Thursday, October 3, 2013

Basement Storage Options

Convert unused basement space into wine storage


A basement adds valuable square footage to a house if organized properly. Whether set up as a finished living space or unfinished utility area, the basement can provide necessary extra storage for homeowners. A variety of affordable basement storage options help make efficient use of underutilized space. Clean up the mess, sort your items and then check out these convenient basement organization and storage options. Does this Spark an idea?


Plastic Bins


Plastic storage bins with lids hold seldom-used items such as holiday decorations, old textbooks and off-season clothing. Select bins made of clear plastic to identify the contents inside. Label the bins by category for quick and easy access. When storing paper and clothing in plastic bins consider placing cedar chips or other natural products to protect items from pests and mildew.


Shelving


In the case of a finished basement, built-in solutions like custom drywall or wood shelving provide an attractive storage option. In an unfinished basement, metal utility units, adjustable wall brackets and plastic shelving units help protect against water damage. In a basement prone to flooding and excessive moisture, opt for elevated shelving or systems made from non-wood and rustproof materials like heavy-gauge plastics.


Wall Storage


Modular, slotted and grid wall storage systems designed for the garage also work for basement storage. These kits organize everything from sporting equipment, gardening and cleaning supplies to the resident handyman's tool collection. Wall storage systems offer a variety of hooks, shelves and wire baskets to create a custom storage configuration for the basement. Budget-minded homeowners can create a low-cost wall system by installing pegboard panels and adding hanging hooks and wire bins.


Cabinets


Basement cabinet units keep clutter behind closed doors and maintain a tidy appearance. Lockable units for families protect small children from sharp tools, paints and dangerous chemicals. Store items of any size inside freestanding cabinets available in counter height or taller versions. Basement cabinet and closets consist of durable materials such as galvanized metal, wood composites and plastic resins. Always locate enclosed storage units away from pilot lights and overhead pipes.


Racks for Wine


Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering basement storage options. However, unfinished basements typically provide cooler temperature conditions that make the most sense for wine storage. If your wine collection has overtaken the kitchen, pick an area like the unused space under the stairs for a personal wine cellar. Do-it-yourself woodworkers can construct a custom-sized under-the-stairs wine holder or simply purchase a premade wine storage rack.







Tags: basement storage, storage options, wine storage, Basement cabinet, basement storage options, storage systems