Moving? Some Pointers for Packing Your Basement!

Basements can be very convenient as extra living space, a workshop, a personal gym, and, in many cases, a laundry room. However, basements can often be a catch-all for things you don’t use routinely. For example, it’s wise to give the basement some attention if you are packing for a move. Not only will clearing out the basement help you organize, but it might also help lighten your load.

 

Here are some tips for tackling your basement when packing for your residential move.

1. Start Early

When you know a move is in your future, it’s time to start the relocation process. Create a checklist of what you need to do before moving and assign deadlines for yourself when possible. Because of its size and potentially haphazard nature, include the basement as an early objective on your to-do list.

2. Declutter

While excellent for many fun activities, basements can also be your home's most significant storage space. Eliminate the stuff you don’t use, want, or have room for in your new home. Make sure you take your time when sorting through your basement. Sort your possessions into four piles: keep, donate, sell, and discard.

 

As you sort through your collection of things in the basement, pare down the following:

• Clothing that doesn’t fit anymore and seasonal clothing that’s no longer applicable

• Items you haven’t used in more than a year

• Furniture that won’t fit in your new house

• Old toys, games, and puzzles

• Hobby and craft items you don’t use anymore

Once decluttered, pack the items you intend to keep in a storage container with like items. Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity have drop-off sites for you to donate items that are still useful. Or, if you have extra time, you could sell your belongings at a garage sale or on the Marketplace or Nextdoor. 

3. Obtain Supplies

Make sure you have a variety of box sizes available when you begin packing up your basement. Having your packing materials on hand when you start the process is beneficial.

• Small, medium, and large boxes

• Packing paper and bubble wrap

• Large packing tape dispensers with extra rolls of tape

• Sharpie Markers

4. Pack it Up

It’s wise to start packing the smaller items in your basement first. Here are some tips:

• Use small, sturdy boxes for small, heavy things like tools and books

• Use larger boxes for larger, bulkier items like sleeping bags

• Pack gym weights in smaller, sturdy crates or moving cartons

• Disassemble workout benches and large machines per the user manuals

• Consult your pro movers for guidance on preparing exercise equipment.

• Keep screws, nuts, and bolts together by sealing them into plastic bags and attaching those to the appropriate equipment

• Ensure prepacked holiday decorations and seasonal items are safely packed in sturdy boxes and labeled 

• Label everything on all sides of the box

• If your basement has a washer, dryer, and folding station, pack the laundry stuff last since you'll need to use it until you move

Contact the Pros

Packing and moving the basement contents can be tricky! Contact us for a free quote. In addition, we can advise on the optimal way to get your items safely to your new home.