Back in August, the Husband cleared the basement out and we hired someone to come in and spray foam the basement. After 7 years away from doing “inside” home renovations, things are starting to progress again.
When we bought this house 11 years ago, we knew that it was a fixer upper. The basement was unfinished and while the footprint of the house was good, the entire space was poorly utilized. In the first two years, the Husband made a big dent in what needed to be done. But then we had Boy #1. Then Boy #2. Then Boy #3. The priority list got revamped and things like house renovations just got bumped down lower and lower. Last winter, it became glaringly obvious that the boys needed more space. The timing worked out this summer that we could tackle the basement. So here we are. Tackling the basement.
I have a few requirements for the space. Since that will be where the toys and “boy stuff” goes. I know I want some food storage down there. The grocery bill is only going to continue to get more ridiculous and I’m kind of maxed out in terms of kitchen storage as it is. So having space downstairs to hold supplemental things like cereal and snacks is item #1 on the list.
Item #2: Equipment storage. Between the fire gear and the hockey gear, I’m tripping over bags all.the.time. There is no good way to storing that with our current floor plan. We don’t have a mud room. And I am playing with fire right now keeping the gear in it’s bag all week. Things are going to start getting stinky if I keep doing that. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the storage possibilities that the basement opens up for us.
A quick search of Pinterest (are you following me? If not come join the chaos) doesn’t net me a whole lot in terms of helpful ideas. I mean, there are a few, but nothing that really appeals to me. Thankfully, there is time to give it some more thought, and maybe do some more research. One wall will be storage for food on one side and toys on the other. So that will be in the “main” space. I’m looking at the PAX wardrobe system from IKEA for that. Laundry, storage and office space will make up the other half of the basement area. Part of me likes the idea of creating a mini-locker room sort of set up. But with more hanging space. That gear isn’t going to dry itself out. *shudder*
I mean, how do you even store these? And in multiple pairs? Is there a shoe rack but for skates?
I clearly need some more time (and maybe suggestions? Anyone?) to think this through.
Part of the reason I agreed to a fixer upper in the first place is knowing that I could make this house my own. What we didn’t really think through is the timeline for making the house our own. The possibilities of a fresh space are exciting, though. I remind myself of this every time I trip over something. Hockey bags included.
Leave a Reply