The Best Storage Shelves for Basem*nts to Keep Everything Organized (2024)

• Our Picks

• What to Look for

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

Our top pick for the best storage shelves for basem*nts is the Wayfair Basics Wire Shelving Unit. Featuring a simple and minimalistic design, the utility shelves are completely adjustable and boast a 200-pound weight capacity each (so, 1,000 pounds in total) making this unit super durable and versatile.

We love it for basem*nt storage because it can keep things neat and tidy while ultimately remaining discreet. Thanks to its sleek design, it could work well in a number of configurations. Crafted from steel, we love that this shelf has five open wire shelves that provide a place for all those boxes and totes. And if black doesn't match your style, it comes in chrome, too!

_{Dimensions: 72 x 36 x 14 inches | Number of Shelves: 5 | Materials: Wire, metal}

Shelving units often come with a high price tag, making an organization project a bit of an investment. However, for those looking to declutter and organize their basem*nt on a budget, there are some more affordable options. The best one is the Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Storage Shelving Unit, which starts at $40.87 per unit.

We love this storage shelf because, despite a low price tag, it’s heavy-duty with a 250-pound-per-shelf weight capacity, plus you can choose between 3 to 5 shelves, depending on your storage needs. Constructed from alloy steel, the storage unit also comes with or without wheels and the shelves are adjustable so you can customize it for your storage needs.

_{Dimensions: 13.4 x 23.2 x 30 inches | Number of Shelves: 3-5 | Materials: Alloy steel, plastic}

Purchasing storage shelves with doors is an excellent option for those looking to hide their storage in a more sleek and intentional manner, as well as those who want added security (especially if your basem*nt is shared or you’re looking to store personal belongings in a vacation rental).

The Fedmax Heavy Duty Metal Garage Storage Cabinet is our top pick for "best with doors" because it features a sleek design and comes in four different color options, so you can choose the best one for your style. Function-wise, this storage cabinet is incredibly durable (though not as heavy-duty as other options on our list) and can hold up to 180 pounds per shelf. Plus, it has a lock and key feature so that you can keep your belongings stowed away safely without open access.

_{Dimensions: 15.75 x 31.5 x 70.86 inches | Number of Shelves: 4 | Materials: Metal}

While they might already stack well together, totes look even more organized when placed on a shelving unit. The best storage shelf for totes is the Original Black & Yellow 4-Tier Storage Shelving Unit.

While these shelves are on the bulkier side, it’s an incredibly functional unit that can fit six totes with lots of extra space on top for miscellaneous items. We love it for the basem*nt because it has adjustable feet that can be altered if the floor is uneven, which is all too common in a basem*nt area.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 48 x 55 inches | Number of Shelves: 4-5 | Materials: Plastic}

While there are some excellent options for heavy-duty shelves on our list, none quite compare to the Juggernaut Storage Shelving Unit, which can hold a whopping 4,000 pounds. This sturdiness makes it versatile enough to use for storage boxes, as well as sports and gym equipment, if you use your basem*nt as a workout area. In addition to its weight capacity, the storage shelves are super chic for a utility shelving unit and feature a jet-black steel frame that is completely adjustable.

That way, you can customize your shelving height based on your needs. Just note, the unit isn’t big enough to hold several totes at once, so it might be a better option for smaller boxes and baskets.

_{Dimensions: 72 x 48 x 24 inches | Number of Shelves: 5 | Materials: Steel}

Foldable shelves boast a lot of versatility. If you’re looking for a set of foldable shelves for the basem*nt, our top recommendation is the HealSmart Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Rack, which comes in three, four, and five-tier options.

We love that it's easy to assemble and is heavy duty enough to hold up to 1,000 pounds (which, considering it folds up, is quite impressive). We love these shelves because, in addition to folding, they also have wheels, so they can be easily moved around, making them an excellent rolling rack option. The best part is that when you want to clear out your basem*nt space, you can easily fold everything up and put it away.

_{Dimensions: 15 x 49.5 x 28 inches | Number of Shelves: 4-5 | Materials: Iron}

If you need a storage rack that you can move around easily, one with wheels is a must. The SafeRacks Heavy Duty Steel Wire Shelving Unit with Wheels and Adjustable Feet is our top pick because the wheels are much bigger and more durable compared to similar options, plus the feet are adjustable giving it added customization. The unit is also an NSF-certified utility shelf and is designed as commercial grade so it’s a great option for those running a business from their home with inventory stored in the basem*nt.

With that being said, some users report that the unit isn’t as heavy-duty as the packaging claims, and it works best with medium weight. Nonetheless, the shelving unit can fit a lot of storage and even comes in several different sizes, depending on your organizing needs.

_{Dimensions: 24 x 60 x 72 inches | Number of Shelves: 4-6 | Materials: Alloy steel, plastic}

Final Verdict

The overall best storage shelves for basem*nts is the Wayfair Basics Wire Shelving Unit, which has a 1,000-pound weight capacity and adjustable shelves, making it easy and affordable to add a little more organization to the basem*nt. But, if you want something that is even more budget-friendly, you’ll find it in the Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Storage Shelving Unit, which comes with or without wheels and the choice between three, four, and five adjustable shelves. Additionally, this unit is heavy-duty as each shelf has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

FAQ

• How do I declutter my basem*nt?

  Decluttering a basem*nt is similar to decluttering any other space, however, the basem*nt can feel like a much more daunting task because it’s often a dumping ground. To rip the bandaid off, Laura Barnes, a professional organizer and founder of Let Laura Jean, recommends setting aside a designated time to tackle the basem*nt and says to start by organizing things into categories and deciding whether or not you want to keep or donate each item.

  Once you have your items, it’s time to organize them based on the categories you set. “Depending on the type of basem*nt you have, you may want to invest in new bins that will protect your things from dampness that can be present in some basem*nts,” Jean explains. When determining which bins and shelving to use in your space, she recommends measuring your space so that you have a good idea of what will actually fit. You should also measure your bins to ensure they will actually fit on and between the shelves.

  If you wish to take things a step further, Lindsey Mahanna, a professional organizer at Clutter to Clarity says to “think about whether you prefer to see what you have and need clear containers or if you prefer to hide the items within opaque containers” as this can add to the overall aesthetic of your organization. It also helps to label any containers — and even the shelves — so that it’s easier to find what you are looking for when you need it. Adding shelf liners to wire shelving will also provide a solid surface that's easier to keep clean.

• How deep should basem*nt shelves be?

  “The deeper your shelves, the more you can store,” says Tanner. But it’s more important that the shelves actually fit within a space, so first consider how much depth you have to work with, based on the area. “If you have a narrow closet in your basem*nt then you may need to opt for a narrow 12-inch shelf,” says Tanner. If you aren’t confined, the ideal depth is somewhere between 16 and 20 inches deep, though more is always appreciated, especially if you have lots to store.

• How many shelves should my storage system have?

  The amount of shelves needed depends entirely on your space and how many items or boxes you need to store. “If you’re just starting out, I recommend selecting a shelving unit that comes with 4 to 5 shelves,” says Tanner. This is enough space to get a significant amount of storage off the ground, and if you find you need more, you can always add additional units.