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Tips from an Interior Designer

5 Solutions for More Storage Space in the Basement

Tips for Maximizing Basement Storage Space
Basements are rarely well-organized and tidy. Photo: iStock / laughingmango

June 22, 2021, 6:31 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Chaos can quickly ensue in a basement storage unit. To prevent this and maintain organization, it’s important to make better use of the available space. Here are five solutions to help.

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Basement storage units in rental buildings typically offer an area of about 5 to 15 square meters. Given what needs to be stored in a single unit, space is often insufficient. To prevent clutter and maintain organization, it’s advisable to create more storage space in the basement. Interior designer and editor Odett Schumann has five tips.

A Shelf for Frequently Used Items

A basement should provide storage for items that no longer fit in the regular living space. Foods and beverages that need to be kept cool are particularly well-suited for the basement. Since items like wine, canned goods, or preserved foods in jars are often accessed regularly, storing them on a shelf is the right solution. For open storage, wooden models are preferred. However, in basements prone to high humidity, rust-free metal shelves might be a more suitable alternative.

Closed Storage with a Cabinet

Storage in the basement with cabinet systems
Modern basement cabinets offer numerous storage options, making it easier to maintain order

Instead of storing everything on a shelf, closed storage behind cabinet doors is also recommended for the basement. Ideally, a cabinet is used to store items that are rarely needed, such as stains, oils, or electric tools. The stored items are optimally protected from dust and dirt while being neatly organized. Ideal cabinet models feature various integrated storage options: holders for beverage crates, hooks for long-handled garden tools, and easily adjustable shelves. This allows for more targeted storage of your basement inventory.

Ceiling Mounts

To create more storage space in the basement, small rooms may require utilizing the ceiling. Suitable ceiling mounts are usually designed so that there is still enough space for additional basement shelves below. Special U-shaped brackets can comfortably store winter sports equipment like skis or ladders. There are also special hooks for bicycles that are suitable for ceiling mounting.

Also of interest: Properly ventilating the basement in summer to avoid mold

Multifunctional Wall Systems

Special wall systems provide ample storage and organization in the basement. These can usually be configured easily and are highly multifunctional. The principle of a wall system is similar to that of a supermarket shelf: shelves, baskets, and holders can be individually repositioned on the wall supports using a kind of plug-in system. From coiled garden hoses to sets of tires and suitcases, many items find their place in a wall system. Larger models can often be combined directly with a workbench. Above it, there is a pegboard as a back panel for storing various small tools.

More on the topic

Storage in Special Boxes

Creating storage space in the basement with boxes
Boxes and crates from the same series can usually be stacked easily

Boxes, crates, and baskets are now a staple not only in living spaces but also in basements. Modern boxes and crates are now designed to stack easily as a kind of closed system. Made of plastic or metal, they also offer high stability and optimal protection against dirt and moisture. For better organization, most models can also be labeled. More delicate items like clothing and other textiles are well protected from dust, dirt, and moths in special garment bags.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

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