Many people keep old items from their parents or childhood in their basement. Even if they never plan to take these precious treasures upstairs or use them again, just having them simply allows them to feel connected to someone or something in their past. Whether it’s sentimental value or items that are just costly, the sight of water ruining your belongings is not one you want to see. Keeping your belongings organized will help to keep them dry and out of reach as much as possible.
Use Shelves
Obviously if you have items sitting on the basement floor, they’re going to encounter water during flooding. Storing your items on shelves will help to keep them more protected and organized. If you don’t currently have shelves installed, that will need to be something you think about doing. The most valuable items or ones that are more easily damaged should be stored at the top.
Avoid the Drain
If your basement has a drain set in the center of it, keep your items away from this area. Without it, any water that enters the basement will be trapped there.
Use Plastic Storage Bins
Cardboard boxes are easily damaged, it’s best to put your items into plastic storage bins that are watertight. This is even an option for things you are keeping on the shelf, most importantly the lower shelves. Labeling these bins will help you easily locate important items during flooding. These types of bins are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs.
Hang Items
Do you have items that can be hung from the ceiling or put on the walls? This will keep them off the floor and out of the water.
Keep the Clutter to a Minimum
The less clutter you have in your basement, the less you will have to remove. This also decreases the chance of your belongings becoming ruined.
