David: I've written before about finding new uses for old kitchen cabinets. Norm Abram agrees that this is a smart way to add some inexpensive storage in the garage or basement. Writing in This Old House, he adds a cautionary note about taking steps to avoid moisture problems with the recycled cabinets.

When you remove cabinets from the kitchen, the bottom edges of base cabinets are likely unfinished. If you then set these edges on a concrete floor in the garage or basement, they are likely to absorb moisture and swell. Norm suggests that you can limit this problem by sealing the bottom edges with an oil-based paint or primer.

It's also a good idea to put the cabinets on plastic or vinyl spacers, which will resist moisture being absorbed.

Source: homerenovationsadvice.com