Over time basements often became storage centers with overwhelming, accumulated clutter. Taking time to clean out your basement means reclaiming valuable space. Moreover, studies have shown that decluttering spaces have a positive effect, leading to reduced stress and elevated focus.
Take Before Photos
Taking before and after photos is a great way to appreciate the results of your basement cleanout efforts visually. Simple Take several before photos, capturing all rooms, including nooks and crannies.
Get Motivated: Write Down Your Purpose and Goals
Why do you want to clean out your basement? Are you moving? Do you seek to use the space differently? Are you simply tired of all the clutter? Taking time to write down your purpose and goals for cleaning out your basement will help you stay focused and motivated. Need more motivation? Watch the popular Netflix series “Tidying Up.”
Develop a Plan and Schedule
Take some time to write a “to-do” list and establish a work schedule. Also, if you want to recruit some friends and family to assist, make a note of that. While a plan will help, it is important not to get discouraged if the clean-out process takes longer than expected. Whenever needed, revise your plan and schedule.
Mental Preparation
When it comes to a basement cleanout, the primary goal is to remove all junk, clutter, and debris. Many have the best of intentions but will inevitably struggle to let go of stuff. This is sometimes referred to as decluttering paralysis. There are many reasons why it can be difficult to let go. For instance, it’s easy to think that someday you want or need the item- even if you haven’t seen or used it in years. It will be well worth doing some online research into various techniques that will help you break up with your stuff.
Declutter, Declutter, Declutter Your Basement
Decluttering is central to the entire process. Before you can begin to organize your basement, you will need to declutter. This involves getting rid of anything and everything that you do not want or use. This will involve going through every box, shelf, drawer, and more. Depending upon the amount of stuff in your basement, this process can take considerable time. But, in the end, it will be worth it!
Sort- Keep, Toss, Recycle, and Donate
Establish four piles as you begin the decluttering process- keep, toss, recycle, donate, and give away. It is also recommended that you go through the “keep” pile a few times on different days. The goal is to get rid of as much stuff as possible. With the extra time, this may get easier.
Hire a Reputable Junk Removal Company
Hiring a reputable junk removal company such as Orange Crew will save you substantial time and effort. They will also make sure your items are properly disposed of, recycled, and donated. Moreover, if you have heavy items, it’s simply safer to hire professionals to ensure no one suffers any physical injuries.
Additional Tip: Depending on how much stuff needs to be removed, you may need to schedule multiple hauls to free up room.
Deep Cleaning
It isn’t easy to clean a cluttered space. Once you have removed all unnecessary items and junk, it is time to roll up your sleeves in delve into deep cleaning. This includes dusting, washing windows, cleaning light fixtures, scrubbing walls, carpet cleaning, wipe baseboards, and so on.
Organize
Now that your basement has been decluttered and cleaned, it’s time to get organized. Organizing experts recommend organizing items based on categories and zones, such as home office, entertainment space, storage area, and so on. You may also want to invest in clear storage containers, which will make it easier to find items when needed.
Take After Photos
Once you have finished organizing your basement, it’s time for the “after” photos. Now take some time to compare your before and after photos, enjoying the fruits of your labor. You may even want to share the amazing outcome with friends and family.
Enjoy
Enjoy the amazing, stress-free feeling you experience whenever you enter your clean, organized basement!
Orange Crew sorts, recycle, and donates received junk to create a cleaner environment for you and the planet. Regardless of job size, the company is fully licensed and insured to remove and dispose of residential and commercial junk safely. Serving Chicagoland, call 847-469-9391 to discuss your needs and schedule a pickup.
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