For those who own one, a basem*nt is a major perk to any home because it not only gives you more space—whether that’s livable space or not—but also has endless potential, especially in terms of storage. If your basem*nt is where your stored belongings have piled high, a shelving system can make a world of difference to bring order and organization. “Basem*nts are often a space where we store a lot of bulky, oversized, and seasonal items, so having durable shelving is an excellent solution to maximize storage,” says Ashley La Fond, the founder of home organization company Of Space + Mind. La Fond notes that maximizing storage isn’t the only reason to invest in storage shelves for basem*nts. “Basem*nts are often prone to moisture and pests, so storage shelves are important to keep items up and off the floor for protection,” she explains. While there is an abundance of shelving options to choose from, not all may be durable enough to withstand basem*nt elements or have the weight capacity necessary to hold all of those belongings (especially those heavy totes filled with holiday decor!). With this in mind, we researched and reviewed dozens of basem*nt storage solutions, carefully considering material, durability, sturdiness, assembly, and price to find the best options for all of your storage needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best with Doors: Best for Totes: Best Heavy-Duty: Best Folding: In This Article Our Picks What to Look for FAQ Why Trust The Spruce What We Like Comes in different color options Shelf height is adjustable A 1,000-pound weight capacity What We Don’t Like Assembly might be a little tricky Our top pick for the best storage shelves for basem*nts is the Wayfair Basics Wire Shelving Unit. Featuring a simple and minimalistic design, the utility shelves are completely adjustable and boast a 200-pound weight capacity each (so, 1,000 pounds in total) making this unit super durable and versatile. We love it for basem*nt storage because it can keep things neat and tidy while ultimately remaining discreet. Thanks to its sleek design, it could work well in a number of configurations. Crafted from steel, we love that this shelf has five open wire shelves that provide a place for all those boxes and totes. And if black doesn't match your style, it comes in chrome, too! Dimensions: 72 x 36 x 14 inches | Number of Shelves: 5 | Materials: Wire, metal What We Like Available with or without wheels Choose from 3 to 5 shelves Adjustable Each shelf holds up to 250 pounds What We Don’t Like Assembly instructions aren’t clear Shelving units often come with a high price tag, making an organization project a bit of an investment. However, for those looking to declutter and organize their basem*nt on a budget, there are some more affordable options. The best one is the Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Storage Shelving Unit, which starts at $40.87 per unit. We love this storage shelf because, despite a low price tag, it’s heavy-duty with a 250-pound-per-shelf weight capacity, plus you can choose between 3 to 5 shelves, depending on your storage needs. Constructed from alloy steel, the storage unit also comes with or without wheels and the shelves are adjustable so you can customize it for your storage needs. Dimensions: 13.4 x 23.2 x 30 inches | Number of Shelves: 3-5 | Materials: Alloy steel, plastic What We Like Lock and key system for security Available in 4 different color options Place several together to create the illusion of built-in storage What We Don’t Like Not as heavy-duty Purchasing storage shelves with doors is an excellent option for those looking to hide their storage in a more sleek and intentional manner, as well as those who want added security (especially if your basem*nt is shared or you’re looking to store personal belongings in a vacation rental). The Fedmax Heavy Duty Metal Garage Storage Cabinet is our top pick for "best with doors" because it features a sleek design and comes in four different color options, so you can choose the best one for your style. Function-wise, this storage cabinet is incredibly durable (though not as heavy-duty as other options on our list) and can hold up to 180 pounds per shelf. Plus, it has a lock and key feature so that you can keep your belongings stowed away safely without open access. Dimensions: 15.75 x 31.5 x 70.86 inches | Number of Shelves: 4 | Materials: Metal What We Like Durable plastic shelving unit designed for totes Can fit 6 totes with plenty of room on the top shelf for miscellaneous items Adjustable feet What We Don’t Like Bulky While they might already stack well together, totes look even more organized when placed on a shelving unit. The best storage shelf for totes is the Original Black & Yellow 4-Tier Storage Shelving Unit. While these shelves are on the bulkier side, it’s an incredibly functional unit that can fit six totes with lots of extra space on top for miscellaneous items. We love it for the basem*nt because it has adjustable feet that can be altered if the floor is uneven, which is all too common in a basem*nt area. Dimensions: 20 x 48 x 55 inches | Number of Shelves: 4-5 | Materials: Plastic The 9 Best Garden Tool Organizers of 2024 What We Like Holds up to 4,000 pounds Chic design Shelves are adjustable What We Don’t Like Not big enough to hold several totes at once While there are some excellent options for heavy-duty shelves on our list, none quite compare to the Juggernaut Storage Shelving Unit, which can hold a whopping 4,000 pounds. This sturdiness makes it versatile enough to use for storage boxes, as well as sports and gym equipment, if you use your basem*nt as a workout area. In addition to its weight capacity, the storage shelves are super chic for a utility shelving unit and feature a jet-black steel frame that is completely adjustable. That way, you can customize your shelving height based on your needs. Just note, the unit isn’t big enough to hold several totes at once, so it might be a better option for smaller boxes and baskets. Dimensions: 72 x 48 x 24 inches | Number of Shelves: 5 | Materials: Steel What We Like Choose from 4 to 5 shelves Comes with wheels Has a maximum weight capacity of 1,000 pounds What We Don’t Like Requires assembly Foldable shelves boast a lot of versatility. If you’re looking for a set of foldable shelves for the basem*nt, our top recommendation is the HealSmart Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Rack, which comes in three, four, and five-tier options. We love that it's easy to assemble and is heavy duty enough to hold up to 1,000 pounds (which, considering it folds up, is quite impressive). We love these shelves because, in addition to folding, they also have wheels, so they can be easily moved around, making them an excellent rolling rack option. The best part is that when you want to clear out your basem*nt space, you can easily fold everything up and put it away. Dimensions: 15 x 49.5 x 28 inches | Number of Shelves: 4-5 | Materials: Iron Best Foundation Repair Companies What We Like Choose from 4 to 6 shelves Multiple sizes Wheels are durable compared to similar styles What We Don’t Like Medium-duty If you need a storage rack that you can move around easily, one with wheels is a must. The SafeRacks Heavy Duty Steel Wire Shelving Unit with Wheels and Adjustable Feet is our top pick because the wheels are much bigger and more durable compared to similar options, plus the feet are adjustable giving it added customization. The unit is also an NSF-certified utility shelf and is designed as commercial grade so it’s a great option for those running a business from their home with inventory stored in the basem*nt. With that being said, some users report that the unit isn’t as heavy-duty as the packaging claims, and it works best with medium weight. Nonetheless, the shelving unit can fit a lot of storage and even comes in several different sizes, depending on your organizing needs. Dimensions: 24 x 60 x 72 inches | Number of Shelves: 4-6 | Materials: Alloy steel, plastic Organizing Product Reviews Final Verdict The overall best storage shelves for basem*nts is the Wayfair Basics Wire Shelving Unit, which has a 1,000-pound weight capacity and adjustable shelves, making it easy and affordable to add a little more organization to the basem*nt. But, if you want something that is even more budget-friendly, you’ll find it in the Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Storage Shelving Unit, which comes with or without wheels and the choice between three, four, and five adjustable shelves. Additionally, this unit is heavy-duty as each shelf has a weight capacity of 250 pounds. Before thinking about anything else, the first thing to consider when shopping for basem*nt storage shelves is your space: you need to know exactly how and where they will fit. “In order to ensure that you are optimizing your basem*nt storage needs, you want to measure that space to determine height, width, and depth constraints,” says Britnee Tanner, a professional organizer who specializes in decluttering. “Additionally, you’ll want to know how many separate shelving units you can fit side-by-side if you need more storage,” she adds. The next items to consider are sturdiness and assembly requirements. “Sturdiness is one of the biggest factors when it comes to quality basem*nt storage shelves,” Tanner explains, noting that it’s all too easy to accidentally purchase flimsy shelves. “I recommend you look for shelves that are made of quality steel frames and have heavy-duty metal shelves,” she adds. This is especially important when storing heavier items since your shelves need to be able to support the weight for years to come. Assembly requirements play into sturdiness because, with complicated assembly, there is a bit more room for error which can result in instability. When shopping for shelving units, be mindful of the assembly requirements and consider reading customer reviews for real-life information on the assembly process. If you have your heart set on a shelving unit that has challenging assembly and have little experience building furniture, it might be worth hiring an expert through a service such as TaskRabbit to ensure the unit is put together as intended. The material directly impacts durability, so considering how and what the shelves are constructed from is vital. “Steel shelving is the trustiest for strength,” Tanner explains. Steel shelving can get more pricey, though. If you don’t have it within your budget or don’t want to go with steel, Tanner says a heavy-duty metal is second best. “Oftentimes, you can read the weight limits in the shelving description to help give you an idea of what they can hold,” she adds. FAQ How do I declutter my basem*nt? Decluttering a basem*nt is similar to decluttering any other space, however, the basem*nt can feel like a much more daunting task because it’s often a dumping ground. To rip the bandaid off, Laura Barnes, a professional organizer and founder of Let Laura Jean, recommends setting aside a designated time to tackle the basem*nt and says to start by organizing things into categories and deciding whether or not you want to keep or donate each item. Once you have your items, it’s time to organize them based on the categories you set. “Depending on the type of basem*nt you have, you may want to invest in new bins that will protect your things from dampness that can be present in some basem*nts,” Jean explains. When determining which bins and shelving to use in your space, she recommends measuring your space so that you have a good idea of what will actually fit. You should also measure your bins to ensure they will actually fit on and between the shelves. If you wish to take things a step further, Lindsey Mahanna, a professional organizer at Clutter to Clarity says to “think about whether you prefer to see what you have and need clear containers or if you prefer to hide the items within opaque containers” as this can add to the overall aesthetic of your organization. It also helps to label any containers — and even the shelves — so that it’s easier to find what you are looking for when you need it. Adding shelf liners to wire shelving will also provide a solid surface that's easier to keep clean. How deep should basem*nt shelves be? “The deeper your shelves, the more you can store,” says Tanner. But it’s more important that the shelves actually fit within a space, so first consider how much depth you have to work with, based on the area. “If you have a narrow closet in your basem*nt then you may need to opt for a narrow 12-inch shelf,” says Tanner. If you aren’t confined, the ideal depth is somewhere between 16 and 20 inches deep, though more is always appreciated, especially if you have lots to store. How many shelves should my storage system have? The amount of shelves needed depends entirely on your space and how many items or boxes you need to store. “If you’re just starting out, I recommend selecting a shelving unit that comes with 4 to 5 shelves,” says Tanner. This is enough space to get a significant amount of storage off the ground, and if you find you need more, you can always add additional units. Contributing writer Jessie Quinn covers everything from organizing solutions to home essentials for The Spruce. When researching the best storage shelves for basem*nts, Quinn considered everything from shelving depth and overall size to the number of shelves and adjustability. She also paid close attention to durability and sturdiness and looked for options that are heavy-duty. And, because it’s likely you’ll need more than one set of shelves, Quinnalso considered the prices and how that would add up if fully organizing the basem*nt. Quinn also reached out to top organization experts Britnee Tanner, Ashley La Fond, Laura Barnes, and Lindsey Mahanna to learn more about what makes shelves suitable for a basem*nt and what to look for in storage options.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-storage-shelves-basem*nts-tout-ef8df375db8b47d79b192176d1a71b62.jpg "The Best Storage Shelves for Basem*nts to Keep Everything Organized (1)")
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FAQs
What is the best storage container for a damp basem*nt? ›
Using plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes can help protect your items. Airtight plastic bins form a seal that can shield your stuff from moisture, as well as bugs and rodents.
How do I build a storage area in my basem*nt? ›Utilize the Space Under the Stairs
Under the stairs storage can be incredibly helpful when organizing your basem*nt. Stack everything under the stairs and add a curtain to keep storage hidden, or build an under stairs closet to create a basem*nt storage room that's out of the way.
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.
What adds most value to basem*nt? ›Increased square footage
Adding square footage to your home via a basem*nt remodel or finish is one of the best ways to increase its value, but in addition to adding extra space, you can also solve a few problems. You can add a bathroom, a guest bedroom, or give your teenager some space.
Perfect for use in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, closets, pantries, storage rooms, basem*nts garages or anywhere excess moisture and stagnant air are a nuisance.
Is DampRid good for basem*nts? ›The Mega Moisture Absorber is best for areas with ongoing excess moisture problems. DampRid moisture absorbers attract and trap excess moisture to eliminate musty odors and prevent moisture damage in: basem*nts.
What is the best storage container to keep bugs out? ›Plastic storage boxes are the best storage containers to keep bugs out. They provide the best protection because pests won't be able to chew through or rip them open. Plus, they're easily stackable and much better at protecting your stored items from damage!
What is a basem*nt storage called? ›Synonyms of cellar. 1. a. : a room or set of rooms below the ground floor of a building : basem*nt. There's storage space in the cellar.
Should you store wood in your basem*nt? ›The basem*nt is a great option for firewood storage. However, you must be careful about storing fireplace that carries pests which can be damaging to a home. The wood products from the Cutting Edge are kiln dried and guaranteed pest free, so you can easily store it in your basem*nt, or any room in your home.
Is it OK to store wood in basem*nt? ›Strategically Choose the Room for Indoor Storage
Still, you must be cautious when choosing an indoor space because not all rooms are conducive to keeping kiln-dried wood fresh. The room you choose needs to have low humidity and plenty of airflow. A basem*nt and sometimes a garage will often meet these requirements.
Are storage containers damp proof? ›
Many shipping containers, and indeed storage containers used for the long-term storage or transportation of goods and cargo, suffer from container damp and moisture problems including condensation – commonly known as container rain or cargo sweat.
How do you damp proof a container? ›One of the easiest ways of dealing with condensation is moisture traps. Moisture traps contain internal crystals that reduces moisture and damp in confined spaces, perfect for containers that may remain closed for periods of time. However, moisture traps need to be replaced every 6-8 weeks.
How do you moisture proof a container? ›Use desiccants
Desiccant blankets – Desiccant blankets can be draped over the top of cargo to protect against condensation and container rain. A leak-proof design keeps moisture from traveling downward and damaging cargo. Desiccant pads – You can use desiccant pads to line the bottom of chilled goods and beverages.