How to Organize a Mudroom

Raise your hand if wrestling with jackets, shoes, handbags or backpacks is a daily occurrence for you. I have an organized mudroom and that's still sometimes the case for me! Applying the techniques of organizing your home, I'm going to share my specific tips on how to organize a mudroom.

Mudrooms can quickly become overrun with clutter if each item isn't given a home. Coats and shoes are ever-changing as they get worn out or switched out for the season. This is one space where it helps to spend some time evaluating and making a plan before starting the purge process.

Particularly if there are more than two people in the household, it helps if each individual has their own spots to house their items. A bin organizer, a rack or a combination of the two can keep items close to the door that may not have another convenient home: keys, sunglasses, scarfs, hats - even socks. Bonus points if the mudroom furniture has doors or drawers that hide the items! If possible, include a bench or another small seating option in your mudroom to help with getting shoes on.

Once you have a layout that works with your space (and your budget!), it's time to purge. I have a jacket obsession. There's a green tweed coat that I wear once or twice a year that I just cannot bear to let go and faux fur ankle-length coat for fancy occasions. On any given week, I may wear four different jackets. So I need a quick-grab station that accommodates two or three and a back-up space for the rest. Even so, each year, I try to donate a few coats - the too tight, too ripped or too out-of-style.

After sorting and donating some items that belong to each member of the household, reevaluate your mudroom organizing plan. Do you have a spot for all of the remaining items? Adjust, make purchases and finally, put each item in their new home!

Need help organizing your mudroom? Give me a call!