"... do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage."

We did a complete overhaul of this basement storage area. The client wanted her gardening tools easily accessible near the back door. We used the ORG wall system to transform blank walls into storage for keeping tools and supplies within easy reach.

Whether your basement is "finshed" space or use primarily for storage, it's important to keep it safe and uncluttered. Follow these steps to make basement organization a snap:

Assess the clutter. Start by creating three categories: keep, donate, and toss. As you work your way through the items in the basement, assign each one to a category. If you rarely use a piece, it's probably a good candidate to donate or toss.

Donate or toss. Contact local charities and arrange for a pickup of items to donate; put the toss items out with the trash or recycling.

Edit the belongings you're keeping. Separate the keep pile into new categories, such as books, sporting goods, etc. Assign each category a logical location (which might not even be in the basement): Books should be stowed in a plastic storage box placed on a high shelf (or in a corner of the attic); sporting equipment might be sent to a bin in the garage.

Label items. Give anything that's not plainly identifiable a clear label. (Tuck a permanent marker and blue painter's tape in a zippered plastic sandwich bag and have the kit handy for labeling anything and everything.)

Choose the right shelving. Shelves are critical in the basement, since you'll need to keep your valuables safe from flooding. Consider installing metal shelving: It's affordable and easy to assemble, and it withstands heat and humidity better than wood.

Pick plastic storage boxes. Cardboard boxes, no matter how strong, bend and dent with frequent use-and they're not much protection from dampness. Instead, choose sturdy plastic containers, which shield their contents better, seal tighter, and are easy to carry or move around on shelves (as long as they aren't too big).

Hang items to save space. Use hooks and pegs to create order out of disorder. Consider hanging such items as fire extinguishers, tools, and work gloves.

Source:  Real Simple

Clearing the clutter feels great. Making a few bucks by selling your usable items is even better! No doubt, a garage sale takes some effort, but follow this checklist to stay organized and run an efficient sale. 

Prepare Your Sale Items

Sort items into categories (kitchen, books, kids' clothes, toys)

Clean and repair items as you go 

Price items and label with a description when applicable

Clarify Any Sale Regulations

Call city or county government for local yard sale regulations 

Find out about signage rules (size, shape, placement)

Find out if you need a permit to hold a yard sale in your area

Advertising

Call newspapers for prices and deadlines (don't forget free and local papers) 

Include date, time, address, directions, and items of interest

Run your ad at least one day before and day of your sale 

Determine Your Sale Policies  

Determine the length of your sale (number of days and hours)

Decide if you will accept checks or hold items for people

Decide if you will allow early birds or let people in your home

Gather Your Supplies

Decide if you will allow early birds or let people in your home 

"Checkout" items (cash box, extra bags, tissue / newspaper)

"Try-before-you-buy" items (extension cords, batteries, bulbs)

Multi-Family Sales

Ask friends, neighbors, and family to join in 

Have each participant mark his / her items differently

Keep track of each person's sales in a notebook

Put Up Signs

Put posters at major intersections and along your road 

Put up fliers in local stores, laundromats, and churches

Include address, hours, arrows, and major items of interest

Set Up Your Cash Box

Get change ($20 in coins, $50 in ones, $40 in fives) 

Create a list of "minimum prices" you will accept for each item

Make arrangements for a charity to pick up your leftovers

Set Up Your Sale Area

Make sure nothing is blocking traffic flow

Display like items / complementary items together

Make sure everything is clearly visible

Ask for Help

Make arrangements for a charity to pick up the leftovers

Recruit helpers (at least 2 people to stay the length of the sale)

Educate helpers about your pricing / negotiating

Week Before the Sale

Put up fliers in public areas around town

Place your newspaper ad

Gather supplies, get change, and confirm "helpers"

Week of the Sale

Put up directional signs around your neighborhood 

Block off any areas you don't want shoppers to enter

Get a good night's sleep

What to do the Day of the Sale

Start setting up 1-2 hours before sale is scheduled to start 

Put one person in charge of cash box -- never leave unguarded 

Have fun -- let your kids sell snacks and play some peppy music!