Basements tend to become a catch-all for things we don’t know what to do with—old furniture, seasonal decorations, broken appliances, and forgotten boxes. Over time, the space becomes crowded, dusty, and hard to use. Cleaning out a basement might feel overwhelming, but breaking the job down into clear steps makes the process manageable.
Here’s how to clean out the basement in a straightforward and efficient way.
Step 1: Set Aside the Right Amount of Time
Basements don’t fill up overnight, and they won’t be cleaned out in a couple of hours either. Start by taking a quick walk through your basement to assess the volume of clutter. Some basements can be cleared in a day, but many take a weekend or longer.
If you’re dealing with bulky furniture, construction debris, or years’ worth of accumulation, it may be worth hiring a junk removal company like Got Rubbish. They’ll load, haul, and dispose of items safely—especially things that can’t just be left at the curb.
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Rushing leads to confusion and missed steps.
Step 2: Create Space to Move and Sort
Before anything comes out of the basement, you need a safe work area and a plan for sorting. Clear a walking path through the space so you can safely reach all areas. If the lighting is poor, bring in portable lights or a few strong flashlights.
Next, organize a few sorting categories. You don’t need to write anything down, but a physical system helps:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Trash
- Recycle
If the weather’s good and you have driveway space, move items outside while you sort. If not, clear a corner of the basement and use it as a staging area. Label bags or bins, or group things into piles.
This step is simple but helps keep everything from sliding back into the same clutter it started in.
Step 3: Begin Sorting Through Items
Pick a corner and start from there. Don’t bounce around—working in one section at a time helps you stay focused. Open every bin, box, drawer, or container you find. Look at what you’ve held onto. It’s common to come across things you forgot about or thought were lost.
As you sort, ask some basic questions.
Do I need this? Have I used it in the last year? Is it broken?
Be honest.
Holding on to something “just in case” usually leads to another year of it collecting dust.
Items in bad shape can usually go straight to trash or recycling, while others—like usable furniture or intact tools—may be worth donating. If they’re too large to haul on your own, a junk removal company like Got Rubbish can remove them responsibly and make sure they get recycled or donated where possible.
Don’t put too much time into deciding what to sell. If you know you won’t take photos and list it online within a week, it’s better to donate or discard them.
Step 4: Remove Junk and Unwanted Items
After sorting, you’ll likely have a significant amount of stuff marked for disposal. Now’s the time to clear it out.
Some trash can go out with regular garbage, but large loads, old appliances, electronics, or construction waste may require special disposal. Local guidelines often restrict curbside pickup of bulky or hazardous items.
This is where professional help comes in handy. Junk removal companies like Got Rubbish handle basements all the time. They’ll do the heavy lifting, get items upstairs safely, and haul everything off in one trip. You avoid the strain and don’t have to worry about where to properly dispose of items like batteries, paint cans, or broken electronics.
A cleared basement makes the job feel real—once the junk is gone, you’ll see the space with fresh eyes.
Step 5: Clean the Entire Basement
With the clutter removed, it’s time to turn your attention to cleaning. Start with a basic sweep or vacuum of the entire basement floor, including corners and under shelving. Wipe down walls, support posts, and any visible pipes. If you notice signs of moisture—like water stains or a musty smell—consider running a dehumidifier.
Disinfect surfaces where mold or mildew may have been present. If you live in an area with moisture issues, this is a good time to check for leaks or cracks in the foundation. Cleaning after a full decluttering not only improves appearance but also gives you a chance to address basic maintenance.
Step 6: Put Items Back in an Organized Way
Only place organized and sorted items back into the basement. Anything without a clear purpose or storage container should be reconsidered.
Use shelves to keep boxes off the ground—especially in basements that might flood. Group similar items together: holiday decorations in one area, tools in another. Clear plastic bins work better than cardboard because they resist moisture and let you see what’s inside.
Avoid stacking things where they can topple or block pathways. Keep important or frequently used items near the front or at eye level.
The goal isn’t to fill the basement again—it’s to store what’s useful in a way you can easily find and access later.
Related Article: How to Get Organized for Your Basement Cleanout
Step 7: Maintain the Space Over Time
Once your basement is clean, set a plan to keep it that way.
- Do a quick scan at the start of each season.
- Toss or donate broken or unused items as soon as you notice them.
- Watch for signs of moisture or mold.
- Don’t let items “temporarily” sit there longer than a few days.
- Keep a slow trickle of clutter from turning into a pile.
If things start piling up again—especially large or awkward items—don’t wait too long. It may be time to call Got Rubbish to pick up what you no longer need and give your space a fresh reset.
When It’s Too Much to Handle on Your Own
If all of that sounds like a lot, we know—and we don’t blame you. That’s exactly what junk removal companies are for.
Got Rubbish is a professional junk removal company that specializes in clearing out basements just like yours. Whether you’re dealing with old furniture, broken appliances, piles of cardboard boxes, or things you can’t even identify anymore, their team handles the hauling, sorting, and proper disposal—all in one trip.
Here’s why it may make sense to hire Got Rubbish:
- You won’t have to carry anything up the stairs.
- You don’t need to rent a truck or trailer.
- You avoid the hassle of figuring out where to take old TVs, electronics, or chemicals.
- If you’re short on time or can’t lift heavy items, they’ll do the work for you.
- They sort, recycle, and donate items where possible, so you know things are disposed of responsibly.
Basement cleanouts can involve heavy lifting, unexpected hazards, and more trips to the dump than you’d expect. Got Rubbish is licensed and insured, and their crew shows up ready to work. They don’t cut corners, and they don’t leave a mess behind.
So if the idea of sorting, hauling, and disposing of everything feels overwhelming—or if you just want the job done right the first time—hiring Got Rubbish is a smart move. You get your space back without the stress.
A Clean Basement Is Worth the Effort
Cleaning out your basement doesn’t require complicated tools or drastic measures. What it does take is simple planning, steady progress, and a solid system for sorting and removal.
Working step by step prevents overwhelm. And when it comes to removing heavy or hazardous items, getting help from a junk removal company like Got Rubbish makes the task safer and faster. They’ll handle what you don’t want to deal with and get everything out the door responsibly.
Once it’s cleaned out, your basement becomes more than just extra storage—it becomes a usable, purposeful space again. Whether that means more room for working, relaxing, or storing only what you really need, it all starts with a clear floor and a well-thought-out cleanout.