Before you start to panic, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you don't have to organize these areas in a single afternoon — nor should you take on this task all by yourself. In Julie Morgenstern's book Organizing from the Inside Out, she writes that basements should be family projects if you want to enjoy them over the long haul. Everyone should have something invested in keeping that area in order. Prior to beginning to organize the basement, she suggests that you have a family meeting so that each member can consider what he might gain through a more organized basement or attic.

The chaos in the attic or basement could be preventing your family from enjoying the space to the fullest. Not only does chaos make it harder to retrieve items when you need them, it can also prevent your family from spreading into these parts of the house. Could your basement or attic provide a play room for small children or an entertainment area for older ones? If so, talk that up! You're likely to get more cooperation from your children if they know that there is something in this project for them.