How to Create a Mudroom

Create a mudroom to organize shoes and prevent dirt from tracking throughout your home.

Mudrooms help keep dirt and clutter out of the house. A designated room is not necessary. An area in the laundry room or a corner in the garage is all you need to keep shoes, umbrellas, coats and sporting equipment organized, out of the way and ready to grab on the way out the door. With a few shelves, hooks or pegs and some baskets you can create a mudroom that will simplify your life.

Things You'll Need

• Shelves
• Shoe racks
• Storage bins
• Pegs
• Hooks
• Hangers
• Wastebasket
• Baskets
• Trays

Instructions

1. Choose an area in the home or garage with a hard floor that can withstand moisture, mud and dirt. Select an area close to a sink if possible so that dirty shoes and equipment can be washed off before storing.

2. Place shelves or shoe racks on the bottom third of the wall for shoe storage. Provide enough space for everyone in the household to neatly store their shoes. Make sure that air will circulate around wet shoes.

3. Hang shelves on the wall above the shoe racks for storing seasonal items like caps, hats, mitten and gloves. Provide a woven basket or mesh tray for each person in the home to keep their gloves and other items together.

4. Hang hooks or pegs on the wall for scarves, jackets, hats and keys. Hang lightweight jackets and hats directly on the pegs. Use hangers hung on hooks for heavier winter coats. Mount the hooks or pegs far enough apart to allow air to circulate around wet garments. Position hooks or pegs higher for adults and lower on the wall for children.

5. Use wire mesh or wicker wastebaskets or waste cans for storing wet umbrellas, gardening tools and sporting equipment. Use a separate basket for umbrellas so they are not damaged or soiled by other items. Keep smaller baskets on the shelves and larger ones on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Air circulation is important in the mudroom so wet shoes and clothes can dry and to keep mold and mildew from growing.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Foyers, Mudrooms and Entryways: Seasonal Storage
• Good Housekeeping: Foyers, Mudrooms and Entryways: Coat Storage
• Good Housekeeping: Foyers, Mudrooms and Entryways: Footwear
• Kaja Design Tips: Create a Mudroom

Resources

• Sunset.com: Great Ideas for Shelves