Oh, the basement. How is it that all of the unused items seem to end up here? If your basement is like most it is filled with items long since unused but you still can’t quite let go of the boxes stacked on boxes. If going down into your basement to find what you are looking for is a chore keep reading to learn how to create a more organized storage space that makes finding things a snap.
Start by doing a major clean out of everything in your basement. Sell or donate anything you no longer have a use for but have put off getting rid of. By doing so you will give your stuff a second life and clear up extra room for a more effective storage system. Organize what you do decide to keep in “like” piles to make putting them in their future assigned places a cinch. Have labels prepared for each of these piles and come up with category names for each one.
Next, you will want to invest in shelving units and plastic bins if you don’t already have some to protect items you will be storing from any potential flooding. Consider shelves made of metal as wood shelves are prone to absorbing moisture and warping. You may also want to add a dehumidifier to control the levels of moisture in the air, which can lead to damage to the items you are storing. If possible plan for storage around the utility area while keeping all paths to switches and appliances free of clutter. If your basement is unfinished and you have a plan to remodel in the future this will keep costs lower as you only need to section off one area instead of two.
When you start placing your bins on the shelves keep the priority levels of their contents in mind. High use items should be more easily accessible than the lower priority ones. Ensure that when labeling boxes they are in a spot that is visible from just a quick glance. You could also add a list of the contents of each box on the label for when a category requires more than one box.
Extra steps for the dedicated: Maximize available space in your basement by utilizing the space under the stairs. Adding shelves here will give you extra storage space that is easy to access. Label switches, breakers, and shut off valves and hang up a flashlight in an easily accessible space for power outage preparedness. You may also want to buy plastic bins in various colors to color code your items categories and make finding them easy with just a glance.
You might think re-organizing your basement is the last thing you want to spend your weekend doing. However, with a proper plan and the right supplies you can create an organization system in your basement that makes finding stored items a snap and an enjoyable process!About the Author
Ellen Garcia
Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
