'A prescription for disaster' – 5 things that always make your basement look cluttered, and what to do instead in your 'make-it-go-away space'

As well as being lived in spaces, casements often end up as a catch-all for items that don’t fit elsewhere in the home, but this can quickly lead to clutter.

Here, home organizing experts reveal five common culprits that make your basement feel messy – with tips on what to do instead.

Armed with our top tidying tips professional organizers swear by, you'll soon have a clutter-free basement you can actually walk through!

1. Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are convenient for storage but easily degrade in damp basement conditions, attracting pests and absorbing moisture. Replace cardboard with clear, plastic bins with secure lids. This not only keeps contents safe but also allows you to see what’s inside without having to dig.

Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, says, 'As most people think of their basement storage area as a make-it-go-away space, basements tend to get cluttered fast. The number one cause is cardboard boxes. Because you can't see what's inside, cardboard boxes create the perfect 'out of sight, out of mind' item.

'Additionally, because they stack nicely, people tend to create mountains with them, which creates a sense of permanency. Lastly, when the basement suffers water damage, the boxes will be destroyed.'

Ben advises plumping for clear, plastic, medium-sized portable bins, such as the IRIS USA Stackable Plastic Storage Bins from Amazon. He says, 'These have lids that both make stacking easier and add that extra layer of protection against any water damage.

Amy Bloomer, founder of Let Your Space Bloom, recommends these Sterilite ClearView Latch Box Clear with Purple Latches from Target. She says, 'Cardboard boxes are a prescription for disaster. Basements are often wet, damp and habitats for all kinds of pests. Protect your stuff by storing items in sturdy plastic storage containers.'

For similar tips, check out our guide on how to maximize storage in every room.

2. Covered floors

A cluttered floor quickly makes the whole space feel chaotic and disorganized.

Bloomer says, 'Utilize your vertical space with the help of strong shelving to keep all items off the basement floor and more easily accessible. Most basements are prone to flooding so it's important to keep as many items off the floor as possible. I recommend using metal, rust-proof shelving with adjustable shelves, such as this Seville Classics 5-Tier Wire Shelving with Wheels from Amazon.'

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, recommends the Alden Design 5-Shelf Adjustable Storage Shelf Unit from Walmart, but says that installing vertical storage is only the start. He says, 'Having no organization system will make a basement look cluttered, because 90% of the time, our basement is a bit of a dumpster for all the stuff that we don’t know where to put.'

Bloomer adds, 'Don't forget to label. Even with clear containers, people often forget what they have in their basements because they don't go down there very often. Add large, clearly marked labels to all items to ensure you know what you've stashed.'

3. Old toys

Basements are a common spot for storing outgrown toys or sports equipment, but these can pile up fast.

Jon Christensen, CEO of home improvement hub Bidmii, says, 'One thing that was really cluttering our basement was old toys they'd outgrown. We have two daughters, aged seven and 10, and hadn't done a proper purge in about four years. This made the area feel chaotic and overwhelming.

'We dedicated a day to sorting through everything. We involved the kids in deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Letting go of these unused items opened up the space significantly and made it more inviting.'

For more advice, check out our 10 tips for decluttering toys. Toys are also the one type of item professional organizers urge you to declutter before Christmas so other families in need can pick up great finds in thrift and charity stores.

4. Loose cables

Loose, tangled cables and cords make any area look messy.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Cables, old electronics, and tangled cords in particular, have a way of accumulating in a basement, making the space look messy and neglected – often creating safety hazards as well.

'Instead, use cable management systems and donate or recycle old electronics that no longer work. Store necessary electronics neatly in designated spaces to keep the floor area clear.'

Toner recommends this JOTO Cable Management Sleeve from Amazon. She adds, 'This cable sleeve helps organize multiple cords, reducing visual clutter and making the space look clean and streamlined.'

For more tips, check out expert ways to keep cables organized.

5. Dust and dirt

Dust buildup is common in basements and can make even the best-organized space look dingy.

Evans says, 'If you have carpet floors, make sure you vacuum them often, and also apply a deodorizing spray once every couple of months. If you have hardwood, laminate or tile floors, sweep your floors at least twice a week and mop weekly.

'For hardwood floors, I suggest a spray mop like this SUGARDAY Microfiber Spray Mop from Walmart, because you can control how much water you’re using and so won’t soak your floors. For tile floors, you can get a spin mop with a double-compartment bucket like this O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop, also from Walmart, which makes it easy to keep your clean and dirty water separate.'

For dusting, this Swiffer Duster Heavy Duty Extendable Handle Starter Kit from Amazon makes tricky corners easy to access. A dust-free basement not only feels more organized but also keeps stored items in better condition.

So there you have it – five things that always make your basement look cluttered, plus what to do instead. By tackling these issues, you can keep your basement mess-free and turn it into a more functional, enjoyable space.

Next, check out these 15 things you should never store in your basement.