Does your older
house have a dirt basement? If putting a more permanent floor
in is not a budget option at the moment, there are things
you can do so moisture isn't as big of a problem. And as an
added bonus, your house won't feel nearly as damp, no matter
what the temperature outside is.
First, measure
the size of your basement floor. Then go buy a roll of 6 mil
poly (looks like clear sheets of plastic - think Ziploc freezer
bag weight, but in a large roll) at your local building spply
store and place it on the floor to help prevent the moisture
from the dirt seeping into the rest of the house through the
moist air. Seal the seams with duct tape and you can fasten
it to the floor with nails driven into the dirt.
If you aren't sure
what kind of nails or duct tape to buy, ask at the building
supply store, they will be able to assist you with the type
appropriate for your area.