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If you've ever looked at your entryway after a day of work, school, sports and other extracurriculars, you might just mistake it for a war zone. Between dirty shoes, backpacks, sports gear, briefcases, unopened packages it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff cluttering your living space.
That's where a mudroom can be a space- and sanity-saving addition to any home. U.S. News says a mudroom can reduce the dirt tracked into your living areas, it adds extra storage space and can even add extra value to your home.
But before you start hammering away, be sure your plan includes these crucial elements for maximum efficiency.
Laundry or laundry room access
You already knew it by its name, but a mudroom is never going to be the cleanest spot in your home. That is, after all, what makes it brilliant. And if your mudroom doubles as your laundry room or it features easy access to your laundry room it will be even more effective in keeping the rest of your home clean and clear.
By incorporating laundry into your mudroom, muddy, sweaty and dirty socks, coats and clothing can be left there – not strewn around the home or left in smelly laundry baskets. If you need help with some ideas on how to combine the two, check out this list from Better Homes and Gardens.
If you don't have room for a washer and dryer or direct access to the laundry from the mudroom, be sure to include a large hamper or built-in storage for dirty laundry so the smell and dirt can stop there.
Shoe racks or shelves
There are many ways to create an inviting entryway but piling up shoes and boots by the door will never be it. Keeping your home clear of discarded footwear means providing them with a permanent home – in your mudroom. Every mudroom should have shoe racks, bins or cubbies so kids and grown kids alike can quickly slip them off before entering your home's main living space.
Storage lockers or drawers
If you have a home and family, you already know that life takes a lot of stuff. And unless you're raising the world's most obedient children, chances are that stuff doesn't get carefully put away every day. Creating easy, accessible mudroom storage for each member of the family can help keep daily clutter to a minimum.
The Spruce has several ideas on how to create an aesthetically and functionally pleasing mudroom. You can create mini closets or lockers to hide unsightly items, or you can repurpose an old dresser by removing bottom drawers and using baskets in their place. Visit their website for a full list of ideas.
Your lockers, shelves or drawers should be large enough to store backpacks, briefcases, sports gear and other items your family reaches for every morning.
Hooks
When it comes to keeping your home organized, convenience is king. That's why having easy, accessible spots to fling coats, backpacks, helmets, umbrellas and more will make it much more likely that you won't have to see them elsewhere in the home.
The Spruce also recommends adding lower hooks for kids to reach. You might add some hooks higher up on the wall for adult coats, keys, etc. and some lower hooks for backpacks, jackets and cleats.
Durable, waterproof flooring
The word mudroom says about all you need to know about the space. And if you're not looking to clean dirt off carpet or worry about hardwood floors getting wet, you'll want to be pretty methodical about the flooring material you choose. HGTV suggests using nonporous, watertight materials like vinyl plank, stone, tile, sealed wood or concrete.
Seating
Your mudroom certainly isn't a place for gathering, but to make sure your family actually uses the space as it's meant, you'll want a bench or some sturdy stools or chairs so people can sit and put on or take off their shoes. If you're starting from scratch, consider a built-in bench with storage beneath it to maximize the space and provide plenty of space for everyone to get organized – whether they're coming or going.
Pet storage
If you've got some furry family members, a mudroom is the perfect location to keep all their accessories – from dog food to litter boxes. Consider adding some permanent storage for items like pet food and treats, leashes and other accessories.
Chewy.com even recommends adding a pet wash station to your mudroom. It's a great place to stop your pups from running all over the house with muddy paws or stinky coats.
If there's space, a mudroom may also be the perfect spot for a kennel or pet house, particularly because of its durable flooring and proximity to the outdoor world.
The easiest way to choose flooring for your mudroom is to visit a showroom like Giant Carpet One, which provides a wealth of options in tile, stone, laminate and more. Visit Giant Carpet One to find a location near you.
