The basement can be one of the most clutter-prone spots in the home. That old gaming console, the holiday decorations you don’t really use, the recliner that is past its prime—all these items and more probably end up in your basement. Experts shared the basement items to declutter so you can finally reclaim this space.
Many items end up in the basement because you weren’t quite ready to part with them. But if you’re like most people, there are plenty of items you put in the basement “just in case” that you haven’t reached for in years. According to the pros, these items can almost certainly be discarded or donated.
Other items end up in the basement because you weren’t quite sure what to do with them. Bulky furniture and electronics can’t necessarily go in the trash bin, so you might have stashed them in the basement while you figured out your options—and then forgotten to follow up. Consider this your reminder!
Clearing things out of the basement opens up plenty of possibilities. You can use it to store things you actually do need, or you can consider turning the basement into a home gym, reading nook, or guest bedroom.
Here are the basement items to declutter, according to experts.
Broken or outdated tech
Most likely, you’ve got an old laptop, gaming console or cell phone collecting dust in the basement — along with a stockpile of chargers and miscellaneous wires. “They’re not doing anyone any good. Recycle them and reclaim some space,” says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista.
Dump everything out, keep the tech you use regularly and recycle the rest. Bring it to a recycling center or a local retailer, like Best Buy, that will recycle or donate used electronics.
Holiday decor
Holiday decorations accumulate quickly — especially when you’re keeping up with holiday decorating trends and buying a few new items every season. “If it hasn’t made it out of the box for the last few holidays, chances are, it never will. Let someone else enjoy it,” says Gill. Most thrift stores, including Goodwill and The Salvation Army, will accept used holiday decor.
House paint and project materials
If sealed properly, house paint can last for years — but, will you actually use it in the future? “Almost all of my clients have house paint, tiles and building materials that pre-date them ever living in their home,” says Emi Louie, professional organizer. Often, homeowners don’t even know what these supplies are and “they just hold onto them by default.”
Take inventory of project materials, and only keep what you’ll actually use. Just remember: You can donate building materials to charities like Habitat for Humanity.
Books
Storing books in a moist basement can damage them. “Decide what to do with them before they become outdated or moldy, so you can donate them,” says Stobbe. Check if your local library accepts donations, or take books to a thrift shop.
Cardboard boxes
If you’re storing valuables in cardboard boxes — replace them immediately. Especially in basements with high moisture levels, “cardboard boxes get moldy and damp,” says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter. They can even attract pests. And, “don’t bother keeping cardboard boxes for when you move again — get clean, strong boxes.”
Old furniture
“Let’s be honest — if it’s been gathering dust for years, it’s not making a comeback,” says Gill. Think dining chairs, sofas or dressers that aren’t serving any purpose other than taking up space. Donate furniture to a local charity, or you can try selling used items on Facebook Marketplace.
Children’s clothes, toys and artwork
Kids outgrow things quickly — clothes, toys, baby gear and sports equipment — and, the basement is a go-to storage zone. Not to mention, their many crafts, drawings and good report cards. It can be challenging to get rid of things with sentimental value, but Stobbe suggests you “keep a few special items and let the rest go.”
“Outgrown items, like cribs and clothes, can be passed along to families who need them or donated to a local charity,” adds Gill. Things like artwork can be digitized, so there’s no need for a stack of papers cluttering up the basement.
Forgotten hobby supplies
We’ve all tried a new hobby that we later abandoned, but don’t let supplies collect dust if you won’t pick it back up. “If your sewing machine or gym equipment hasn’t seen action in years, consider donating them to someone who will actually use them,” says Gill.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
