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You Can Have a Clutter-

Free Basement and Attic.

Here’s how…

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Organizing Article is available. A friend called me the other day and said, “I really have to organize my basement and attic, one of these days.” The thought of organizing a basement (or attic), for so many people, conjures up feelings of dread. But it doesn’t have to be so bad. Here is some of the advice I gave to my friend. Perhaps it will provide you with some guidance and encouragement. 1. Establish mini-goals. Choose one corner or one shelf each day, tossing out anything outdated, old, broken, etc. Once it’s weeded out, on the days to follow you can pick up some storage containers, put up shelving, etc.. Just tackle it a little bit at a time. It didn’t get cluttered in a day…and you certainly don’t have to organize it in a day. 2. Handle the sentimental stuff. If you haven't organized the basement or attic in awhile, be prepared to take a trip down Memory Lane…old photographs, games that haven't been touched in years, ice skates, granny's silverware, and so on. Try to put these items to one side until you've reached your organizing goal for the day. Then, reminisce later on that night after dinner, rather than right now. 3. Don’t do it alone if you don’t have to. If you have family living at home (or a few friends willing to lend a hand), get everyone to work together. Make it a game, with responsibilities assigned to everyone. You might plan a fun lunch afterwards to reward everyone for a job well done. 4. Use your space wisely. Don't forget all that wall space. Hang hooks and pegboards. Add shelving. Have a big, empty closet? Put a utility shelf unit inside. Turn an old, unused bar stool upside down and put all of your tall items (baseball bats, curtain rods, etc.) inside. Pick up some translucent, plastic containers and store out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations and other items you're not using right now inside. 5. Avoid keeping thing-a-ma-jigs. Resist the urge to save every little thing-a-ma-jig and what-cha-ma-call-it you come across. If you (and others in your family) don't know what it is, or what it belongs to, bid it farewell. 6. Set up a donation box. Set up a large donation box. As you're organizing, when you find things you no longer have a use for, put it in this box. When it’s full, bring the box to your favorite charity. If it’s out of your house, you’ll free up space to continue your organizing project…the more space you open up, the more motivated and accomplished you will feel. Back to Organizing Articles Index