Lead organizer, Stephanie, is going to be sharing her tips for effective ways to create mudroom storage like a pro!

When it comes to setting up a mudroom, there are many things you should consider! This is a list of the most common areas we would address when designing and creating a mudroom for clients.

Creating Mudroom Storage Like A Pro

Cubbies

The most common problem I see with people that custom design their own mudroom storage (lockers or cubbies) is that they do not make them deep enough. Make sure when you are figuring out the dimensions of the locker or cubby to take a coat you already own and turn it sideways and make sure that it will fit that way. This is especially important if you are planning on using hooks on the sides of your lockers or cubbies as well. Also consider that if you are putting a shelf either above or below the hooks that you leave enough height for your coats. You should base the height on the longest coat you own.

If you are planning a new mudroom you will want flooring that is easy to clean. Concrete or porcelain or vinyl tile are good choices because they do not show dirt and it is easy to clean.
If you do not have easy to clean flooring in the space you are using, consider using boot trays under your shoes and boots to keep the floors from getting dirty.

Really want a custom mudroom? Consider installing outlets in each locker so you can charge your school computers, phones, etc. and have the electronic clutter hidden away!

Hooks

Speaking of hooks, I recommend using sturdy two pronged hooks so you can hang more items (coats, sweatshirts, bags, etc). If you have the room then you can utilize the back of the cubby/locker and even the sides for additional hooks.

For placement of the hooks (especially for kids) remember that they grow quickly. Do not place hooks so low that when they graduate to a larger size coat it then doesn’t fit. Plan for the future as opposed to the current. You can always keep a step stool in your mudroom area so they can help put their coats and backpacks away if the hook is too high initially.

Seasonal Items

Keep a basket or bin easily reachable for family members with their hats, gloves and scarves. If you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate the bins might be filled with items such as sunscreen and sunglasses. I like to use clear bins in lockers so you can easily see what is in them. If it is open storage then I recommend a decorative basket so it looks nice and tidy. Overall, you want your mudroom to be aesthetically pleasing. Typically this means a neutral color scheme with just a few fun decorative accents (cute baskets, throw pillows on a bench, etc).

Location, Location, Location

You do not need a custom mudroom in order to make space. Ideally, you want the mudroom set up closest to the door that gets used the most often. An entryway closet could easily be transferred into a mudroom space using the same baskets you would for a custom mudroom for hats, gloves and scarves. You can place them on a shelf or I recommend placing them on the floor of the closet so kids can reach them easily. You can divide the hanging space by grouping each family member’s coats together. You can also use an empty hallway or a portion of your laundry room and set up a mudroom by placing hooks along on the wall and then baskets underneath.

If you find there is a lack of space, consider storing coats that are not currently in season in another location and use the space for all your current needs. Also consider moving sports related coats, jackets, hats, equipment, and shoes into an area like the garage instead of the mudroom. Another advantage is that these things tend to get messy, smelly and muddy so it is ideal not having them inside your home!

Shoes

A common problem in mudroom areas is where to store shoes. Most family members have multiple pairs of shoes. Again, consider storing out of season shoes, boots, etc and rotating them in when the season changes. For shoes that are used often, you can use a standard shoe rack to hold shoes. You can also use cubbies or a bookshelf for additional shoe storage. Other options are storing shoes in a decorative basket or crate or if you have a bench in your mudroom, using the space underneath for shoe storage. As you can see there are a wide variety of options.

Plan For Lifestyle

The mudroom is typically the last place you are in before you leave your house. In planning for your mudroom think about what it takes to get your family out the door and plan around those items. In my experience with young kids, I have found that placing additional items in the kids spaces help them to get ready more efficiently for school. My daughter has a bin of hair ties and a hairbrush. I even have a toothbrush and toothpaste organizer in my daughter’s locker so she can brush her teeth downstairs without having to go back upstairs after breakfast! Another client I know keeps a bin of socks in the cubbies because her kids always forget socks when they get dressed. She eliminated the problem of them always having to run back to their rooms to go get them. The point is to think about how you can utilize the space to make things easier for your own family’s lifestyle!

By following these mudroom storage tips, you can create a mudroom that works with your family and your lifestyle. Make sure you have ample room for hooks. Create shoe storage that works for your kiddos. Use bins for hats and gloves to make leaving the house easier. And always create a system that works for your family’s lifestyle!