How to Organize a Basement Area for Maximum Storage

Many basements are used to store waste. As a result, clutter forms over time. While a basement can serve as a great storage space, most basements are not designed to be dumping grounds.

Many people will store their gym equipment, old furniture, and other unused items in their basements and then forget about them.  A properly maintained basement will last longer and will not attract pests that can make your living situation unpleasant.

Here, our focus will be on how you can organize your basement area for maximum storage.

Steps to Organize Your Basement

When you clean and organize your basement space, you are triggering a reset of the room. While you go through your basement, you will encounter many items that you have not used for months or even years.

Clutter is something that should be avoided. Clutter takes up space and makes it hard to navigate a room. Clutter will also attract dust and pests and may even rot, depending on the housed items.

A junk removal service may be of service. Simply call or email a junk removal company in your area. They will pick up any unwanted items and recycle, donate, or dispose of your unwanted basement items.

By donating items you no longer use, you will essentially be giving them a new lease on life.

Create a Master Plan

Before you tackle your basement, you should create a master plan. Your master plan will help you in the decluttering process by saving you time and stress. Efficiency is the name of the game.

Create a realistic schedule for the project. Create a deadline and stick to it.  Factor in time for breaks, meals, and other projects to avoid burnout.

You can take advantage of long weekends and the holidays to take care of business. Friends and family can also be asked to volunteer their time to expedite the process.

Declutter Your Basement

It is now time to declutter your basement and bring your master plan to fruition.  It may help to sort unwanted items together. The condition and size of your basement will either make your organizational challenge easier or more difficult.

The decluttering process may prove daunting, so try and take frequent breaks to reduce your stress. Old furniture and other obsolete items should be thrown out or donated to a local charity.

Some items that are worn but still functional can be refurbished. They can then be donated to the less fortunate, or they can even be sold. You can try selling unwanted items on local classified websites or online auction websites to make some money.

Plan Your Basement Storage Area

If you want to make the most of your basement space, you need to plan ahead of time. Sturdy shelving is very important. The items you plan to store should be carefully measured beforehand to ensure adequate shelf storage for them.

If you wish to build your shelves, you should use plywood that is paintable and 2x4 studs. Also, do not place heavy items on the topmost shelf, as you may injure your back when you try to remove them for future use.

If you have several storage areas, then specific areas should be set aside for certain items. You may also want to add large labels to boxes or containers, as doing so will make it easier for you to identify items in the future.

Moreover, using plastic bins will also make it easier to see what is inside them. Airtight lids can help certain items last longer and prevent bugs and other pests from accessing them. However, certain items, such as clothing, should not be stored in airtight containers.

Clothing requires ventilation. If you would rather use cardboard boxes to store your clothing, then avoid stacking them so that they will have sufficient air circulation.

In addition, if you have sewing equipment, then they can be stored using pegboards. You can opt for magnetic systems to store tools. 

If you also use your basement as a rec room, you can save some space and make your basement appear more modern by installing a wall system with baskets that slide in and out.

You should also look under the stairs to see if there is sufficient space for storage. If your budget allows for it, you can also look into adding a few built-in cabinets to further expand your home’s storage capacity.

Groundwater is also a possible issue, depending on where you live. If you have valuables that you need to protect from groundwater, then you should try to keep them off the floor if possible.

You can make tracks on the ceiling by fabricating a basic flange system. All you will need is some basic framing material to make it.

Then, store your items in Tupperware containers and hang them in the flange system to expand your home’s storage capacity further. Use your basement’s ceiling as an additional storage unit.

Taking the First Step

Decluttering a basement and maximizing its storage capacity will take some planning. The basement accessories that you use should help prevent moisture damage and should provide optimal ventilation.

Maximal access is also a must, as you will need to access your basement now and then without feeling claustrophobic or possibly injuring yourself. Metal cabinetry and shelving are also superior to wood-based storage solutions, as most basements are vulnerable to dampness.

Cardboard boxes should also be used as a last resort. Instead, try to use plastic bins whenever possible to help protect your valuables from damage.

A junk removal company can also be of use if you have many items in your basement that you wish to throw out, recycle, or donate without having to handle all of the work yourself.

Source:

37 Basement Storage Ideas And 9 Organizing Tips - DigsDigs

The ultimate unpacking checklist

Most people think that unpacking is the easiest part of the moving process. However, if not done properly, it can end up giving you an even bigger headache than decluttering and packing combined. To help you prevent this from happening, we've prepared the ultimate unpacking checklist. Since the way you pack is essential for easy unpacking, we've prepared useful packing tips, too. The only simpler thing would be hiring professionals to do everything for you.

Make unpacking simpler by packing properly

Paying attention to how you pack is the best way to make unpacking and settling into your new Connecticut home easier. The first step towards making this more manageable is to declutter your home. By getting rid of unnecessary belongings, you'll reduce the amount of stuff you'll have to pack and then unpack.

Once you decide what you want to bring with you to your new place, it's time to start packing. Here are the three most important packing tips that will make unpacking easier.

• By packing one room at a time, you'll be able to group your belongings.

• While packing each room, make an inventory of your belongings. You'll be able to do a final clutter check and potentially decide if there is something else you'd like to toss. It's important not to skip this step. The experienced packers from Teddy Moving and Storage confirm that making an inventory is crucial if you want to make unpacking hassle-free.

• Make sure to label each box and write it down in your inventory. This way, you'll be able to look at your list, take a box to the right room, unpack it and place its content where it belongs.

• Set aside a box of essential items you'll need for your first night in your new home. After a tiring day, the last thing you want is to go through boxes looking for your toiletries and pajamas.

The unpacking checklist that will make your relocation easier

After an easy transfer from NYC to Connecticut, it's time to start unpacking. It's only normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to begin. However, we're here to make it easier. Further in this article, you'll find our unpacking checklist.

Compare boxes to your inventory list and sort them

If you didn't have enough time to check every box as it was being carried inside by movers, now is the time to do it. Use your inventory list or the one provided by your moving company if you didn't make it yourself.

If you can't find something, make sure to contact your moving company. Also, take each box to the room it belongs to as it will be much easier to unpack it there. If you labeled the boxes while packing, it will be pretty easy to do this.

Set your priorities

Don't rush unpacking. You don't have to start doing it as soon as you move in. Remember, there are no more deadlines or moving dates you need to be mindful of. Therefore, take your time, and if you have more important things to focus on at the moment, don't neglect them only because you have to unpack.

Even though you might not feel comfortable living among piles of cardboard boxes, you still may have more important things to do. Maybe you need to prepare for work the next day or run errands in your new town. Whatever it is, take as much time as you need.

Create an unpacking strategy

If you prepare the right unpacking strategy, you already did half of the job. If you create a good unpacking plan and stick to it, the entire unpacking process will go smoothly, even unnoticed.

We guarantee there will be no emotional bursts or moments of high frustration or tension. After all, without a deadline constantly burdening you, you can relax and do things at your own comfortable pace.

Unpack only the essential things

The last thing you want to be doing after arriving at your new Connecticut home is to instantly start unpacking. A shower and clean bedsheets probably sound much better after all the hard work you invested into your move.

So, on your first and even your second day, try not to get too overwhelmed and unpack only the essential things.

Decide where to start

When it comes to deciding where to start, you'll probably come across many different opinions. However, most moving professionals agree that your kitchen should be the first room to unpack.

If you don't have time to completely unpack all of your kitchen items, unpack only what you need and use the most. Hook up appliances, and after you're done with the rest of your home, you can come back and organize your new kitchen in detail.

You are the one choosing when and where to start. Usually, it depends on the time of day you arrive at your new place. For instance, if you move in during the early afternoon, you might still feel energized and willing to unpack your kitchen first. On the other hand, if you arrive late in the afternoon or evening, your priorities will probably be the bathroom (a hot shower) and bedroom (good night's sleep).

The bottom line

We hope our unpacking checklist will help you settle quickly in your new home. Now that you know how to efficiently handle unpacking, it's time to think of ways to add a personal touch to your space and make your new Connecticut home reflect your personality. Best of luck with your move!

How to Organize Your Desk

The personal or office desks may reflect the habits and personality of the owner. Some people like to keep their desks highly personalized and colorful. An organized desk may mean more comfort, higher productivity, and the best time management. It can also accommodate your inclinations and preferences.

When you want to avoid being overwhelmed by the clutter, disorderly files, and paperwork stacks, you must give some time to organizing your desk. There are also certain items and resources available that are affordable but are highly effective in keeping your workstation and desk efficient at all times.

The desk organizer activities may not be complicated. Below are some important tips and steps which you can use to organize your workspace and desk and be more efficient and productive.

Cleaning your Desk

For organizing your desk, you need to first clean it thoroughly. Organizing and cleaning are easy when there is nothing on the desk. Remove all the items from the desk and keep them on the floor or some other table. Once the desk is blank, dust, wipe, and clean the desk to remove all kinds of stains. You can also apply a polish so that the scratches are not visible. Also, clean your computer if you have one on your desk, at this time.

Now that you have cleaned your desk, you need to classify and organize the items that you removed from the desk. You need to put the items you want to throw away into one group, and the item that you intend to keep in another. Get rid of all the unimportant items and keep only the bare necessities. All the trash obtained during cleaning the desk should be disposed of as well. Do not forget to update your space by removing outdated calendars and other old items. However, you can always keep things with a sentimental value (like your old photos).

Reordering your Desk

When you reorder the desk, do not stress about putting the things in the same way. Imagine and think of new and more creative ways to stack up against your computer and other belongings of the desk.

Your desk may require certain new supplies like ink pens, paper, or staples among others. Apart from putting up a new and fresh calendar, you can also reload your desk with these essentials. Rearranging and reordering your desk this way ensures that you can preserve and improve productivity and eliminate clutter. The documents and the tools should be kept within reach, while the computer should be kept at the center of the disc.

You can also add some decorative touches to the desk to personalize it and to make it more attractive. The decorative items can be humorous coffee mugs, statues, framed pictures, and others. Also, place some inspirational messages and images that will keep you motivated at work.

Promoting Efficiency

You need to think wisely when you want to be more efficient. For instance, the essential items that you use often should be kept close enough, at arm's reach. These items can be typing papers, writing utensils, communication devices, notebooks, and other kinds of accessories including digital accessories. Likewise, pens and pencils should be kept in separate cups or pen holders. The stapler and the paper clips should be located near the printer. These are the creative ideas that will help you be more efficient.

Non-essential items that are not used frequently can be stacked in the drawers. If you are using several smaller items, you can also purchase the drawer organizer trays. These trays can easily fit the drawers of the desk and the compartments and can help you keep your items in a classified way. Paper trays can be used to keep the documents in a more sorted wave.

Organizing Desk Cables

There can be many tangled wires on the desk if you own and use many tech devices and gadgets. These wires may come from the printer, computer, phone, internet modem, and other kinds of devices that are plugged into some extension cable lead. Before you plug anything, make sure that the extension lead is fixed at the back of the table. All the lengthy wires should be shortened, which will help you prevent and reduce the mess. The wrap straps can be used for shortening the wires. You can also label the cables (at both of their ends) to know at any point which cable is for serving what purpose.

Conclusion

The tips given above can help you have a clean, organized, and productive workspace and desk that also looks motivating and inviting at all times. Having an efficient and organized desk is also easier nowadays with many resources (for instance the cable management box) available at a low and affordable cost.

How to Recover From a Hoarding Situation

Although one of America's greatest strengths is its easy access to just about any material item you could want, this can also lead to some people's greatest problem: hoarding. If you or someone you know is recovering from a hoarding situation, it can be a long and difficult process to go through. Fortunately, if you stick with it, there is light at the end of the tunnel. To help you make your way through the mounds of stuff, here are a few steps to follow.

Address Mental Health

The goal when recovering from a hoarding situation is to make sure you or your loved one don't return to that situation. Therefore, it's often beneficial to seek professional counseling to help you identify the trigger behind the hoarding so that you can address this root issue. Otherwise, you'll simply be attacking the symptoms and likely end up right back where you started at some point.

Take It One Step at a Time

A house full of trash and treasure can be an overwhelming task to tackle. That's why it's a good idea to focus on the small stuff. If you can achieve a small victory by cleaning out a drawer in the kitchen, for example, that victory will inspire you to move on to other areas of the home. By taking on one small task at a time, you'll eventually be able to tackle the entire house.

Dispose of Unneeded Items

As you go through various items, it's important to have places to put them once they've been sorted. For example, you may want to rent a dumpster so that you can have a quick and easy place to dispose of garbage and unwanted items. You can even find a junk vehicle buyer for cash if there are junk cars on the property so that you don't have to go through a time-consuming process to dispose of these large and unruly items.

Craft a Plan for Future Success

After you've completed your cleaning journey, it's important to craft a plan for future success. You want to be sure that you know what to do with new items as they come into your home so that they don't start accumulating again. You'll also want to make a plan that will help prevent you from bringing certain items into your home altogether. This will help you stay on top of the cleanliness of your home with minimal effort.

Always Ask for Help

During every step of the process, it's always a good idea to ask for help. Although it can be embarrassing to invite someone into a cluttered home, the fact is that most people are more than willing to help if you're willing to ask. Don't let pride get in the way of you finally tackling a hoarding problem once and for all.