While homeowners traditionally clean their homes during the spring months, there is no reason why you can’t get rid of clutter in December or January. Cleaning out your basement during the winter season may make it easier to access your furnace or other important HVAC components. Let’s take a look at how you can safely and effectively organize your basement this year.
What Will You Do With Items That You Don’t Want or Need?
There is a good chance that you won’t want or need to keep the baby clothes, board games or old power tools taking up space downstairs. However, if those items are in relatively good condition, it may be in your best interest to sell or donate them. In some cases, it may be possible to donate power tools, furniture or appliances even if they are broken or rusted.
Renting a Dumpster Can Expedite the Process of Cleaning Your Home
Placing a dumpster on your property makes it easier to clean your home because you don’t have to worry about putting debris into bags. Instead, you can simply throw a broken toilet, old rug or pile of plywood into the covered junk container sitting in your front yard. In some cases, a dumpster rental company will haul away the junk container for you after it has been filled up.
Make Sure That You’re Wearing Protective Equipment
It’s important to wear boots, gloves and clothing that covers your skin while working in the basement. Doing so can minimize the likelihood that your hands, arms or feet get poked by a sharp object during a cleanup project. It is also a good idea to wear a mask so that you don’t inhale a significant amount of dust, mold or other airborne pollutants.
Take Frequent Breaks to Warm Your Body
An unfinished basement can be one of the coldest spaces in a home. Therefore, it’s possible to put yourself at risk of frostbite, hypothermia, or other health issues by if you don’t take frequent breaks. Ideally, you should come upstairs every 30 minutes or so to allow your hands, feet, and other body parts to warm up.
Cleaning a basement may make your home a safer place to live. This is because dust, pollen or other airborne particles can be extremely flammable, and the same might be true of cardboard, old clothes or other items that are being stored in a relatively small space.
