Utilizing your basement as a storage area can be difficult if the area is cluttered and unorganized. You can make the storage space more efficient by creating organized systems for your stored items.

Storage Bin Organizer

While plastic storage bins are great for holding your stuff, when they are piled up it becomes difficult to get the bottom bin without moving all of the others in the stack. To solve this problem, create a bin organizer that will enable you to get to the bottom bins easily.

You will need 76 feet of 1-1/2 inch pvc pipe, 4 cross connectors and 12 T connectors and 8 Y fittings to build a system for 6 storage bins.

Step 1: Use a hacksaw to cut 38 sections of pipe that are 24 inches in length.

Step 2: Lay a section of pipe vertically on your working surface. Attach a Y fitting to either end of the pipe.

Step 3: Attach another pipe horizontally from each Y fitting. Attach a T fitting to each horizontal pipe. Attach another pipe to each T fitting.

Step 4: Attach a second T fitting to the pipes and finally add a Y fitting at the end.

Step 5: Vertically connect the Y fittings with pipes. This will be the base of your structure.

Step 6: Attach 8 of the pipes upward from the fittings on your base. Attach T fittings on either end of the base.

Step 7: Attach cross fittings in the center. Connect all of the fittings with pipes. This will complete the second layer of the structure.

Step 8: Follow steps 1 through 7 again to build the system up one more layer. This should provide you with enough space for 6 storage bins. Assemble the structure using a small rubber mallet to tap the fittings to the pipes. There is no need to glue or cement the pipes -- the connectors will stick together on their own.

Rafter Rods

Attach two loop hangers from one of your floor rafters in the ceiling, leaving enough room between the rafter and the loop to place hangers. Run a metal shower rod through the loops. Place your hangers over the rod. Use the hangers for seasonal clothing or for closet organizers with pockets.

Rafter Shelves

Use screws and a screwdriver to attach 1 inch by 8 inch boards across the bottoms of some of your rafters to create a shelf. Place boxed items over the boards to keep them off the ground and create more floor space. Be sure that the items in the boxes are not too heavy for the shelving and that they will be able to withstand any excess heat.

Cord Tamers

Use cardboard tubes to tame your cords in the basement. Cover the cardboard tubes with paper to color code them for easy identification. Wind the cords and slide one end of the bunch into the cardboard tube. Push the cord through the other end. Use a basket or box to contain all of your tamed cords.

Crafting Board

Craft activities typically require a number of small materials. You can organize your craft supplies using a simple pegboard and some hooks. Run dowels across two hooks to hang rolls of materials. Attach heavy duty paper clips to cans to hang them on hooks and store pens and other small things inside the cans. (File down the edges of the can so that you don't scrape your hand on them). Hang tools like scissors on their own individual hooks.

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