A basement is usually more accessible than an attic, and tends to house a mix of items ranging from furniture to paper products, as well as stacks of family memorabilia. When properly utilized, a basement can add much-needed storage space for your home, instead of being that black hole where things are tossed and disappear. Basement storage accessories should be tailored to provide maximal access, ventilation, and moisture resistance. Since basements can be damp, metal shelving and cabinetry protect possessions better than wooden alternatives; plastic bins, in turn, protect better than cardboard boxes.
Safety First
Sturdy shelving is a must for bin and box storage. Build heavy framed shelving with 2-by-4 studs and paintable plywood. Measure the items you plan to store to ensure you have appropriate clearance and depth. Never place large or heavy storage items above 5 feet high; you risk injury when trying to get them down.
If you're storing bulky items like kitchenware, sports equipment, or tools, industrial-strength shelves provide durable and accessible storage. (@atlanta_neat).
Sturdy storage racks with labeled plastic totes maximize space, keeping holiday decor, emergency supplies, and kids’ toys neatly arranged. (@lemonaidsolutions).
A DIY wooden shelving unit in a basement used for food storage, featuring neatly arranged glass jars filled with preserved goods.
A sturdy wooden shelving unit in the process of being built, ideal for storing a variety of household items in a basement or garage.
A well-lit basement with custom-built beige shelving that mimics a walk-in pantry, offering organized spaces for various household supplies.
Wooden shelving in a basement packed with large plastic storage bins labeled with categories like kids' papers, memories, cords, decor, blankets, and more.
A home office combined with a laundry room isn't your traditional setup. Combine a built-in desk, overhead cabinetry, and sleek staircase storage drawers. (E/L STUDIO).
Test Future Layouts
If you plan to eventually remodel, test out the functionality of your future plans by segregating different spaces with tape on the floor. Then place your storage items in your proposed area and stick to the design. Are your items accessible to the stairs? What size doorways will you need to move stored items in and out? Test out different schemes until you find one that works.
Get Organized
If you have multiple storage areas or a large set of shelving, designate specific spots for different items. Large labels can also help you both find items and put them back in the same place.
A metal rack featuring large labeled plastic bins for storage, including gardening tools, sports equipment, bubbles, chalk, and sand toys.
A well-lit, neatly arranged craft room with labeled bins and baskets keeps DIY essentials, gift wrapping supplies, and fabric collections organized and within reach. (@simplifybuffalo).
A dedicated playroom storage area with IKEA's plastic boxes. They servs well when you need to organize stuff on your basement's shelves. You can even skip labeling them. (Organization Made Simple Inc.).
This well-organized toy storage room features deep blue and turquoise labeled storage bins neatly arranged on open white shelves. Board games, books, and toys are clearly categorized, ensuring an easy-to-maintain, clutter-free space for children. (Organized Living).
A sturdy metal shelving unit filled with neatly labeled plastic bins storing various household and garage essentials like car adapters, flashlights, bike parts, adhesives, tool kits, and more.
Using clear plastic bins with labels helps categorize seasonal decorations, extra clothing, and household supplies, making your basement storage both practical and visually appealing. (@organizedbyjm).
This bright and airy basement workspace combines practical shelving with clear plastic storage bins, creating an ideal space for crafting, DIY projects, and seasonal organization. (@rialeeczi).
A compact storage system with light-colored wooden shelving efficiently organizes various household items while maintaining an open and clutter-free feel. (@stephloveshouses).
Go For Cubbies
They’re probably one of the most popular storage solutions, and they offer great flexibility. Cubbies are easy to build and can be self-standing to rearrange as storage needs change. Color-coded, tight-lidded plastic bins (red for Christmas, orange for Halloween) help keep holiday decorations easy-to-find and organized. If you are using plastic tubs for storing clothes, make sure that the bin is not airtight, as clothing needs some ventilation. If you do store in cardboard boxes, don’t stack them—always leave space for air circulation.
A metal wire shelf unit with labeled galvanized buckets used for organizing kids' toys, including water toys, chalk & bubbles, balls, sand toys, cars & trucks, and bug toys.
A well-organized storage wall featuring labeled wooden crates. The labels categorize items such as craft supplies, paints, and miscellaneous household goods, making retrieval easy.
A clever under-stairs storage solution with labeled plastic bins organized into cubbies. Ideal for sports gear, shoes, and miscellaneous household items.
This stylish home bar blends seamlessly into a multi-functional space, featuring an elegant dark wood counter, built-in shelves for liquor and wine bottles, and a bright, tiled backsplash. On the opposite wall, a massive storage system with transparent bins organizes an extensive Lego collection, making this a dream space for both adults and kids.
A storage system consisting of open plastic cubbies, ideal for sorting household supplies, toys, or seasonal decorations. Labels help with quick identification.
A robust wooden shelving system supporting multiple levels of plastic storage bins. The bins are stacked neatly, providing an organized look for a storage room.
A basement or garage storage area with a wooden shelving system that holds colorful plastic bins. The vibrant containers help categorize and store items efficiently.
A sturdy metal storage rack filled with labeled plastic bins, ideal for keeping basement or garage storage clutter-free. The bins contain various household items and seasonal decorations.
Get Clever With Wall Storage
Wall systems with labeled baskets that slide in and out are great for a finished basement that doubles as a media or play room. Go beyond shelving units, as other options may prove more practical for your needs. Hack suggests wire racks, magnetic systems for tools and a pegboard for sewing essentials. Look under the stairs. If you have the budget, built-in cabinetry gives you the luxury of creating storage where you need it.
A well-organized tool storage solution using a pegboard to hang power tools, hand tools, and accessories. Additional shelves below store spray paint cans, hardware, and other DIY essentials.
A neatly organized wall-mounted rack for garden tools, including shovels, rakes, and other long-handled equipment. The wooden slots securely hold the tools in place, optimizing garage or basement storage.
Industrial-style shelving using metal pipes as supports and wooden planks for storage. The shelves are illuminated with small overhead lamps, creating a stylish and functional storage area.
A practical storage solution featuring a coat rack mounted along a stairwell wall. The hooks are arranged diagonally, making efficient use of vertical space for coats and accessories.
Use The Ceiling
Keep stuff safe from groundwater by getting it off the floor. Create a flange system with simple framing material to create tracks on the ceiling. Package everything into airtight Tupperware containers and hang it in the flange system to utilize space that would never otherwise been functional.
A clever storage hack with wooden rails supporting large plastic bins that slide in and out for easy access.
Сeiling-mounted metal storage shelves in a garage, providing an efficient way to maximize overhead space for storing large items.
A bright and tidy garage with custom metal racks installed near the ceiling, offering an efficient storage solution for seasonal items.
A well-utilized garage featuring ceiling-mounted wire shelves for bulk storage bins, keeping the floor space clutter-free.
Bring In Baskets
Baskets help to conceal clutter and small items in an organized and easily accessible way. Mix and match different baskets or create a shelving system that allows for multiple baskets of the same size.
A neatly arranged shelving unit filled with labeled woven baskets, perfect for organizing games, school supplies, and household essentials.
A well-organized laundry space with white subway tiles, wall-mounted drying racks, and wicker baskets for easy sorting.
Think Lockers
Lockers are a great way to organize personal items like winter wear, sporting gear and seasonal storage without seeing the clutter.
A farmhouse-style mudroom featuring distressed metal lockers with a weathered patina, topped with woven baskets for additional storage.
A sophisticated entryway setup with deep green built-in lockers, personalized cubbies, and elegant lighting for an organized space.
A charming mudroom featuring shaker-style white lockers with individual compartments, hooks, and woven basket storage.
You could turn a part of your basement into a secret room to hide all this storage. (Anitra Mecadon Inc).
Sliding barn doors could hide all your stored stuff to make the basement looks neat and uncluttered. You can even create a charming basement library. (Hammer & Hand).
Hide Your Storage To Make A Room
If you manage hide all these cubbies behind a sliding door or even create a secret room, you can use your basement for something other than storage.
You could turn a part of your basement into a secret room to hide all this storage. (Anitra Mecadon Inc).
Sliding barn doors could hide all your stored stuff to make the basement looks neat and uncluttered. You can even create a charming basement library. (Hammer & Hand).
Transform an underutilized stairwell into an innovative storage solution with built-in cubbies for books, decor, or pantry items. (@architdz).
Not only space under stairs could be used for storage but stairs themselves could become functional drawers. (post Architecture).
A row of floor-to-ceiling white custom-built storage cabinets provides a clean and minimalistic organization solution. The beadboard-style doors add a classic touch, while the upper cabinets offer additional storage, perfect for keeping seasonal or rarely used items out of sight. (Carrie Greene Design).
Turn It Into A Wine Cellar
If your laundry room is in a basement provide enough storage for laundry baskets, hanging clothes and for other cleaning supplies. Countertop surface is also a must. (Woodmaster Kitchens).
A cozy, rustic wine cellar featuring warm stone walls and wooden shelving filled with wine bottles. The intimate space includes a small bar counter with hanging wine glasses and soft ambient lighting, creating a perfect atmosphere for wine tasting.