Ten Easy Steps to Improve Your Mudroom
Is the clutter in your mudroom getting you down? Many homeowners have grown inured to the deplorable state their mudrooms are in. The problem becomes apparent only when guests come over and view the mess through a fresh pair of eyes. If you are dismayed at the jumble of clothes, hats and boots every time you walk into your mudroom don't despair - help is at hand.
While you spend only a few minutes going in or coming out of your mudroom, a clean and orderly mudroom can have a positive effect on the rest of your day. Walking into a cozy and welcoming space with a conveniently located bench and cubby hole to store your muddy shoes will definitely put you in the right frame of mind when you come in from the rain or snow. Here are a few easy steps you can take to improve the state of your mudroom and maintain your sanity:
Limit the amount of space each family member has to store their stuff. This encourages them to think about what they store and how they store it, as opposed to randomly throwing items into a closet or cramming them into an overflowing shelf. Think about using locker like cubbies, milk-crates and laundry baskets for shoes, hats, bags and so on. Ensure that only clothes that are in frequent use for that particular season are stored, and keep unused garments and accessories elsewhere so they don't add to the clutter. If you have small children make sure you use adjustable hooks and shelves that can be easily accessed by tiny hands.
Have a place where people can sit and take off or put on their shoes. A bench with ample storage under the seat is great for this sort of thing, since the free space underneath can be used to store shoes and boots. If a purpose-built mudroom bench is not available, a chest or toy box can also be used in a pinch.
Ensure that there are enough hooks. Make sure that each family member gets their own hook, or risk facing the wrath of nagging kids and angry spouses. Use bigger hooks for winter coats and book bags, and smaller ones for hats and umbrellas. Hooks are the perfect storage solution for mudrooms where space is at a premium as they can be installed on the backs of doors and on walls. And don't forget Fido! Have at least one hook for the dog's leash. As with all other modifications in the mudroom, make sure that hooks are within easy reach if you have small children.
Families with pets will want to dedicate an area of the mudroom for storing leashes, waste bags, dog toys, doggie treats, a cloth to wipe the dog's feet and any other pet accessories.
Make the most of limited space in your mudroom by building higher. If your mudroom has the height to support it, think about having new cabinets fitted on top of existing ones. Extra shelves and cabinets in hard to reach places are excellent places to store out-of-season items. Store only frequently used seasonal items in easy to reach places, and shelve seldom used things elsewhere to reduce clutter.
Prepare your mudroom for wet items. Make sure that each family member is only allowed to keep one pair of wet shoes on the boot rack at a time. Once dry the boots should be moved to their appropriate storage space. Use clothespins to hang wet mittens and hats on a mini clothesline. For faster drying suspend this clothesline with wet items on top of the radiator or heater.
As every family member will have to pass the mudroom every time they to go out or come in, it can a great site for the family bulletin board. You can pin shopping lists, forms, invitations, schedules, calendars and to-do notes on this board.
Consider installing a full length mirror in your mudroom. This will prove invaluable for last minute grooming before heading out the door, and will also give the illusion of your mudroom appearing larger than it really is.
Space is limited in a mudroom, so make the best use of what little room there is. If something doesn't serve an immediate purpose, get rid of it - always aim for less clutter in your choice of mudroom furniture.
Use waterproof paint on the walls and tiled floors to deal with moisture and prevent mold. Make sure the mudroom is well lit, day or night. Encourage natural lighting and install ceiling lights.