Are you one of the 54% of Americans (Cleango) who feel overwhelmed with the clutter in their home? The truth is that a cluttered basement can feel completely overwhelming and not something you ever want to handle. However, it’s easier than you think.
A simple plan makes a good basement cleanout much easier. Read on for some key basement cleaning tips to help you get the important stuff done. With a home organization guide like this, you will streamline the whole process, saving you money and time.
Prepare for Your Basement Cleanout
Before you pick up anything, assess the scope of the project first. Don’t go in blind. Instead, determine a basic expectation of what you want to move more than anything else.
Do you want to completely “Marie Kondo” that area, or would you prefer to only get rid of old furniture and electronics that have been sitting there for a while?
Grab any items you are going to need before you start. Expect to need to clean, at least a little, so a good start would be:
- Gloves
- Trash bags
- Cleaning solutions
- Sorting bins or boxes
You can then remove some of the debris you will find without worrying about it just ending up in another corner.
Take a Look at the Scope of the Project
Move around the space, if possible, and try to create clear categories of items, whether that be by:
- Size
- Type
- Disposal method
- Donation recipient
Then, ensure you have places to store these items or methods of transporting them. You want to avoid moving something and not knowing what to do with it.
Remember that if you are clearing a lot out, you will likely need a dumpster, too. The US Department of Energy found that a quarter of people with two-car garages couldn’t park their cars because of clutter in the space, so don’t feel embarrassed. Instead, consider that a target to bear.
Finally, be aware that you may discover something that halts the project at any time. There is always the possibility of finding things that might get in the way, such as:
- Structural issues
- Pests and infestations
- Breakages
- Mold and mildew
- Hazardous materials
Have a plan for each of these, or at least phone numbers you can call should you need to handle them. Quickly resolving these problems allows you to get back to business much earlier.
Decluttering Your Basement
Effective basement cleaning means sorting through every item in that space individually to recategorize it into a new location. Is the ultimate decision:
- Keep
- Donate
- Recycle
- Discard
- Move to another room
Have dedicated spaces or containers for each of these and a clear labeling system for boxes and bins. By using these, you will stay on target, and anyone you bring in to help will be able to do so much faster.
If you are moving stuff as you go, use a chain of people to keep things moving and morale up. Once you fill up one car’s worth of donation items, for example, get someone to take them straight to the donation center. As you then open up the garage, you will see clear spaces, and the extra space will make organization so much easier.
If you have sentimental items, place them in a separate area. For some people, it is not that they don’t want to get rid of them. Instead, they simply need to “say goodbye,” whether that means:
- Spending some time considering the memories they made
- Reconciling old feelings and connections to loved ones
- Experiencing old media one last time
Some people even need to try on clothes to “prove” to themselves that they should get rid of them. According to the Huffington Post, the average American might throw out 65 pounds of clothing each year, but it can still feel like a waste, so this process is essential for many.
Of course, throwing out so much will demand several trips. So, consider using a dumpster to dispose of large or bulky items more efficiently.
Deep Clean and Organize the Empty Space
Everything is out. Now, what was living in that space when you had everything there?
Use industrial-strength cleaners and vacuums to remove dirt and dust from all the surfaces in your basement. Then, inspect the area for mold and mildew, using appropriate cleaning agents to handle them.
However, be aware that you may need to handle:
- Resealing walls and floors
- Cleaning out drains or sump pumps
- Unblocking vents to allow free up airflow
- Replacing lights you have not turned on for long periods
- Fixing cracks or painting walls
- Using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels
- Checking and cleaning pipes in the area to prevent water buildup
Remember to properly dispose of any debris created during this process and protect your lungs with appropriate masks. If you have any other concerns, consult professionals to ensure you take appropriate action to protect yourself and your property.
Optimizing Use of the Basement
Once it is empty, plan the space’s future layout and organization. Once you have cleaned everything out, use the boxes to place items where they are easily accessible, leaving space between them to allow for unrestricted movement.
Other options you have may include:
- Using shelves or racks to make use of vertical space
- Use clear plastic bins to quickly see their contents
- Label all bins and boxes for quick reference
- Create a digital inventory so you can check what you have without needing to go into the area
Together, these tips will help you organize your future basement and remove all the guilt of having a messy home.
Transform Your Basement With a Dumpster Rental Service
A well-organized and clutter-free basement can help you relax in your own home. For many, the freedom of a functional basement can even be a point of pride, so why not start today?
WRS Dumpster Rental can even simplify the entire basement cleanout process by offering tailored dumpster solutions for your specific needs. So, trust us to provide expert guidance for your home organization project. Contact us to learn what else we can do for you and start your basement transformation today.