Especially whengetting rid of sentimental itemsis involved.
But a tidier, less-cluttered basement is far more useful (and far less stressful) than the alternative.
So, we reached out to organizing expert Courtney Cummings to get her pro tips on decluttering your basement.

Credit:Getty Images / Laughing Mango
Here’s what we found out.
Start a Timer and Be Prepared
“Go through everything.
Extend that time to 25 minutes and see what you’re free to accomplish.”
Consider getting rid of rarely used items, especially if they’re in poor condition.
Work from Wall to Wall
As you declutter, try not to bounce around the basement.
This will only make it harder to stay focused and keep track of what you’ve done.
After the timer goes off, dive back in where you left off.
Set Goals
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed whendecluttering spacesas large as the basement.
To fight against this, set a goal for any basement decluttering sessions.
Keep those boxed family heirlooms safe from mice and moisture by keeping them elevated.
Just ensure the floorboards are damage-free and can support the weight of heavy shelves.
Use the Right Containers
Think beyondcardboard boxeswhen it comes to basement storage.
Instead, consider plastic bins, drawers, and baskets in a variety of sizes.
This ensures you might make the most out of your space and your needs.