As soon as you enter your home, you’re in the mudroom. Synonymously called an entryway or foyer, this space is the mood-setter of the house.
When it’s chaotic and messy, you feel that vibe as you walk through the door. But when it’s clean and tidy, a peaceful feeling of tranquility embraces you.
Keeping the mudroom clean isn’t always easy. After all, it’s a space designated for muddy shoes and coats. But we’ve got five easy-to-implement techniques that will make yours the perfect room to walk into at the end of a long day.
Check out our mudroom organization hacks:
Table of Contents
1. Accept That Dirt Will Come Through The Door & Prepare For It
Dirt is a fact of life. It finds its way into every home, no matter how often you clean. When you fight this concept and try to keep your mudroom pristine, you’re setting yourself up to fail.
By accepting that dirt and debris are going to enter your house, you can create a system to limit the amount that comes through your door. This is possible when you invest in the right furnishings.
You can prevent a dirt infestation by investing in items like:
- Weatherproof doormats outside the door
- Stylish doormats inside the entryway
- An indoor drip tray to house wet boots and shoes
- A coat rack (preferably set over the drip tray)
When buying furniture, consider the climate of your region. Some areas have harsher seasons with lots of rain and snow. In those regions, you may have to buy thicker, more absorbent mats.
With these tools in your mudroom, you will catch dirt before it spreads to the rest of your home!
2. Make It Easy To Remove Shoes At The Door
When you come home at the end of a long workday, you’re tired. The last thing you’re worried about when carrying everything from your car is tracking mud into the house. Instead of stopping to remove your shoes, you probably keep walking to the nearest dumping point, dragging the outdoors in.
But if you create a spot to remove your shoes, you’ll be more likely to do it.
Keeping a shoe bench by the entrance is an easy solution. If it’s sturdy enough to sit on and wide enough to set your things down, it will get used.
Some mudrooms have limited space, so a big bench isn’t always feasible. Small tray tables where a purse, wallet, and keys can fit might be a better option in those homes.
3. Add Storage Options To Keep Everything Tidy
Keeping the dirt at bay helps, but what should you do with all of your clutter?
Well, you should get yourself some storage solutions! Shelves, wall hooks, and other options can help you keep your mudroom clutter-free.
Hooks on the wall or door keep bulky coats from taking up too much space. Sturdy hangers allow you to hang your wet jackets without having to worry about them falling.
Some tight spaces call for drastic measures. If your mudroom is tiny and doesn’t have a closet, organizers are even more critical.
These entryway accessories will help you use every inch of your mudroom:
- Shelves with coat hooks double as clutter catchers and key holders.
- Narrow shoe racks house your frequently-worn shoes.
- Freestanding closets give you extra closet space for jackets and outerwear.
- Wicker baskets on the wall are great for wallets, keys, and other small items.
There’s no reason to stick to the traditional mudroom. With all of the organizational tools available, you can create an entirely new look that suits your lifestyle!
4. Give Every Family Member Their Own Space
When everyone has a stake in an area, they’re more likely to take care of it. You’re not the only one using the mudroom, so why not let others have a stake in its organization, too?
Whether you live with family members or roommates, give each person their own storage basket or shelf to use as they please. Make sure to set guidelines on keeping it clean, or it could end up worse than before.
Also, it makes sense to use this area as a communication center because everyone passes through at some point. Hang a whiteboard where you can share important notices and information.
5. Bring Some Extra Decor Into Your Mudroom
The foyer is functional and tends to get dirty, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fashionable. A little bit of flair can turn your dull entryway into a decorative designer mudroom.
If you have a small entryway, be sure to keep it simple. No one wants to walk into an overwhelming foyer, no matter how stylish.
Here are a few basic decorations that can add some personality to your entryway:
- A vintage coat rack adds class to any room.
- Antique mirrors create the illusion of a larger space.
- Small hanging plants serve as decorative accents and a natural air filter.
It doesn’t take much to add a little style to your mudroom. No one says it can’t be organized and look good, too!
Conclusion
Getting your mudroom under control is the perfect metaphor for organizing your life:
It gets a little messy sometimes, but with a few hacks under your belt, your entryway — and your life — can be peaceful and orderly.
By implementing these mudroom organization hacks, you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier, and more productive lifestyle!
Author Bio
Ryan Sundling is a Group Marketing Manager at Cardinal Group Management. With a decade of experience in the conventional housing industry, he works with Alexan on 20th Street Station, a luxury apartment complex in downtown Denver.
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