Nice! We don't have basements here, but I get a small area in the garage for storage. Brewing is done in the back yard under a canopy. This time of year, not too long after sunrise so I can avoid the crazy afternoon thunderstorms.
If you are a long way from a brew store, I have seen grain on Amazon. Prime would get you free shipping. I don't have any experience ordering it because it is a lot more expensive than the brew store. If I were to not pick-up from the brew store and have it shipped, it would be stupid expensive. I have really enjoyed playing around with some of the White Labs yeasts, and shipping those would stress me out.
Speaking of White Labs, we made a beer pilgrimage to Asheville this year, and having the same recipe with two different yeasts side by side on a flight or a four pack was really awesome. I love them more now, especially since White Labs makes a good product.
Maybe she who must be obeyed can get you a refrigerator in that basement