Haven’t we all wondered how to clean out a basement full of junk? It seems to be a common problem among basement owners everywhere! In a world where “things” are so accessible, we tend to buy and collect so much stuff.
Just think, you don’t even have to leave your couch to buy new shoes, a great dress, new furniture or even a whole new house! So it’s no wonder why we have so many unwanted items in our living space, basements, and storage units. Our “stuff” is everywhere, and sometimes it feels like it’s taking over.
If you are ready to reclaim your basement, this article is for you. Let’s look at some of the most important steps you can take to rescue your basement and make it the fantastic space for your family that you’ve always wanted. Get ready to be empowered!
Separate Junk from Necessities
Whether you’re just cleaning out a small space in your basement or are going to declutter your basement in its entirety, separating your junk and unneeded items from the necessary things you want to keep is the best place to start. You’re able to touch each item and really decide if it should still be taking space in your home.
Take time with this step. There are some things you may have an emotional attachment to, and that’s okay. If you do have an item that has sentimental value, think about either putting it to good use in your home by displaying it or using it. If you’re keeping it in a box, what good is it doing you just taking up space? If you’re only seeing your beloved item the few times each decade you decide to declutter, is that something that is bringing you joy? Consider taking a picture of your item so that you can remember it and then donate it so others can enjoy it.
Don’t let sentimental, special items stop you in your tracks. If you come across something that is too hard to donate, place it somewhere safe so that you can come back to it later. You don’t want something small like this to derail you and stop the momentum and motivation you have to get things cleaned up. Just don’t forget to come back to that item later, even if it’s a few days later when you’ve had time to think more about it.
Get Rid of the Junk
Sure, cleaning out your basement is not the activity you look forward to on a Friday night, but what you’ll gain in return is worth it. When you’re ready to get rid of the junk that you’ve piled up and decided not to keep, a basement junk removal service can be your best friend.
Not only will a junk removal service do the hard work of hauling things out of your home (especially those heavy items), it also donates or disposes of your junk for you. This saves you time and the hassle of several trips to donation centers and the dump. Now, this is how to clean out a basement full of junk!
If you are finding yourself still “on the fence” about certain items when it’s time to do the actual throwing out or donating, ask yourself the following questions:
1. When did I use this last? If you can’t remember, you probably aren’t going to need it anytime soon.
2. Why am I keeping this? If you don’t know the answer to this question, you probably can get rid of it.
3. Has this item been replaced? If you have already upgraded or bought a replacement for your item, get rid of it.
4. Do I have the space to keep this? If you are trying to clean out things that you don’t need anymore to stay organized, think about if the item you want to keep is worth the space it’s taking up.
Once the junk is gone, you’ll step back and realize what a fun space you have for friends and family to gather. Of course, you’ll probably be kicking yourself for waiting so long to do it
Make Use of More Space
It feels good to go through all your items, including separating the junk from what you want to keep and then disposing of the junk either on your own or through a junk removal service. Then you are ready for the next step, which is the best step. You get to utilize your space the way it was always meant to be.
Your basement can be used for all kinds of things. It can be a family space, a kid’s play area, a theater movie space, a craft area, a home office, or simply a storage area. Decide how your room will work best for you and your family’s situation, and then make it happen. If you still have too much stuff to make your vision a reality, you need to cut down a little more.
Use Dividers, Boxes, or Cupboards to Organize
Now that you know what you want to keep and you’ve figured out how to clean out a basement full of junk, organizing is your best friend. Gather items in groups and use boxes, dividers, and more to keep things organized and in place. These kinds of containers can help you and your family remember that everything has a home, and it should return to that place once it’s done being used.
Have fun in your newly organized, clean space. Then, decorate, paint, do whatever you need to in order to make it yours.
Call a Trusted Junk Removal Team
If you are wondering how to clean out a basement full of junk, we are ready for you! Junk-A-Haulics specializes in basement cleanout services as well as basement cleaning services. We want you to love your home and every inch of it, including your basement. Contact us today so we can start cleaning out the area in your home that you’ve been neglecting. We can help with the big and small items you need removing, professionally and quickly, just the way you need it done.