Organizing a Gun Room: Where to Begin

While growing up, when my bedroom was a mess with clothes and other items strewn all over, my mom would ask, “When did a tornado come through here?” Back then I thought to myself, “Where do I even begin to clean up this disaster?” Currently I’m dealing with the same situation in a gun room in my basement. Without getting into detail, let me just say, half of the items were removed and I was left with a huge mess. However, rather than thinking of this as stressful task (like when I was young), I’m super excited to get an opportunity to create a new space. This is the first in a series on how to organize a gun room.

Sponsored by Lockdown

Organizing a Gun Room

Where to Begin

I’m not 100% sure how I envision the gun room looking when it’s finished. However, I know I have to begin somewhere. I jotted down a few lists to help me plan out my project.

Cerino Gun Room Disaster
Nothing like putting it all out there for the world to see.

First of all, I needed an overview, of what I want in the gun room. Here’s the list:

  • Place to store all firearms and firearm-related products
  • Organized workbench 
  • Area for a few people to sit and relax
  • A worktable
  • A nice wall to use as a backdrop for photos and videos
  • Controlled humidity (There are a lot of items that I won’t want to rust.)
  • Security
  • Ample lighting
Cerino Gun Room Wall
As you can see, there is a lot to organize.

Then, I took an inventory of what I already have and what I need to purchase. Here’s my must-buy list: 

Finally, in order to keep the project clear in my mind, and to enable it to move forward, I need these things: 

  • Notepad and pen to keep track of ideas I get as I am organizing
  • Cleaning supplies such as rags, all-purpose cleaner and glass spray
  • Sharpie or paint marker to label bins and other storage containers
  • Trash bags for items I am throwing out
  • Boxes for items I am selling or giving away

The Plan

Cerino Safe 2
Firearms have just been set inside for storage.
Cerino Safe 1
There is no rhyme or reason right now for what’s in each gun vault.

For the first step, I want to get all the firearms put away and organized in the gun vaults. Then, I will tackle all the “stuff’ that is in the cabinets, drawers and on the floor. I need to decide what I want to keep, what I should sell and what is just trash. Anything I am not keeping will get removed from the room and go straight to the trash or sold. Next, all the items left in the room will get sorted into bins and put into cabinets and drawers. 

Cerino Work Bench
The work bench has been a catch-all for almost a year now.

I’m super excited at the thought of working with Lockdown’s Secure Wall products. It will take a bit of measuring and planning to make sure I order the correct sizes. But I’m not going to think ahead, I’m taking one step at a time organizing this room. 

Hopefully by the time all these items are organized and put away, I’ll have an idea of how I want to decorate the room. I plan on spending some time perusing Pinterest for ideas and inspiration, as well as Facebook Market Place for furniture. Like I mentioned above, rather than looking at this project as a burden, I’m excited for the opportunity to create a new space, that just so happens to also be a gun room. 

  • About Michelle Cerino

    Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and GTM Original. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore.

     

The Conversation

2 Comments