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What’s the Best Way to Organize Our Basement Storage Space?

As condo dwellers, many of us have barely enough room in our units for the everyday necessities of life. For those items we use less frequently, we rely on additional storage units, usually in the building’s basement. To manage that space effectively takes a little planning.

What are the best kinds of items to keep in a basement storage unit?

Storage units are great for:

• Winter/summer clothes, out of season
• Christmas (and other holiday) decorations
• Air conditioners
• Appliance and electronics boxes (in case you need to return them or send them in for repair)
• Infrequently used tools and supplies
• Furnishings (lamps, pictures, etc.) you don’t currently have room for, but might want someday

What should I not keep in my basement storage unit?

Anything really precious that could be damaged by moisture, cold, heat or humidity. Anything of a high enough monetary or sentimental value that you’d be devastated to have it stolen. (While most storage units don’t contain anything interesting enough to merit breaking into, most units are fairly flimsy, security-wise. Do you really want to risk it?)

Major Concerns:

• Water damage.
• Insects
• Theft

Setting up your storage space

If your association has the room in the basement but hasn’t set up individual spaces, you should do that now. Make sure that everyone gets approximately the same amount of space and that the borders between them are clearly delineated. The ideal setup is separate “rooms” (divided, at least, by wood beams and mesh wire, with a lockable door), but at the very least the areas should be marked off by tape on the floor.

Supplies needed

Once your area is assigned, you’ll need:

Wood pallets. Almost no matter where you live, basements are subject to the occasional flooding, either from outside rainwater or plumbing leaks of some kind. You can buy wood pallets at your local lumber store from about $10 -- an investment that's well worth it!

Shelving units. Metal ones are best, to avoid damage by elements, but if you have an old wooden or particle board bookcase, that'll do. You want to get as much as possible off the floor and have some way or organizing and separating your belongings.

Portable closets, sometimes also called "garment closets", can be a great place to store your winter (or summer) clothes. Make sure the unit can be zippered tight and toss in a few moth balls.

Bike storage rack. Sporting goods stores will often sell devices that can store two bikes vertically -- keeping your bikes safe and out of the way.

Using these storage devices can make retrieving items from your storage unit safer, easier and more efficient. Upon moving in, you may be tempted to just drop your excess belongings wherever they will fit – don’t. You’ll regret it when you need them!