Clearing basement: Step-by-step guide

Basements often become a home’s forgotten storage space — filled with old furniture, boxes, tools, and things you haven’t seen in years. Whether you’re preparing to renovate, moving house, or just want to reclaim your space, clearing out a basement can feel overwhelming.

At Rümpel-Held.de, we’ve cleared hundreds of basements across Germany, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to help make your basement clearance smooth, safe, and efficient.


🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Clear Out Your Basement


1. Define Your Goal

Start by asking yourself:

  • Are you doing a full clearance or partial cleanout?

  • Are you preparing for renovation, selling the home, or simply decluttering?

Clarity helps you decide what stays and what goes.


📦 2. Sort Items into Categories

Bring boxes or bags and divide everything into clear categories:

  • Keep – Items you use or need

  • Donate – Usable items others can benefit from

  • Recycle – Paper, plastic, glass, etc.

  • Hazardous Waste – Paints, chemicals, batteries

  • Trash – Broken or unusable items

Tip: Don’t try to do it all at once. Work in zones or small sections.


🧯 3. Ensure Safety First

Basements can be dusty, cluttered, or even damp. Take safety precautions:

  • Wear gloves, old clothes, and a mask if needed

  • Watch out for mold, sharp objects, or unstable stacks

  • Ensure good lighting and clear walkways

If anything seems unsafe or biohazardous — call a professional like us.


📤 4. Remove Unwanted Items

Once sorted, start removing the items:

  • Disassemble furniture to make it easier to carry

  • Place heavier items near the exit

  • Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury

  • Rent a van or disposal container if needed

Don’t want to deal with heavy lifting or transport? That’s what Rümpel-Held.de is here for.


♻️ 5. Dispose of Items Responsibly

Be sure to follow local rules for disposal. Many items can’t just go in the regular trash:

  • Take electronics and metals to a recycling center

  • Donate furniture or working appliances

  • Hazardous waste must go to a certified facility

We handle eco-friendly disposal and donation on your behalf — saving you time and effort.


🧼 6. Clean and Organize What’s Left

Once cleared, take a moment to:

  • Sweep and clean the basement floor

  • Check for moisture, mold, or cracks

  • Organize the items you’re keeping in labeled containers or shelves

Now you’ve got a clean, usable space again — maybe even for a workshop, storage system, or laundry area.


🤝 Don’t Want to Do It Alone?

If you’re short on time, don’t have the tools, or the job is just too big — let the professionals handle it. At Rümpel-Held.de, we offer:

  • ✅ Basement clearance from A to Z

  • ✅ Safe removal, sorting & lifting

  • ✅ Eco-friendly recycling and disposal

  • ✅ Fast and respectful service, even for full-home clearouts

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you’ve lost a loved one and need support clearing their home, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re here to provide gentle, respectful help when you need it most.