How to Make a Boot Tray

If you live somewhere where the climate includes snow, you know that a boot tray is a must for protecting your flooring from wet winter boots. You can buy a boot tray at many hardware and home goods stores, but if you are a lover of all things thrifty, you just might find the prospect of making a boot tray a lot more appealing than buying one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Do a quick count of boots. If you have a large family, you'll need more than one boot tray, possibly several more than one. Let you family know that they get to choose ONE pair of shoes or boots to keep on the boot tray. The rest of the shoes and boots must be dried and stored elsewhere.

2. Take inventory of your supplies. What items do you have around the house that could serve as a boot tray? Lots of things will work: a plastic under the bed storage box, a rimmed baking sheet, or the lid to a large storage tote.
   
   You'll also want an old rug or towel to line place underneath your boot tray, just in case there are any leaks.

3. Set up your boot tray in a location that is as near to the entry door as possible without being in the way. Spread the towel or rug out on the floor and place your boot tray on top. INSIST that everyone stores their wet shoes and boots on the boot tray to keep the winter slush from ruining your flooring.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have lap mats or changing mats left from when the kids were babies, use them to line the boot tray. They are very absorbent and will add extra power to your boot tray.
• If you'd rather just buy a boot tray, read this:http://www.ehow.com/how_4751966_puddles-winter-boots-boot-tray.html

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/5/2009 Neat idea. Thanks for the directions. 5*