This past week, I was visiting a friend who had a mud room that was in BAD shape. The mud room had become everyone’s dumping center upon returning home from work or school. A growing heap of sweatshirts, jackets, backpacks and hats were strewn across the floor. My organizing instinct kicked in, and suggested my friend make a few quick purchases. What a change!
1. We purchased a bench with a top that opened up for extra storage. Muddy sports gear and other unsightly items were discretely placed in the bench. Serving a dual purpose, the bench itself provided a great spot for people to sit down and take off or put on their shoes.
2. Next, we installed some basic freedomRail shelving with just enough space for each family member to have his/her own basket. I have learned that if there is unused space, it will quickly fill up with clutter, so make sure to only provide space that is necessary. The baskets are great for storing each individual’s gloves, hats, purses, etc. We hung tags from each basket to distinguish one family member’s basket from another’s. I also made sure the children’s baskets were at a level they could reach.
Basket
3. Lastly, we hung some basic hooks on the wall for sweatshirts and jackets. We also hung extra hooks for back packs, baseball caps and keys.
Hook
When we were finished, each item in the mud room had its own place, which discourages the family from dropping everything on the floor.
Whip those mud rooms into shape! Happy Organizing!
