Basement showing items on shelves and items leaning against walls.

Basement storage solutions

Finished and unfinished basement storage can be tricky. Below are some tips to help make sure you keep the right things in your home's lower level.

Ah, the joys of having a below-ground level to your home. It might offer you a bonus space to transform into a family room or guest bedroom, or even just provide the right amount of square footage to use for short- and long-term storage. But basements and storage don't always make for happy home partners.

Some basements — prone to flooding, moisture-related mold, even an insect or two — may not be the best place to pile all your excess and seasonal belongings. Consider these ideas to figure out what not to store in a basement, and how to stash items that are safe to place below ground.

What should you consider not storing in your basement?

  • Electronics: Stashing gadgets you might use in the future — an old gaming system, for example — in an unfinished basement may seem like a good idea, but evaluate how climate-controlled your space is. If you've not finished any of the space, bulky and pricey electric items such as power drills or kitchen stand mixers are better off on ground level or above. If your basement is finished, make sure that any TVs or other electronics are in a moisture-free space, off the ground.
  • Artwork: Still figuring out what to do with that painting you purchased on a whim? Don't leave it in an unfinished basement. Humidity and poor ventilation can damage delicate paintings, photographs and other items.
  • Flammables: Many DIY materials such as paint and other home supplies — think extra propane tanks — pose a fire risk, particularly if adjacent to gas-powered appliances. Follow manufacturer recommendations for storage.
  • Books and documents: Poor ventilation and humidity can wreak havoc on anything with a paper component. Unless your space is finished and not subject to big climate variations, store books above ground and in sturdy, leak-proof containers. Store hard-to-replace documents such as birth certificates and Social Security cards higher than the basement in a locked fire box or home safe.

Unfinished basement storage ideas

If your basement is unfinished: Install basement storage shelves so you can keep items you're storing in the basement off the floor.

  • Get rid of stuff you don’t need: Declutter and donate or throw away all items you no longer have use for before you begin.
  • Furniture: Place foldable items stacked neatly against a wall so they're accessible but retrievable.
  • Bulk household and kitchen supplies: Larger quantities of necessities, including toilet paper, paper towels, disposable dishes and any other household items, should be stored on shelves off the ground. That way, even if your basement floor does get damp, it won't damage these items.
  • Non-perishable food: As with bulk household supplies, stash the extras on shelves off the basement floor.
  • Outdoor accessories: The basement is a good spot for yard accessories or other gardening supplies. However, heavier outdoor furniture can remain outside under all-weather covers.

How to store things in a damp basement

If your basement gets damp: Invest in mold-proof storage containers to store anything that might attract moisture, including books and clothing. In addition to the tips above:

  • Clothes: Keep extra or seasonal clothing in sealed containers off the basement floor, if possible.
  • Furniture: Any fabric or foam pieces, such as cushions, should be cleaned and stored off the basement floor.

And remember, keep a small donation bin in the basement to collect items such as old toys, clothes and blankets that are ready to repurpose. When the bin is full, take it to a donation drop-off point. Also, after cleaning up and reorganizing your basement, take time to review what's in your garage storage and under your sink.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

Start a quote

Select a product to start a quote.

Find agents near
you or contact us

There’s one ready to offer personalized service to fit your specific needs.

Related articles

How to create a home inventory

A home inventory can expedite insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss.

What to do when your basement floods

A flooded basement: Safe steps to clean up and help prevent future damage.

Water in the basement

Help reduce sewer or drain losses in your basement by checking drainage, installing a sump pump and reducing backflow.

What not to store in the garage

Wondering what not to store in the garage? Some items might surprise you. Learn more about what can stay and what should be stored elsewhere.