---
title: "The Do’s and Dont’s of Basement Storage"
date: "2015-09-22"
modified: "2016-06-07"
authors:
  - name: "Sarah Littleton"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sarah-littleton.md"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-do-s-and-dont-s-of-basement-storage-49310/"
categories:
  - "Basements"
  - "Interior"
  - "Storage"
tags:
  - "basements"
  - "mold & mildew"
  - "storage"
---

# The Do’s and Dont’s of Basement Storage

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/basement_storage_cover.jpg>)

### DO: Take Advantage of Vertical Space

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/hyloft_storage.jpg>)
*amazon.com*

When space is at a premium, build up, not out. Handy homeowners can fit their own ceiling storage units between exposed rafters, or install a store-bought system like the HyLoft. These are great for big, bulky, or awkward items such as luggage, coolers, seasonal decorations, and more. *Available on [Amazon](<https://www.amazon.com/HyLoft-540-45-Inch-45-Inch-Overhead/dp/B0002IGHKM/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=bovi01-20&linkId=OCZXRRSDQHHKAAEZ>); $51.75*.

### DON'T: Leave Items Unprotected

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/basement_storage_containers.jpg>)
*amazon.com*

When storing off-season gear in an unfinished basement, your best bet is a sealed, air-tight tub or bin. Not only will this kind of container seal out moisture, it can [prevent unwanted pests](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/pests-be-gone-11-natural-ways-to-make-your-home-critter-free-44356.md>) from chewing and nesting in your supplies. For finished basements, a combination of baskets or bins—from wicker to fabric to plastic—are ideal for a basement playroom or craft room. Putting a lid on them or storing in cubby holes will help keep dust to a minimum.

### DO: Consider Built Ins

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/basement_built_in.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs&#160;home in Corte Madera, CA*

A fully or partially finished basement likely plays host to a TV room or [wet bar](<https://www.bobvila.com/>). For a beautiful and ultra-functional basement storage solution consider built-in cabinets and shelves. Open shelves display decor or frequently used items, while cabinets conceal kids' toys, cleaning supplies, and more.

### DON'T: Be Careless with Wood Furniture

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/wood_furniture_storage.jpg>)
*fotosearch.com*

The basement is not the ideal place to store [wood furniture](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-wood-furniture.md>) but if you must, then it's important to keep a couple pointers in mind. Elevate furniture by placing cinder blocks or planking under furniture legs. That way, you'll have time to remove furniture to safety in the event of a flood. Covering furniture can help it from getting scratched or soiled, but avoid never plastic cloths which can trap moisture, causing wood to swell and warp.

### DO: Get Creative

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/pulley_system_bike_storage.jpg>)
*harborfreight.com*

Storing extra-large or heavy items like bikes or skis isn't always easy. Bulky gear may be too large to keep on the ground but when stored too high, it can be a hazard to take down. A pulley system makes for an easy and elegant solution. A pulley hoist, with or without shelving, is relatively easy to install and will save your shoulders and back lots of wear and tear. After that, it's a cinch to pull the [bike out of storage](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-clever-bicycle-storage-ideas-for-any-space-578346.md>)—no ladder necessary.

### DON'T: Invite Rust

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/pegboard_storage_basement.jpg>)
*Zillow Digs&#160;home in Sun Prairie, WI*

Any handyman knows it’s important to [keep tools well-organized](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-ways-to-set-up-your-home-workshop-48197.md>) and accessible. Pegboards are a mainstay of garage and basement workshops (and convenient to boot) but there's a catch. Metal tools left hanging a damp basement are just asking for rust. When storing tools in the open, first protect them with a coat of machine oil to repel moisture. Otherwise, keep your wrenches, hammers, and drivers locked up in the toolbox where they'll be protected from the elements.

### DO: Use the Stairs

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/under_stair_storage.png>)
*Zillow Digs home in Bethesda, MD*

If you're short on storage space, look below the stairs. Some staircases can be easily converted to hold built-in storage units. This allows you to carve out some valuable square footage for stashing [kids' playthings](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/25-diy-storage-ideas-to-help-corral-your-kids-clutter-44313.md>), gym equipment, or craft supplies. If you're blessed with an open staircase, you won't even need to renovate. Consider keeping gear off of the ground, by affixing casters to a plywood board, then stacking containers of various sizes and shapes to fit into the silhouette of the space.

### DON'T: Let Things Get Damp

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dehumidifier_basement.jpg>)
*amazon.com*

The number one enemy of long term storage is moisture. Damp conditions invite rust, mold, mildew, and a musty smell that clings to upholstery and textiles. To keep your gear in its best condition, [run a dehumidifier](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/what-size-dehumidifier-do-i-need.md>) in the basement to pull moisture from the air.

## Author
The daughter of an architect and college professor, Sarah Littleton is a lifelong home design and DIY lover, who spends her days raising a family, rehabbing a 19th-century farmhouse, researching and writing, writing, writing.