My 4 Top Tips for a Happy, Hardworking Mudroom
If you’re fortunate enough to have a dedicated mudroom in your home, you know how useful these spaces can be. However, they can also quickly become the family’s dumping ground, causing chaos, clutter, and stress. But that only happens when you don’t have a plan. Today I’m sharing tips for organizing and systemizing your mudroom to make the most of this useful space.
Tip #1: Reevaluate the Main Reason for the Room
First and foremost, you need to assess how you’re using this space on a regular basis. Do you have kids with lots of sporting equipment or school backpacks? Are there lots of different hobby supplies being stored in the space? Or is it more of a loading and unloading zone for errands, such as incoming groceries and outgoing packages? Do you live in a more rural area so it’s actually a true mudroom where you’re removing messy outerwear to prevent dirt spreading to the rest of the home? Often our use of space changes over time, but we forget to re-organize based on how we’re actually using our homes today. Define one or two primary uses for your mudroom, and relocate items that could be stored elsewhere. Maybe you just need to switch which sports gear is in active use and which can be stored in another area such as a garage or shed.
Tip #2: Plan & Purchase Purposeful Storage Solutions
Do not—I repeat—DO NOT immediately head to the store to buy storage containers! Make sure that you have clarity about how you’re using the space and what items need to go there. The goal here is not to cram as many things into one area as possible, but to make the things you need and use on a regular basis more accessible. You may find that a vertical storage solution, such as a pegboard, is helpful if you have a lot of smaller items. You may need a mat for messy boots, a bin for gloves and hats, or you may need a designated basket for each family member. Do you need a spot for keys and wallets if this is the primary entry and exit point of the house? Make the space self-explanatory to all members of the household. Maybe that involves labels or just clear bins so that you can easily see what is inside. Make sure kids can reach all of their stuff so they are able to put things away and pull things out in the morning without any extra help. Once you have a clear plan for the space, then you can take measurements and decide on the best storage solutions for your mudroom.
Tip #3: Map Out How to Deal with Moisture Control and Guest Overflow
Mudrooms can develop issues with damp because of outerwear storage coming in from the elements. Make sure your flooring is appropriate, and that there are areas where wet outerwear and umbrellas can hang in the open such as hooks or coat racks. Make sure things stay dry and moisture free and any floor coverings are easily washable. Also consider leaving extra space for guests, so there’s plenty of room for an influx of coats and shoes when hosting a crowd.
Tip #4: Style the Space with Strategic Accessories
Just because a mudroom is a functional room doesn’t mean it can’t also be aesthetically pleasing! You just want to make sure that the accessories and decor are practical for this high traffic space. Items that hang on the wall rather than taking up valuable floor or tabletop space are ideal. A washable rug or coordinated storage baskets go a long way toward a peaceful and uniform look. Especially if this area is visible to the rest of the house, it should match the general decor of your home. At our house we have small vases mounted to the wall so I can add fresh flowers without taking up valuable table space—or risking flowers being knocked to the floor on a busy morning. Just make sure your decor doesn’t distract or detract from the purpose of the space.
Fall is a great time to organize and beautify your mudroom. Now’s the time to get ahead of the game and think about how this space is used during this active season of fall sports, back to school, and holiday preparation. It’s worth the effort to gift yourself a peaceful and harmonious entry and exit from your home. The frustration of a cluttered and dysfunctional space will be a thing of the past if you take these simple tips to heart.
P.S. If you’re looking for more organization tips you can implement at home, be sure to sign up for my newsletter.
Cheers,
Karina
