Everyone needs a “Dream Space” for reading, relaxing, listening to music, and doing nothing. Knowing there is a place of refuge just for you is enough to bring peace to the most troubled mind. The key to creating an area that offers the essentials of freedom, quietness, and serenity is the perfect location. Of course, this is just one of many necessities to see the project to completion.
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Keeping Stored Items Mold-Free In Basements
There is no doubt, mold will grow just about anywhere as long as there is oxygen, food, water, and temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 degrees Celsius). An unfinished basement is the perfect example.
Most unfinished basements are still utilized for storage of unused furniture, cleaning supplies, canned food, home improvement products, and sometimes, clothing. While it is never a good idea to store these items in a cold, damp space, some homeowners find themselves backed against a wall. The lack of suitable storage space on the top level of the home leaves no other alternative but the basement.
Fortunately, there are a few tricks and tips that protect items when stored in unfinished basements.
- Store family heirlooms, photo albums, documents, clothing, footwear, and other high-risk areas in clear moisture-proof containers. Several brands make moisture-proof clear vinyl bags and tubs that are perfect for this type of storage
- Install dehumidifiers in the basement to control moisture levels more effectively
- Consider having the basement encapsulated, a process that seals the floors and walls of a basement or crawlspace to stop mold and other fungi from taking root
- Install wall shelving for canned goods, unused ceramic décor, porcelain and earthenware dishes, and plastic toys
1 – Wall Shelving Installation – Wall shelving keeps stored items above ground level. Shelving made of metal with a rust-proof finish is better for unfinished basements. The shelving option is endless for finished basements in which humidity is better controlled
2 – Waterproof Plastic & Vinyl Containers – Plastic containers with fully sealable lids are great for storing arts & crafts items, Legos, and home décor pieces that are not in use. Vinyl bags, hung from wall hooks, work great for keeping winter attire and footwear dry
3 – Utilize A System For Organization – Keep a list of all the stored items, where they are located, what they are stored in, and other essential information. It can also help to label the front of the storage container. Utilizing clear storage containers will come in handy in the event your “Storage List” goes missing
4 – Non-Perishable Food Storage – Never store perishable food in a basement. Non-perishable food, such as dried beans, tea bags, canned soups, peanut butter jars, ground coffee, dried fruit, vegetables in canning jars, canned tuna, canned non-dairy creamer, and brown rice can be stored in the basement in the right storage container
5 – Take Advantage Of A Spandrel (Space Under Stairs) – It seems such a waste to not utilize spandrels for storage. The area under the stairs is perfect for quiet spaces for young children. Turn empty spandrel space into a hidden fort, quiet spot for reading, and toy storage
6 – Consider A Laundry Room Expansion – A laundry room is no longer just for washing and drying clothes. An expansion will offer more storage space for cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, and extra dishware. Install a heat-safe table for ironing or a vacuum sealer for food storage. The possibilities are endless with a laundry room expansion
7 – Install A Workbench In The Garage – Things are always needing fixing, making a garage workbench imperative for every home. Install the workbench up against a wall to ensure it does not interfere with the car storage
8 – Transform Attic Space Into Livable Space – Many attics are just empty spaces with all kinds of possibilities. The first step is to properly insulate the attic, followed by adding a subfloor, walls, and ceiling. Add the finishes touches and boom, you have livable space for a study, child’s bedroom, or game room
9 – Install A Sauna In The Basement – The basement is just sitting there. It isn’t being utilized for anything other than collecting dust. Why not utilize a small portion of the space for a state-of-the-art sauna? Conduct thorough research to ensure the project is completed in a matter that does not cause a moisture problem in the basement
10 – Install Radiant Heat Flooring – Tile, hardwood flooring, and linoleum are almost always cold on the feet. To eliminate this problem, radiant heat flooring can be installed throughout the home. Radian heat flooring increases the value of a home while keeping feet warm, even when walking barefooted
11 – Add An Extra Room To Your Home – It cannot be stressed enough, there can never be too much space in a home. In fact, most homeowners complain about having too little space. Add an extra room to the back of your home. Transform the space into a sewing room, office, gym, or den
