Your mudroom is more than just a buffer zone to keep dirt and mud from tracking into the main part of your house. It’s a unique space that can be customized to your family’s needs, and when organized properly, can be a major game changer for your daily routines. It’s the first room you enter when you come home, and the last one you go through before you leave, so it should be equipped with all the necessary items that can assist you in your daily hustle. Here are 15 items I always keep in my mudroom for easy access and why they are useful in this particular space.
1. Boot Tray
One of the primary purposes of a mudroom is to keep the rest of your home clean, and a boot tray does just that. It’s a designated space for the family to place their shoes, boots, or any other outdoor footwear, preventing dirt from being tracked into the house. A good boot tray is easy to clean, durable, and has elevated ridges to keep shoes off the bottom of the tray.
Consider getting a boot tray that fits the aesthetic of your mudroom. If you have a rustic style, a galvanized steel boot tray might be a good fit. For a more modern look, consider a sleek black or white tray. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold everyone’s shoes, but not so large that it takes up too much floor space.
2. Coat Hooks
Coat hooks are essential for any mudroom. They provide a practical, easy-to-access place to hang coats, scarves, and bags. This not only helps keep the room organized, but also allows these items to dry out if they’re wet from rain or snow.
When choosing coat hooks, consider their placement. They should be at a height that’s easily reachable for all family members, including children. And don’t forget about aesthetics. Coat hooks come in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can choose ones that complement your mudroom’s decor.
3. Storage Baskets
Storage baskets are a must-have for keeping your mudroom organized. They’re perfect for storing items like hats, gloves, and pet supplies. Having these items in one designated place makes it easier to find what you need when you’re rushing out the door.
One of the great things about storage baskets is their versatility. They come in all sorts of sizes and materials, so you can find ones that fit your needs and your decor. And if you have children, consider labeling each basket so they know where to find their stuff (and, more importantly, where to put it back).
4. Bench
A bench is a great addition to any mudroom. It provides a place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes, and can also provide additional storage space if you choose a model with built-ins or one that’s tall enough to slide baskets underneath.
Benches come in a variety of styles, from rustic wooden models to sleek, modern options. When choosing a bench, consider the size of your mudroom and what you’ll be using it for. If you’ll be storing large items like boots, you might want a bench with a high clearance. If you’re tight on space, consider a narrow bench.
5. Umbrella Stand
An umbrella stand might seem like a luxury, but once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s the perfect place to store umbrellas, keeping them from dripping water all over your floor. Plus, it’s always nice to know exactly where your umbrella is on those rainy days.
When choosing an umbrella stand, consider the size and style of your umbrellas. A tall, slender stand might be perfect for full-size umbrellas, while a shorter, wider model might be better for compact umbrellas. And, of course, choose a stand that matches your decor.
6. Durable Rug
A durable, easy-to-clean rug is a must for any mudroom. It helps protect your floors from dirt and water, and can also add a touch of style to the space. Look for a rug that’s machine-washable and made from a durable material like polypropylene.
Remember, the rug will be one of the first things people see when they enter your home, so choose a design that complements your decor. And don’t forget about size. You want a rug that’s large enough to cover the main traffic area, but not so large that it overwhelms the space.
7. Wall Shelf
A wall shelf is a great addition to any mudroom. It provides extra storage space without taking up any floor space. Use it to store items that you want to keep out of reach of children or pets, or to display decorative items.
When choosing a wall shelf, consider the weight of the items you’ll be storing on it. You’ll need a sturdy shelf for heavy items like boots or bags, while a lighter shelf might be fine for smaller items. And, like all your mudroom furniture, choose a shelf that matches your decor.
8. Mirror
A mirror might seem like an unusual item to keep in a mudroom, but it’s actually incredibly useful. You can give yourself a quick once-over before you leave the house, making sure your outfit is in order and you don’t have anything on your face.
When choosing a mirror, consider the size of your wall. A large mirror might be overwhelming in a small mudroom, while a small mirror might look out of place in a larger room. And, as always, choose a mirror that complements your decor.
9. Laundry Hamper
If your mudroom is near your laundry room, consider keeping a laundry hamper in the mudroom. It’s a convenient place to toss dirty clothes or towels before you head into the house. Plus, it helps keep your mudroom looking neat and tidy.
When choosing a hamper, consider how much laundry you typically generate. If you have a large family, you might need a larger hamper. And if you’re concerned about odors, look for a hamper with a lid.
10. Cleaning Supplies
It’s a good idea to keep some basic cleaning supplies in your mudroom. That way, you can quickly clean up any messes without having to trek to the kitchen or bathroom. Consider keeping items like a small broom and dustpan, a mop, and some multi-purpose cleaner in the mudroom.
When storing cleaning supplies, remember to keep them out of reach of children and pets. You might want to use a high shelf or a locked cabinet. And if space is at a premium, consider multi-purpose products that can clean a variety of surfaces.
11. Pet Supplies
If you have pets, your mudroom is the perfect place to store their supplies. Consider keeping items like leashes, collars, and treats in the mudroom. That way, everything is in one convenient location when it’s time to go for a walk.
When storing pet supplies, remember to keep them in a place where your pets can’t get to them. That might mean using a high shelf or a locked cabinet. And if you have multiple pets, consider using separate baskets or bins for each pet’s supplies.
12. Sports Equipment
If your family is into sports, the mudroom can be a great place to store equipment. Things like balls, bats, and gloves can be kept in baskets or on shelves, making it easy to grab what you need on the way out the door.
When storing sports equipment, remember to keep it organized. You might want to use separate baskets for different types of equipment, or label shelves so everyone knows where to put things back. And if you have expensive equipment, consider using a lockable cabinet for added security.
13. Seasonal Decorations
The mudroom can be a great place to store seasonal decorations like wreaths and door hangers. That way, you can easily change out your decor as the seasons change.
When storing decorations, remember to protect them from damage. That might mean wrapping them in bubble wrap or tissue paper, or using storage boxes with dividers. And if you have a lot of decorations, you might want to label the boxes so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
14. Spare Keys
Keeping a set of spare keys in your mudroom can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re locked out of your house or your car, having a spare set of keys nearby can save you a lot of hassle.
When storing spare keys, remember to keep them in a secure location. You might want to use a lockbox or a hidden compartment. And make sure everyone in the family knows where the spare keys are kept.
15. First Aid Kit
And lastly, it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit in your mudroom. It’s a convenient location in case of minor injuries, and it’s also easy to grab on your way out the door in case of a larger emergency.
When choosing a first aid kit, consider the needs of your family. If you have children, you might want a kit that includes items like band-aids and antiseptic wipes. If you have pets, consider a kit that includes items like tweezers and gauze. And remember to check the kit regularly to replace any used or expired items.
So there you have it – the 15 items I always keep in my mudroom. I hope this list has given you some ideas for how to organize your own mudroom. Remember, the key is to make the space work for you and your family’s needs. Happy organizing!
