Even mattresses can be washed if they're made of foam. Get rid of stuffed chairs. Instead, pick furniture that's plastic, wood or metal. It's curtains for curtains. Get rid of long drapes that hang around and do nothing but gather dust.
Any basement is a haven for dampness.
But if yours does, make sure it's treated with a paint that's waterproof and that prevents mold. The ideal house would have all floors made of wood. Avoid carpets whenever possible. If you must have a rug, make sure it's machine washable. When you're choosing a kitchen floor, stay away from ceramic and other tiles.