From added storage space to a spot to watch a movie, fixing up your Basement can provide more room and comfort in your home. While a complete basement renovation might break the bank, there’s plenty of fixes you can hack for cheap.

1. Remove the Clutter

Many people use their basement for storage. If you’re the same, now is the time to get rid of the junk. Donate what you no longer need and cut down on what you decide to keep. Try the Marie Kondo approach for decluttering by determining which items bring you joy. This will provide more space to work with when completing your renovations.

2. Keep It Dry

Some basements are chronically damp, leading to a musty, dank smell. If you have this problem, you’ll want to invest in a dehumidifier to fight the moisture, especially during the warmer months. A humidity level of 50 percent is recommended for summer.

3. Paint the Walls

If your basement has drywall or cement blocks, a new coat of paint can quickly spruce the place up. Choose a color that will make your basement look larger, such as off-white, blue and green.

4. Add More Light

Lighting can make a big difference, especially in a basement that tends to be dark or dim. While you might already have an overhead bulb, consider Adding to the ambiance with a standing lamp or a strand of twinkle lights. You can also find battery-powered options to avoid any electrical issues.

5. Check the Sump Pump

Before you go any further, you’ll want to make sure your sump pump is in proper running order. This small machine, which typically sits in a pit in your basement, detects and drains water away from your home. Be sure your pump does not need replacing before you renovate, as you don’t want your hard work to get ruined by accumulated water.

6. Add a Rug

Once you know your basement will stay dry in the event of rainfall, consider adding an area rug. An inexpensive rug or remnant carpeting with finished edges can easily bring a room together while adding new color and life.

7. Make New Curtains

If you don’t feel like shelling out money for fancy new curtains, consider making them. You can save money by purchasing your own fabric and have more say over the colors and patterns you use. Even better, a simple sewing project such as this can be finished in as quickly as a weekend.

8. Install More Storage

If you have too much stuff and not enough space to store it, consider adding more storage to your basement. This could mean installing new shelving or cabinets, or you skip the hardware and simply invest in some plastic storage containers.

9. Paint the Rafters

If you have exposed beams in your basement ceiling, painting them can make things feel cozier and finished. This also makes it easy to access wires and other utilities should you want to renovate more in the future, as they won’t be covered by drywall.

10. Consider the Decor

Once you have a dry and painted basement, it’s time to consider what decor you can add for a cheap spruce-up. Consider adding photographs or posters to the walls, or using a large mirror to help make the room look bigger. If you want to hide the laundry area, consider adding a vintage folding divider.

Fixing up Your Basement

You don’t have to make a massive investment in your basement to complete these renovations. All you have to do is find a happy medium, whether it be through adding a new area rug or painting your exposed rafters. Find the fix-ups that will improve your space and also work with your budget.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington