Mudrooms are transitional areas for maintaining cleanliness, storing different items, and acting as a buffer to prevent dirt, moisture, and clutter from spreading throughout your home. Whether you have a dedicated room or a small entryway, there are a few different options for organizing your mudroom and reducing clutter. In this guide, we’ll explore different mudroom storage ideas to help you create an efficient space for you and your family.
Shoe Storage Solutions
Before organizing shoes in your mudroom, assess your family’s shoe needs based on your location and lifestyle. For example, consider adding one or two booth trays to your mudroom if you live in an area with inclement weather. These trays are great for containing dirty shoes and prevent mud and water from spreading across the floor.
Here are a few additional storage options for organizing shoes in your mudroom:
- Built-in cubbies: These provide a dedicated spot for each pair of shoes, making them great for large families. However, they have limited storage capacity and may not accommodate larger footwear, such as boots.
- Individual baskets: These are great for holding multiple pairs of shoes and keeping them out of sight. Labeling each basket with family members’ names can also keep everyone’s shoes organized. However, baskets can fill up quickly, requiring you to store some shoes on the floor.
- Large catch-all tote: This option works well for shoes and sports gear because of its larger size. However, finding specific items at the bottom of the tote can be challenging if you have to dig through multiple pairs of shoes.
- Vertical shoe racks: You can mount these racks on walls or the back of doors, maximizing vertical space in smaller mudrooms. Additionally, these racks keep shoes elevated, making it easier to clean floors.
A Home for Coats and Bags in the Mudroom
If you want to store coats and bags in your mudroom, install individual hooks for each family member to keep these items easily accessible. With hooks, it’s easier to grab outerwear on the go, everyone will know where their belongings are stored, and you can hang items of different weights and sizes.
To prevent overcrowding, regularly check through the items on the hooks and remove ones that you don’t use frequently, such as seasonal jackets. For smaller spaces, consider using the area behind the door for a hook. To increase functionality, you can install double hooks to hang multiple items.
Umbrella Mudroom Storage
Having a dedicated place to store your umbrellas can help contain water from wet umbrellas and make it easier to grab one as you leave your home. Here are some umbrella storage ideas:
- Use buckets or bins made of metal, plastic, or rubber to hold umbrellas upright.
- Install a wall-mounted umbrella rack with individual slots for easy access and drying.
- Consider a freestanding umbrella stand with a drip tray to catch excess water.
- For homes with limited space, use a collapsible umbrella holder to store umbrellas when not in use.
Avoid hanging wet umbrellas on hooks where they can drip onto other items and don’t place them in storage bins made of materials that are susceptible to mold and mildew, such as cardboard or fabric. Choose waterproof and easy-to-clean materials, such as plastic, for a more organized mudroom.
Bench Storage for a Mudroom
A bench can provide a spot to change shoes and a temporary place to put bags or packages. If space allows, consider installing storage beneath the bench. Here are a few bench storage ideas:
- Hinged seat storage: This type of storage allows you to store bulky items, such as paper towels and seasonal decorations.
- Open cubbies: You can store frequently used items or decorative storage baskets in these cubbies.
- Storage baskets: Use baskets that slide under the bench to keep the area organized and accessible.
- Under-seat drawers: These are ideal for storing smaller items, such as gloves, hats, and scarves.
When selecting a bench, consider the overall style of your mudroom and choose a design that complements your decor while providing storage space. Benches constructed with rot- and mildew-resistant materials are the best choices for durability.
Laundry and the Mudroom
Combining your laundry area with your mudroom can be an efficient use of space. To maximize this room, you can install retractable drying racks on the wall and a built-in ironing board to collapse when not in use. Add shelves above the washer and driver for laundry products, and dedicate a hamper or basket for dirty clothes. If space allows, you could install a folding station or countertop to sort and fold clean laundry.
Mudroom Built-Ins
Custom built-ins can increase your mudroom’s storage capacity and functionality. When designing built-ins, consider shelves and cubbies for storing frequently used items. For smaller objects or seasonal gear, you can install drawers or cabinets to conceal these items. Additionally, having a combination of open and closed storage balances visibility and organization in the space.
When planning your mudroom built-ins, think about how you’ll use the space. Consider your family’s habits, the items you need to store, and how your mudroom relates to other storage areas in your home. Customizing the design to fit your needs will result in a more efficient and user-friendly space.