How to Organize a Mudroom
Mudrooms are prone to overflow with various items, from school backpacks and lunchboxes to office briefcases and purses. Fortunately, there are many methods to organize a mudroom so it stays clean and tidy!
Once you sort through the items you want to store, figure out what methods work best to keep your mudroom tidy. A top priority is a storage system, such as individual lockers or cubbies, floor-to-ceiling storage, or adjustable shelves. Hooks, shoe storage, and a message center are excellent ways to keep things in order as well.
Once you've organized your mudroom, you'll be amazed at how functional and tidy it can be! Continue reading to learn more!
Determine Your Mudroom Organization Needs
Before you can organize your mudroom, you have to know what items need to be stored there. Start by pulling everything out. Decide what's most important to keep, remove any items that aren't essential (like dress shoes or toys), and donate anything you won't use.
Consider paring down some items (do you really need four coats and eight pairs of shoes in the mudroom, or can some go in your closet?) to free up space. Next, take inventory of what you want to store, especially if you have limited space. This will help you figure out what organization system will work best for the size and shape of your mudroom. After taking inventory, you can choose from some (or all!) of the following ideas to further maximize organization in this area of your home.
Develop a Storage System
First and foremost, you need a storage system. This is very dependent on how much space your mudroom allows. If you have a larger space, consider individual lockers for each member of your family. These large cubbies allow everyone to choose what items to store without taking space away from someone else.
Floor-to-ceiling storage is another popular option. You can house seasonal or infrequently-used items up high with easy access to everyday items below. Metal baskets and adjustable shelves are another way to maximize storage space. If you have a smaller mudroom, consider cubicle cubbies. While not as big as lockers, they still allow everyone to have their own space for important items.
Install Hooks and Drying Racks
One of the most important functions of your mudroom is organizing everyone's coats, hats, mittens, purses, and keys. An easy way to do this is with hooks. Assign each family member a hook or designate certain hooks for specific items, such as coats or purses. No one likes a wet hat, coat, or mittens. If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, consider adding a drying rack to allow wet items to dry quicker, such as those recommended by The Spruce.
Don't Forget About Shoe Storage
Another big element of a mudroom is shoe storage. For larger mudrooms, one or more shoe racks work well. Benches are also a popular solution, but they do tend to take up a lot of valuable space. If you have a smaller mudroom, minimize the pairs of shoes per person and place them in over-the-door storage.
Create a Message Center
If you're like most busy families, a message center can be very beneficial in keeping everyone organized and informed. A message center is a place to collect mail, magazines, and packages, as well as a calendar, to-do list, and reminders. From simple and straightforward to elaborate and unique, you can adapt your message center to fit your needs and style! Check out Decor Pad for some inspiring ideas.
Other Organizational Hacks
- Pet Items - To keep things organized and tidy, designate an area of your mudroom for pet items, such as food and water dishes, litter and a litter box, leashes, or whatever other items your pet needs.
- Bench - A bench with internal storage will add beauty and functionality to your mudroom. Plus, it'll be easier to put on your shoes.
- Umbrella Storage - Umbrellas can be awkward and frustrating to store. They don't hang up quite right and you don't want water to drip all over the floor. Use a simple cylindrical holder to catch all the water, keep the umbrellas upright, and make them easily accessible.
- Drip tray - If you live in a wet climate, a drip tray for wet & muddy shoes can be a game-changer in keeping your mudroom mud-free!
Conclusion
After you choose the best storage system for your mudroom, further improve organization and function by adding various hooks for hanging items and one or more areas for shoe storage. It's also beneficial to have a designated area for pets, a bench for storage and seating, and storage for wet items like umbrellas and shoes. You're well on your way to organizing your mudroom!