Jeffrey Calandra of ocd4life hit the nail on the head when he shared this project with us — he described basements as "the lowest on the organizational totem pole". It can easily become a dumping ground because its not normally a public part of the home, but, like anywhere else, putting in the time to to get the space working for you is absolutely worth it. You may not show it off, but it will make life at home much easier…
Here is what Jeffrey had to say about the project: If you are lucky enough to have a spacious basement, or even an attic, you will probably admit that it is the lowest on your priority list of getting organized. You will also most likely agree with the fact that you use this space to dump unnecessary and off-season items; anything from left over paint and tools to extra canned goods and seasonal decor. While you may not like the idea of tackling this project, doing so will save you a lot of time in the long run when you go to look for things, and could save you a lot of money if you properly store things to avoid water damage.
With this particular basement project, our objective was to create an organized location that would allow the client to easily access her seasonal decor, tools, extra stock of food and other miscellaneous items. We also wanted to be sure to make these changes so everything would be safe from humidity and water damage.
Our transformation began by making use of the existing pegboard to house some of her tools and other cleaning items. We then invested in sturdy plastic shelving to get almost everything off the floor and put only water safe items near the floor. After the shelving was in place, we created designated areas to house her seasonal items, excess canned and bottled goods, and cleaning products. By creating the designated areas, she will now know exactly where to go to find an item, and where to put an item when she walks into the basement. This will also help her keep the space organized and prevent her from placing items wherever she finds an open space.
This complete basement re-org cost just under $200 for the supplies.
Thanks, Jeffrey!
MORE INFO: ocd4life
Images: Jeffrey Calandra/ocd4life
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Ok, I'm being snarky, I admit it, but since when did straightening up a room rate a "before & after" photoshoot?
I would put the christmas decorations on the lowest shelf or the topshelves and the cleaningsupplies (that you use regurarly) on the middle shelves. Seems more natural to me.
Wow. I think we have four times that much stuff in our basement.
Geez, I'd give anything for my basement to look like the first picture.
So you buy shelving and put the stuff on it. And you use the pegboard. OK. ???
Before it was messy (admittedly not THAT messy) and now it's neater. Why do people think that's not a before and after project?
I don't know, it's kind of helpful to me. I am trying to get the will to organize/cleanout my garage, so all the ideas/inspiration I can get the better.
Jeffrey, I got a gander at your photo on your website. You can put your shoes under my bed anytime!
seems like a before and after to me. who's to say that organization doesn't count?
Yeah, I don't understand the nay-sayers either.
I feel like there are tons of posts on organization on AT. Just because this is a basement and not a closet full of pretty clothes and shoes doesn't make it any less helpful to someone with a clutter issue.
I think this is GREAT- for what it is. I was kind of surprised not to see the tile completed on the floor or the cinder blocks painted, or the ceiling finished off in the second pictures. But then again, the heading does read "Basement Reorganization", and that is exactly what is shown!
the before wasnt nearly messy enough
Yeah...my basement not only has four times this much stuff in it, but it's half the size...LOL! I still find the post interesting, photos and all.
is it me, or did everything not make it into the after?
I enjoy before & after shots, even if it's just a matter of tidying up/re-organizing. It's usually the inspiration I need to get off my butt & improve my apartment for $0.
I'd be interested in seeing how the storage moves away from the wall. I have a huge basement bisected by stairs, and I want to put shelving throughout the room to store various items -- tools, lawn care, seasonal furniture, dry goods I've stocked up on, etc. Whatever shelves I get will probably have to be bolted to the floor.
While the basement isn't the messiest I've seen either, I think that the after picture helps to capture the possibilities of what someone can do to organize his/her basement space. I think it looks great, and it gives me a few tips on how to tidy up.
Looks nice, but it's just a clean up job. Not rocket science. This is hardly novel or innovative.