"In using the basement day to day I've found the opening isn't large enough to easily allow the passage of a body. Sorry did I say body. I meant sack of potatoes. Yeah, a sack of potatoes. And it's even harder if that sack of potatoes is struggling"
In that case, may I recommend a small drainage hose at the lowest point of your basement to remove the resultant liquefaction of said potatoes. And while your at it, a few muffin fans will work wonders in keeping the fragrance level within tolerance.
Happy Motoring!