Today we’re talking about basement storage. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for better ways to store your stuff, whether that’s putting your belongings in a storage facility or making room for them in the basement. If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, many of your possessions probably end up there. Though I don’t have a basement personally, I do have family members that have one. Today, I’m offering tips and solutions for using your basement as a storage option. If you don’t have a basement to store things, check out something like these storage rentals to free up extra space in your home. Hopefully these basement storage ideas will help you get your home a little more organized.

Basement Storage – How to Store Things in Your Basement Successfully

People often use their basements as a storage area. However, it’s important to remember that storing things here may not be as safe as you think. Even a climate-controlled basement can be affected by moisture, water leaks, and mold. If you have an unfinished basement, you’ll want to be very particular about the items you store in your basement. Here are some tips to explain how to store things in your basement successfully.

Declutter Then Store

Make sure you store only things that you will use within the next year. If you can’t name the precise month or occasion when it will be used, give it away.

Ideally, the items you store in the basement should be waterproof, animal proof, as well as mold and rust resistant. The chances of that happening are slim to none. However, if you’re willing to take the risk, you can double the container. For example, in order to store clothing or fabric properly, the material should be in an airtight, waterproof, bag. Then, place the bag inside a container that animals can’t get into. Avoid storing items like photographs, paper items, and electronics in the basement.

Shelves

Because basements tend to flood, you want to make sure that your shelving system is 4-5 feet above the floor. Even if you have things in airtight tubs, you want to keep them off the floor. You can use a pallet system, but ideally, wall shelves or hanging shelves will be the best way to store things. The more valuable an item is to you, the closer it should be to the ceiling.

Plastic Storage Bins

Make use of airtight plastic storage bins. It will look neater this way and make things easier to find as well. If you’re storing holiday items this is a good place to keep them. Don’t store things in corrugated boxes. Even if you’re making use of shelves, you can store items in plastic storage bins and place them on the shelves for added protection against not only water, but any critters that might be in your basement as well. If you have discovered that water damage in your basement you may want to find fast water damage restoration and mitigation local services in your area to help you with the problem.

Pegboards

Cover at least 1 entire wall with a pegboard. This is a great way to get things off the basement floor. It will also allow you to place small items between larger items and save space. A few things you may want to consider storing on pegboard hooks are tools, seasonal toys, like pool noodles and hula-hoops or sporting equipment.

If you want to know how to store things successfully in your basement, be careful about what you store and how you store it. Think about what happens in your basement. If you know a certain area tends to flood faster, don’t store anything in that area. Protect your belongings as best you can. If something has sentimental value and you would be devastated if it was destroyed, don’t store it in the basement.

Related: Tips for Garage Organization and Storage

Basement Storage – What to Consider when Using the Basement for Storage

The basement can be the first place that comes to your mind when you need to store something. But, before you start hauling containers and boxes down to the basement, you need to make sure the basement is a safe place to store your items. Here are a few things you’ll want to check out and take into consideration before using the basement for storage.

Water

Basements, by nature, tend to be humid and have an earthy scent. However, the things you consider “normal” may actually be signs of problems. Cracks could be due to leaks, but they could also be due to a rising water table. The pipes in the home could leak into the basement, or you could find there’s condensation in your basement due to changing temperatures. You will want to figure out exactly what’s causing moisture in your basement and address these issues before you begin storing things in the basement.

If the issue is condensation, this can be remedied with a dehumidifier. If you discover you have leaky pipes, then replacing those pipes might be what you have to do. If it is a leak in the walls, then you’ll need to patch up any cracks or holes. Cracked walls are not uncommon and they may be something that all homeowners have to look into getting fixed at some point in their lifetimes. If you leave the problem, it will only get worse and could even cause irreversible damage to the structure of your home. At the first sign of a problem, it may be in your best interest to contact someone similar to Buildfix who will be able to repair and fill in these cracks or holes before they have a chance to cause further damage. You’ll want to address any dampness no matter how small in your basement before you consider storing anything in there because even the smallest amount of dampness can lead to damage to your belongings when stored in the basement.

Access

Getting into your basement could be something you need to address. Some basements have very steep stairs perhaps without a bannister. Or they have a low ceiling down into the basement. Getting things into the basement to store them having to walk down stairs like this can be very difficult. You might need to get a contractor to reconstruct the stairs to your basement making them easier to carry things down. Perhaps you find that just adding a banister will make the basement better and safer way to get down the stairs.

Lighting

Adding lighting to your basement to make it easier to see your stored items will be a good thing. If you want to use your basement as a living space then you’ll want some ambient lighting and task lighting added to certain areas of your basement to make it easier to complete tasks. If you have low ceilings you might need to use wall mounted fixtures or recessed lighting.

Climate Control

The temperature in your basement can be an issue when storing things. It often doesn’t have any heating and cooling or vents in the basement. You can add these things to keep the temperature the same at all times making it a better environment for storing things.

When you store things in your basement, it’s going to be important to store them in airtight containers and up off the floor as best as possible. Even if you have addressed all the water concerns, you still want to take precautions when storing things in your basement.

Related: Maximizing Your Home’s Potential: Attic and Basement Revamp

I have a small kitchen. Sometimes I feel it’s too small. Can you relate? When you have limited space in the kitchen, it’s hard to consider making it functional and attractive. You often have to choose one or the other. However, with a little planning, you can might be able to implement both. Check out the tips below, and maybe you’ll be inspired to design a kitchen that is aesthetically please, but also efficient enough to help you cook all your meals for yourself and your family.

6 Ways to Design Your Small Kitchen

1. Choose Cabinets Wisely

Cabinets are necessary, but you need to make sure you are using the best ones for your needs. Consider all the things you need to hide in them like kitchen utensils, accessories, and appliances that if left on the counters would make your surroundings look messy.

Use cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling to maximize every square inch of your small space. And don’t just throw things into your cabinets willy nilly. Every item in your cabinets should be organized, and always placed back in the same spot.

2. Build Deep Counters

Having deep counters serve for a lot of purposes. This kitchen design will provide you with a big working space when preparing and serving food. Moreover, said space can also be used for accommodating a number of appliances and devices.

3. Put Up Open Shelves

Having open shelves in a room provides for an airy feel. This type of storage place can also serve as display areas for decorative plates and other attractive accessories in the kitchen. For a really functional kitchen design, it would be good to combine different types of cabinets and shelves on this particular area of the house.

4. Install a Mirrored Backsplash

Installing a mirror backsplash can make your kitchen look stylish. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, however, putting mirror designs in a particular room can make it look larger and more spacious.

5. Show Off Beautiful Cookware Sets Instead of Putting Them In Your Already Limited Cabinet Space

Attractive pots and pans can be hung on racks that attach to the walls. This look is both charming and creative as such objects symbolize the true essence of a kitchen.

6. Build a Window or Hang a Painting Where a Window Should Be

Including a window in your kitchen’s design will allow you to have a scenic view. Moreover, it also has a mirror effect that will make this room seem bigger than it actually is. It is also a good source of natural light when it’s daytime. If a window isn’t possible in your kitchen however, hang a beautiful painting or art installation.

Designing a Functional and Cozy Kitchen

With some imagination and the right approach, a small kitchen can function just as well as a big kitchen. Aiming for a stylish look when designing one of the most used rooms in the house will also provide your family with a pleasant cooking area. Making sure you have the right flooring for a small room can make or break the room. I hear that Cutting Edge Flooring Services can provide some useful information that’ll help you figure out where the rest of the room is going. For a stylish upgrade to your sink’s faucets, have a look at some of the top designs over at https://www.identifyr.com/home/kitchen/best-kitchen-faucets/.

Related: 3 Simple Ways to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

Storage Solutions for Your Small Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. When company comes over that tends to be where people hang out. Lots of family time is spent in the kitchen not only preparing meals, but eating them as well. You need the kitchen to be functional. Storage in a kitchen can be difficult. You want to keep the counters clear of things so you have a work surface while also keeping the things you use frequently easily accessible. Here are some storage solutions to help you make the most of the space you have in your small kitchen:

Store some items in plain sight.

Not everything has to be hidden. Sure, it makes for a sleek design, but it’s not always practical. Some ideas for items to leave in plain sight are: Place your knives in a butcher block right on the counter, fill decorative jars with flour and sugar and other staples you may need, and hang coffee cups underneath your cabinets with hooks.

Organize your pantry.

With shelves, drawers, and pull out bins you can make great use of the pantry space. No matter how big or small your pantry is you can make the most of this area with smart storage solutions. When you’re working with your pantry, it might be a good idea to install some automatic lights. They can support you in your mission to have an organized pantry. My friend uses them all the time and she tells me makes things so much easier. If you decide to do the same, make sure you have Crestron Maintenance in London at hand for repairs if anything goes wrong!

Bottle storage.

You don’t need a wine cellar or a traditional wine rack, but with some plywood and pvc piping, you could build a simple stacked shelving unit for inside your pantry to lay the bottles down in. Or there are plenty of cheap wall units that you could install inside your pantry, or even on the wall of your kitchen for a decorative function like this one.

Store spices in a drawer next to the stove.

Having your spices in a drawer right next to your stove instead of in an overhead cabinet or shelf makes the spices more accessible this way.

Get a Lazy Susan.

You can put storage on a spin with a lazy Susan concept. In a cabinet, add a lazy Susan to store multiple items and be able to find them quickly when needed.

Under the sink storage.

The part right in front of the sink tends to be a false drawer. You can put it on hinges and add a metal tray with drip holes where you store your sponges. Keeps them out of sight while also keeping them easily accessible. Use stackable boxes in the cabinet under the sink to maximize storage space as well. As for bottles, hang them on a tension rod in the cabinet like this.

Dishes in deep drawers instead of stacked in cabinets.

In general, you probably keep your dishes in a cabinet. For a unique storage idea, consider storing them in a drawer separated with pegs. It makes those dinner dishes easier to get when you need to set the table.

Cutting boards.

What do you do with these things? Why not stand them up in an easily accessible basket. You can put them in a cabinet and they’ll be easy to get when you need them.

You can really turn your kitchen into a functional space and it doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money either. You can use things you already have in your home to create unique and creative storage solutions in your kitchen.

Related: 5 Ways To Add Storage To Your Home

This delicious, healthy slow cooker recipe is as easy as it is versatile. This flavor-packed chicken is perfect for burrito bowls, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of flavorful cilantro-lime rice, and topped with creamy cilantro-lime sauce (recipes below).

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken

Tip: Don’t skip the squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking. It really brightens the flavors and pulls them all together.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3–8 hours
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 10-oz. cans Rotel fire-roasted diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
• 2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 1½ T. hickory-flavored liquid smoke
• 2 t. ground cumin
• 1 T. chili powder
• 1 t. smoked paprika
• 2 t. dried oregano
• 1 t. cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 limes, quartered
• ¼ c. fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. Unroll and add chicken thighs to bottom of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker crock. Top with tomatoes, black beans, garlic, jalapeno pepper, liquid smoke, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken thighs are coated and submerged in the liquid.
2. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. 30 minutes before done cooking, remove lid and shred chicken while in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir to combine shredded chicken with other ingredients. Cover and cook for remaining 30 minutes to allow chicken to absorb the flavors.
3. Remove lid and squeeze fresh lime juice into the crock. Add cilantro and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
4. To serve, spoon chicken mixture over plain brown rice or cilantro-lime rice. Top with cilantro-lime sauce (recipe below) if desired. Serve with remaining lime wedges. Enjoy!

Cilantro-Lime Rice

Transform boring, basic rice into something extraordinary with the addition of a few fresh ingredients. In this recipe, lime and cilantro are paired to create a classic flavor combination that brings added depth to your dishes.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45-55 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 3 c. cooked rice*
• 3 T. fresh lime juice
• 2 t. lime zest
• 3 T fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

* Can use white, brown, or jasmine rice. (Brown rice is shown in the images).

Directions:

1. Prepare rice according to package directions.

2. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in fresh lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro until blended. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and serve immediately.

Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce

For best results, prepare the cilantro-lime sauce the night before you need it to give the flavors a chance to blend. Planning ahead will also save time on those busy nights you want to get dinner on the table as quickly as possible.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: n/a
Serves 4

Tip: You can also prepare the fajita seasoning in larger batches and store in an airtight container for later use.

Ingredients:

Homemade Fajita Seasoning:

• 3 T. chili powder
• 1½ T. smoked paprika
• 2 t. onion powder
• 2 t. garlic powder
• 2 t. ground cumin
• ½ t. cayenne pepper
• 1 t. dried oregano
• 2 t. sea salt

Cilantro-Lime Sauce:

• 1 c. plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1-2 T. homemade fajita seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely minced
• 2 T. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 T. fresh lime juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the fajita seasoning by combining all ingredients in a small bowl and stirring until thoroughly blended. Store any excess in an airtight container for later use.

2. Prepare the cilantro-lime sauce by thoroughly combining all ingredients in a medium glass or other non-reactive bowl. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Check out a couple of my other recipes:

If tax season brings you dread every year, it’s time to get that under control. There is no reason to be stressed, worried or dreading tax time each year. It’s not good for your mental health, or physical health, either, to be stressed out. Some people who find they can not handle tax season look something similar to a nonprofit bookkeeping service for help to get them back on track so they aren’t stressed about it.

The reason you probably feel this way is that you have not taken the time to be organized throughout the year. However, with just a little bit of preparation, and a simple system through the year, you can regain control of our emotions and make tax time a cinch.

There are basic components you will need for tax season- receipts of payments (think receipts and paid invoices) and records of payments (think bank and credit card statements). If you have a system for filing and obtaining these items, you’re 90% done with tax prep.

For receipts of payments, you need a file for invoices and receipts you pay throughout the year. This system can be whatever works best for you.

Paper Files

Some people prefer keeping a physical paper trail. For physical paid invoices and receipts, you need a physical filing system that works for you. Something like an accordion-style file folder would work just fine, or a filing cabinet with folders, if you tend to have larger volumes.

How you file your receipts and invoices is up to you. There is no wrong system as long as you keep them organized and you know where to find them when you need them. Standard filing practices include categories by month, vendor name, or expense category.

Paper Recording

If you also keep paper records (rather than a software bookkeeping system) you will want a way to track your expenses so you don’t have to spend hours at tax time adding up the totals. Whatever you use, at the end of each month, just be sure you total the expenses in each category and keep that total handy, and if you run a business you could look into outsourcing your bookkeeping to a service who could help you to keep an eye on your budget through budget variance analysis, which could make doing your taxes a little easier.

You could even staple the receipts for said category to the tally paper. You will only need the receipts for an audit, but you will need your totals so you can calculate your annual expenses at tax filing.

E- files

If you have a software system for bookkeeping, the application often has a mechanism for attaching receipts directly to the payment inside of the program. (i.e. .pdf or .jpeg images can be attached to the payment for easy reference) Alternately, you can set up a filing system in files on your PC, similarly to the paper files above. Receipts and paid invoices that have been received can be saved to the file.

E-Recording

The easiest form of any type of electronic bookkeeping system is accounting software – the popular two being QuickBooks and FreshBooks. For those who can afford it, you can see an in-depth comparison of them at PieSync (see freshbooks vs quickbooks), but for those who are on a budget, this sort of software may not be feasible. You can use a basic spreadsheet in Excel or similar program to track expenses. Again, you will need just the annual totals for your tax filings, but you may want to track these monthly for easy tax tracking.

For records of payments, you will need a file (as explained above- either e files or paper files will suffice) to store your bank and credit statements, (and ideally, you should attach your reconciliations to each statement) that you will also need at tax time.

Following these easy steps, you can breeze right through tax time, stress free.

Keeping your home ready for guests can be challenging, to say the least. Depending on how cluttered or “lived-in” your home looks, you have probably played the “hide the junk game,” more times than you can count. You don’t have to play this game as often as you do or at least, not in the same way, you could get something similar to these prefab garages to help with your storage issues. For you die-hard “hide the junk” players, here are 5 ways to add storage to your home. And if they simply aren’t enough, then maybe you need to consider getting professional help – not the psychological kind, but the self-storage kind. You can learn more here, and begin your de-cluttering journey today!

1. Stair Storage:

This area is often overlooked. If you don’t already have a closet under the stairs, create one. Store tools for quick cleanup there. For more storage, use the actual stairs themselves. Turn each step into a drawer, either inside the closet, or outside. If the drawers are accessible from outside the closet, make sure they are always closed tightly. You may want to use a magnetic closure to ensure that the drawers close.

2. Top Shelf Storage:

Create ceiling shelves, high shelving, inside your closets to provide additional storage for things you want to keep out of sight or to hold seasonal items. Ceiling shelves added around the perimeter of the room provide you a wonderful storage or display area for your collectables, old books, and other items that you prefer people didn’t touch.

3. Furniture Storage:

Ottomans that open up are a great place for storing things like blankets, toys, or clutter. Coffee table storage areas are wonderful. Just add drawers and/or shelves underneath the tabletop. This is a nice place to store magazines and books. You can also use this storage area to quickly baby-proof or pet-proof a room. These multi-function storage spaces are great ideas for keeping things safe, neat, and organized.

4. Corner Storage:

Corners are often considered dead space, meaning that very little will fit in the area. However, they can provide excellent storage areas, with a little imagination. Because corners meet at a right angle, this means that any square table or shelving, preferably wooden, will fit nicely, at least on 2 sides.

If you don’t want a corner sticking out into the room, you may want to modify the square item. For example, you can cut a square tabletop in half (diagonally, making a triangle) to get a flat edge that can face outward or simply round off that corner. Keep in mind that if you cut the tabletop into a triangle, you may also need an additional table leg for support. You can get a lot of storage area out of one tiny little corner, especially if the storage area goes from floor to ceiling.

5. Bed Storage:

Mother always wanted me to clean under the bed. However, this is a great storage area. Loft and bunk beds almost instantly provide a great work and/or storage area. For standard beds, you can create a frame for drawers that will slip easily under the bed. If closet space is minimal, or the bedroom is small, adding drawers and/or shelves under the bed is a super way to add more storage space.

Are you tired of playing the “hide the junk” game when someone drops by unexpectedly? Maybe you should check out some storage sheds for sale so you don’t have to have a messy house? Give the things you hide regularly a new hidden home in the room where you use them the most. Use these 5 ways to add storage to your home as inspiration.