If your mudroom looks like a tornado went through it, there is hope for getting this space organized and looking neat. Whether your mudroom is just a small entryway or an entire room, here are some tips for organizing a family mudroom.
First, you need to decide what exactly you are going to be using this space for. Will this be space for just some shoes and coats or will you be including things like backpacks for the kids, sports equipment, or other any other items? Before you can organize your room you need to determine what you need space for in the room.
For coats consider placing hooks on the wall for each person to hang their coat. Instead of storing all of the coats on these hooks take the ones that aren’t being used right now and place them away in a closet. If needed each person should not have more than 2 coats hanging in the mud room. If you don’t have a closet you can store the other coats in, then consider getting storage totes and placing them in totes that can be stored nicely in the mudroom so they are out of the way.
Shoes should not simply be left on the floor, but you should have a specific area off the floor where shoes can be stored. A good idea is to buy or make a shoe rack for your shoe storage in the mudroom. Even a simple bookcase can act as a shoe rack for a mudroom. This way you don’t have to worry about tripping over shoes when you walk in the door.
If you are going to be keeping school backpacks in the mudroom have a separate area where the bags can be placed and each kid has a specific slot for their bag. They can even be placed in their own large wicker storage basket that can be placed on the floor under the coat hooks. Each kid should have their own basket so they know exactly where their bag is at all times. Other items they may need for school can be placed in the basket as well.
If you don’t have any seating in your mudroom it may be a good idea to add some in so people can get sit and get their shoes on and off. A simple wooden bench would do for seating and can easily be incorporated into just about any set up.
When it comes to the décor of your mudroom you can keep it simple and functional. For example you wouldn’t want a carpet floor because of all the traffic that will be bringing dirt into that space. Instead opt for a floor that is easy to clean, such as a tile floor. Make sure to use plenty of organization bins and baskets for smaller items so that everything in the room has its own space. Utilize all the space you can with higher and lower shelves especially if you are only using an entryway as your mudroom or your actual mudroom is very small.
It may take some time to get your family mudroom organized but it is definitely worth it to have this space neat and organized. This way you don’t have to worry about the kids being late for school because you can’t find shoes or a backpack. Plus you don’t have to look at a mess every time you walk through the door.
Andrea is a mom of three who enjoys writing about fashion, beauty, and home products. She loves sharing what she has learned over the years of being a mom at her blog The Fashionable Mom.
Our ‘mudroom’ is right outside the door leading to the garage. My husband set up shelves for our shoes.. and we have a spot for the dog’s leash, and keys and such.
dee