, hats and gloves. A storage bench is an asset in this area to sit on when taking off footwear and for storing toys and games used outdoors.
9. Toy Storage. Storage for children's toys should be designed from the child's perspective. Make it easy for children to access toys and put them away. Open shelving with bright baskets will make clean-up time more fun. Shelves should be hung low so a child does not need to stand on a stool or chair to reach them. If you provide a toy chest, be sure to use one with
safety hinges or better yet, remove the lid.
10. Wine Cellar. If you plan to
store wine in your basement look for a space where light and heat will not disrupt the wine as it matures. Find a place where the cool temperature of a basement wall or floor can be transferred to the wine bottles. Select strong shelving to hold the bottles. Shelving should be 12 inches deep for storage of bottles. Secure it to the wall so that it will not tip when wine bottles are added. You can create a microclimate by using a heavy curtain around the storage area to keep light out and temperatures cool.
What are your basement storage needs?