Every house should have a mudroom, a transitional area where coats, hats, shoes and umbrellas are kept organized and in one place. If you are looking for a room in your home to incorporate a mudroom and don't have a lot of space, look no further than the garage. Already a transitional space between the house and the outdoors, the garage is a perfect spot to keep the family's wares organized.
Clear out an area of the garage that will be transformed into a mudroom space, as close to the door leading into the house as possible. Sweep the floor, remove miscellaneous items and take everything down from the wall, creating a clean slate to work with. Measure the space.
2
Purchase laminated shoe organizers, either one or two depending on the size of your mudroom area. Assemble the laminated shoe organizer(s) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the shoe organizer up against the wall. If you have two organizers, place them side by side.
3
Cut a piece of 1x4 wood measuring the length of the shoe organizer(s). Measure 55 inches from the floor and use a level to draw a straight line on the wall above the organizers. Use a stud finder to draw an X just below the line to mark the studs. Place the 1x4 on the wall with the bottom of the wood on the drawn line and drill holes into the wood and studs. Use screws to attach the wood into the wall. Attach coat hooks to the 1x4.
4
Purchase one or two wire shelves from a hardware store. The shelves should measure approximately the length of the 1x4. Hang the shelves,using the included hardware and manufacturer's instructions, at least five inches above the 1x4.
5
Place a bench next to the shoe cubbies for seating and storing boots that may not fit into the cubbies. Purchase two or three plastic Rubbermaid bins and place them under the bench to use as a recycling center. Use the coat hooks for umbrellas and coats. Place baskets on top of the shoe organizer to keep hats and gloves organized. Use the wire shelving to store out-of-season wares.
Tips & Warnings
Consider painting the 1x4 white to match the shoe cubbies. Use two coats of white paint, allowing an hour of dry time in between.
