Written by Andrea Reviewed by Daniel

Are You Hoarding Junk? Experts Say You Should Ditch These 21 Basement Items

Is your basement slowly turning into a dumping ground for all the stuff you don’t know what to do with? Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone! Most of us are guilty of chucking things downstairs with that classic promise to “sort it out later” which, let’s be honest, rarely happens.

For anyone looking to reclaim that valuable space, cut down on stress, or simply stop living with the nagging thought of “I really should clean the basement,” this guide is for you. We’ll help you identify what’s actually worth keeping and what’s just collecting dust and spider webs.

Ready to transform that cluttered basement into something actually useful? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Why Your Basement Has Become A Junk Magnet

We’ve all been there. The doorbell rings, unexpected visitors are minutes away, and suddenly you’re shoving random stuff down the basement stairs in a panic. Or perhaps you’ve convinced yourself that a broken lamp “might come in handy someday” or those old textbooks “could be valuable.”

The problem? That “someday” never seems to arrive, and meanwhile your basement fills up with items that serve no purpose except making you feel slightly guilty whenever you open the door.

Your basement deserves better! Whether it’s finished or unfinished, that space could be so much more than the final destination for things you can’t be bothered to deal with properly.

21 Things Professional Organisers Say You Should Chuck Right Now

Ready to transform your basement from overwhelming to organised? Here’s a room by room approach to tackling those common clutter culprits that professional organisers encounter time and again.

We’ve broken down exactly what you can confidently get rid of without regret, starting with the bulkiest items first!

1. How To Declutter Bulky Appliance Packaging For Good

Got a collection of massive TV and appliance boxes “just in case” you need to return something? If that cardboard has been sitting there more than a few months, especially past the warranty period, it’s time to send it to recycling.

Breaking down a stack of bulky boxes is one of the quickest ways to reclaim serious basement space. Plus, you’ll get that instant burst of satisfaction from seeing a visible difference right away!

2. Why Old Electronics Need To Leave Your Basement Now

Let’s be real about those ancient electronics lurking in the corners. That chunky computer monitor, the VCR that hasn’t worked since 2010, or that first generation iPad with the cracked screen isn’t “vintage”, they’re obsolete!

Not sure how to get rid of electronics responsibly? Most councils offer electronic waste collection days, or check with local electronics retailers who often have recycling programmes. Your basement isn’t an electronics museum, so let these dinosaurs go extinct.

3. The Dangerous Truth About Storing Old Paint Cans

Why do we all hoard half empty paint cans? That collection of dried up paint, old batteries, mystery chemicals and random DIY leftovers isn’t just wasting space, it could be a safety hazard too.

Most communities have specific disposal options for these items where they can be handled properly. Check your local council’s website for hazardous waste collection days. Clearing these items doesn’t just free up space: it makes your basement safer too.

4. Unused Kitchen Appliances You’ll Never Actually Use Again

Be honest about that bread maker you got for Christmas three years ago that’s still in its box. Or that fancy juicer you used twice before deciding cleaning it was too much faff. If these kitchen gadgets have been banished to the basement, you’re probably never going to use them.

These items are perfect for donating to charity shops where someone else might actually put them to use. One person’s unused waffle maker is another person’s Sunday morning tradition waiting to happen!

5. Exercise Equipment That Only Collects Dust

Those dusty dumbbells, the exercise bike that’s become an expensive clothes hanger, the ab roller still in its packaging from your New Year’s resolution… 2018. If you forgot these items were even down there, it’s a clear sign they need to go.

Someone else might actually use this equipment, so consider selling larger pieces online or donating them to community centres. The workout you’ll get lugging everything out of the basement might be the most exercise that equipment has provided in years!

6. Broken Holiday Decorations You Keep “Just In Case”

Almost every basement contains at least one tangled strand of fairy lights that hasn’t worked since the last royal wedding. Or perhaps an inflatable snowman with a slow puncture, or Christmas baubles that have lost most of their sparkle.

Be ruthless! If decorations are broken, faded, or just plain naff, bin them. Treat yourself to some new bits next season instead of hoarding decorations that make you feel a bit sad when you unpack them.

7. Home Renovation Materials From Projects Long Completed

Still hanging onto a few odd tiles from a bathroom renovation from two houses ago? Got half a tin of magnolia paint that doesn’t match anything in your current home? These remnants from home improvement projects need to go.

If materials are still usable, consider donating them to organisations that accept building supplies for charity projects. You’ll free up space and help someone else complete their home projects without breaking the bank.

8. Incomplete Board Games And Puzzles Taking Up Space

There’s nothing more frustrating than setting up Monopoly only to discover the little dog and the top hat are missing. Or pulling out a jigsaw puzzle knowing there’s at least one piece that disappeared years ago.

These incomplete games are never going to be complete again. Recycle what you can, and interestingly, if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, some people actually sell individual game pieces online for others looking to complete their sets.

9. Mysterious Unlabelled Boxes You Never Open

We all have at least one unlabelled box that’s moved house with us multiple times. You have no idea what’s inside, but you’re strangely reluctant to find out.

Time for the mystery box challenge! If you’ve lived without whatever’s in there for this long, chances are you don’t need it. Be brave, open it up, and prepare to be underwhelmed by the contents you’ve been carefully storing for no reason whatsoever.

10. Random Hardware Collections That Never Get Used

Those coffee tins full of random screws, nails, bolts and bits of metal of unknown origin need sorting. While it’s sensible to keep some basic hardware on hand, you definitely don’t need ten containers of rusty, bent, or mystery fasteners.

Keep a small, organised selection of useful hardware and responsibly recycle the rest. Future you will be thankful when you can actually find the right screw when you need it instead of digging through five containers of junk.

11. Items Belonging To Other People Taking Up Your Space

Has your basement somehow become the storage unit for your adult children’s university textbooks? Or perhaps you’re “temporarily” storing your friend’s furniture from three house moves ago?

It’s time for some boundaries! Give people a reasonable deadline to collect their stuff, and stick to it. Your basement isn’t a free storage facility, and those items are taking up space you could be using.

12. Excess Flower Pots And Vases No Gardener Needs

Unless you’re secretly planning to open a plant nursery, you probably don’t need 37 plant pots and a dozen cracked vases. Those cobweb filled containers are taking up valuable space.

Keep a reasonable selection in good condition and pass the rest along to gardening friends or donate them. Local garden clubs or school gardening programmes might also welcome these items.

13. Outgrown Sports Equipment You’ll Never Use Again

From the kids’ outgrown football boots to the cricket set that hasn’t seen daylight since 2012, sports equipment can quickly take over basement storage. If multiple seasons have passed without these items being used, it’s time for them to find a new home.

Consider donating usable equipment to schools or sports charities where they might help children who can’t afford new gear. Your unused tennis racket could be the start of someone else’s passion for the sport!

14. Donation Piles That Never Actually Get Donated

You’ve already done the hard part deciding these items should go to charity but months later, they’re still sitting in your basement. These good intentions need a proper send off!

Put these items in your car right now or schedule a pickup immediately. Many charities will collect directly from your home, making it even easier to follow through. Don’t let these items continue to take up physical and mental space.

15. Old Books And Manuals You’ll Never Read Again

Those university textbooks, instruction manuals for appliances you no longer own, and outdated reference books are classic basement clutter. These materials rarely age well, particularly in potentially damp basement environments.

Most manuals are available online now, and unless you’re regularly referencing those textbooks, they’re just collecting dust. Recycle what you can and consider donating books in good condition to libraries or schools.

16. Framed Art And Posters You Don’t Actually Want

If those framed posters and paintings aren’t hanging on your walls, there’s probably a good reason. Basement storage isn’t going to make them more appealing or valuable.

Consider donating frames in good condition to charity shops. If the artwork has sentimental value but doesn’t match your current taste, take photos before parting with the physical items to preserve the memories without the clutter.

17. Items You’ve Been Meaning To Sell Forever

Many basements house collections of items set aside for future car boot sales or online selling that never actually happened. The harsh truth is that these items aren’t becoming more valuable sitting in your basement.

Be realistic about whether the potential profit is worth the continued storage. Often, the freedom of reclaiming your space is worth more than the small amount of money you might make from finally selling that collection of vintage teaspoons.

18. Unfinished Craft Projects You’ll Never Complete

Half finished needlepoint, abandoned knitting projects, fabric for quilts you never started, these unfinished crafts create significant clutter. Starting craft projects is usually more exciting than finishing them, but incomplete projects just generate guilt.

Be honest about which projects you’ll actually complete. Donate craft supplies in good condition to schools or community centres, where they might inspire others rather than gathering dust in your basement.

19. Extra Furniture Taking Up Valuable Floor Space

Whether you inherited pieces from relatives, kept the old sofa when you bought a new one, or found a “perfect project piece” on the kerb, excess furniture can quickly turn your basement into a showroom.

Furniture often degrades in basement storage anyway, with dampness and temperature fluctuations causing damage. Sell, donate, or pass along furniture to someone who needs it now, rather than saving it for some hypothetical future use.

20. Damaged Luggage You’ll Never Travel With Again

That suitcase with the wobbly wheel that made your trip through Heathrow a nightmare? The duffel bag with the broken zipper? It’s time to retire these travel veterans.

Modern luggage is lighter, more durable, and often more affordable than it used to be. Recycle what you can and invest in new pieces when needed. Your future travelling self will thank you.

21. Excessive Basket Collection You Don’t Actually Use

Those decorative baskets from Easter gifts, fruit arrangements, and home decor phases should be evaluated with a critical eye. Wicker doesn’t last forever, especially in potentially damp basement environments.

Keep only the baskets you regularly use and donate the rest. For those special occasion baskets (like picnic hampers), consider whether more practical alternatives might serve you better.

How To Actually Get Started Without Having A Meltdown

Feeling a bit overwhelmed just reading this list? Here’s how to make the process more manageable:

Start with just one category
Pick something easy like holiday decorations or books rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
Set a timer for 20 minutes
Work quickly and don’t overthink decisions. You can always do another 20 minute session tomorrow.
Have designated piles
Create spaces for “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “bin” and sort as you go.
Ask brutal questions
“When did I last use this?” “Would I buy this again today?” “If I saw this in a shop now, would I purchase it?”
Take before and after photos
They’re incredibly motivating and help you see your progress.

Remember, you don’t have to do everything in one weekend! Small, consistent efforts add up to big results over time.

The Joy Of A Usable Basement

Imagine opening your basement door and not feeling a wave of guilt or stress! Picture actually being able to find what you need when you need it. Think about potentially using that space for something you actually enjoy rather than as a tomb for abandoned possessions.

Clearing out your basement might feel daunting at first, but the sense of freedom you’ll feel afterwards is genuinely life changing. By letting go of the items listed above, you’re not just creating physical space: you’re creating mental space too. And honestly, that might be the most valuable outcome of all.

Ready to reclaim your basement from the clutches of clutter? Pick just one category today, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly momentum builds!

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