Now that “back to school season” is in full swing, you may be second guessing your organizing tactics… Where did all this extra stuff come from? Why does it have to sit by the front door? Is our mudroom or entryway area being used to its full potential?
Whether you have a mudroom you need to re-organize, or you’re ready to remodel an area of your home to create the perfect mudroom, we’re here to help. Here are a few small tips that might make a big difference in your mudroom or entryway area!
If you want to build the perfect mudroom:
- Spray away! Consider adding a small hose-down area to your new mudroom. A ground-floor basin with a drain and a wall-mounted hand spray is handy for dirty boots, feet, and paws, not to mention helpful during potting season as you start your gardening efforts.
- Lockers aren’t just for school any more. Consider adding cubby or cabinet-style lockers on one wall that can house stuff for each kid or member of the household. Perfect for sports season, but also a great place to plop backpacks and jackets each day. Check out the variety of lockers that Houzz features photos of here!
- Keep the recycling where it belongs and organize paperwork at the same time. Does mail get dropped on the first surface it sees? Including a surface for mail and papers in your new mudroom can be a great way to keep them organized. Having your recycling bins in cabinets or drawers, sorted into sections just below, means you can drop junk mail right where it belongs without an extra step, all while keeping those recycling piles out of the kitchen.
If you want to organize the space you already have:
- Storage is key, and using upward space is a smart start. A wardrobe style cabinet with cubbies or drawers can fill in as locker-style organization.
- Add a laundry bin. Dirty sweaters and sweaty socks sometimes don’t find their way to the laundry room when kids arrive home. Give your kiddos an official place to throw dirty uniform shirts and keep the floor clothes-free, whether it be a laundry bin, bag, or built-in laundry shoot.
- Hooks are handy! If you don’t have space for a larger piece of storage furniture, attach large hooks to the wall for each family member as a place to hang coats, backpacks, and even mom’s keys!
- Dressers don't need to stay in the bedroom. Want to keep the mudroom classy or add a strip of pretty storage to your entryway? Find a chest of drawers you like and assign a drawer for each family member’s shoes. Keep the surface pretty but practical by adding a tray for keys, a section for mail, and a vase of flowers or a welcoming candle.
For more inspiring tips on creating or organizing a custom mudroom that is just right for your home and family, check out this photo-article from This Old House magazine here. Don’t delay – get organizing today!
Whether you’re ready to build or remodel the perfect mudroom, or you need help with other interior remodeling projects, contact us here at Excel Builders! Remodeling general contractor serving Minneapolis, the West Metro, and the surrounding Twin Cities area!