Be the Boss of Your Mudroom or Entryway
Though we may be experiencing the Spring of Deception before the arrival of Third Winter, it certainly feels like spring, which means it’s time to declutter the entryway!
Beautiful, organized entryway
Many moms envision a beautiful, organized mudroom that can act as a catch-all, preventing the rest of the home from becoming cluttered with random tools, sports gear, and shoes. However, many of us are working with less than ideal mudrooms (or none at all). I gave up my dreams of a mudroom and attached garage for a prime location and convenient main floor laundry. You win some, you lose some.
Currently, our entryway consists of a 9x12 rug, an Amazon shoe shelf, some hooks, and an Ikea cabinet. Positioned between the kitchen and dining room, we aim to keep it clutter-free to avoid accidents on the way to dinner.
The decluttering process is similar to what I've done in other spaces, so let’s dive right in.
Pull Everything Out.
You never know what’s lurking on those hooks and in the cabinets! It’s time to bring everything into the light. Make sure you have enough space to work, either on the floor or at a table, to sort your items. Every family and space is unique, but here are some items (beyond coats and shoes) that might be found in your mudroom:
Paint and painting supplies
Tools
Pet supplies
Pantry overflow or bulk products
Sports equipment and uniforms
Donations that haven’t been taken out yet
As you clear the area, organize items into categories that make sense for you and your household, allowing you to see everything at once.
Toss the Trash.
Receipts, bags, mismatched gloves, stray shoelaces (seriously?), and boxes are just a few of the items I found hiding in pockets, on shelves, and in cabinets. Getting rid of trash is a simple yet satisfying step. If this is all you accomplish, you’ve still made significant progress.
Determine What Belongs.
This is where seasonal decluttering comes in clutch. In North Dakota, we need boots and snow pants from October to April, but sandals and sunscreen can become clutter. In the summer, cooling towels and baseball caps are essential, while snow pants should be washed and stored away.
Review your sorted categories from the initial cleanup and determine what makes sense for your space and family. Some items may be better suited for the garage, laundry room, or basement storage.
Focus on what you need readily accessible—items you grab as you head out the door or need to drop off when you come in. If there’s a space for your keys, purse, and shoes, they’re less likely to become clutter.
Organize.
The organization of your space depends on what you’ve decided belongs there.
Bins:
With a clear understanding of your items, consider whether bins could help. We have one for adult hats and gloves, another for summer supplies, and one for reusable bags and cinch backpacks for events. Each child also has a bin for their personal items—hats, gloves, golf balls, sunglasses, and more. Prioritize ease of putting things away over aesthetics here to save your sanity.
Coat, backpack and clothes hanging up
Maximize Hooks:
Vertical space is often underutilized, and in hard-working areas like mudrooms, hooks can be invaluable. Keys, hats, backpacks, coats, and leashes can all be conveniently hung on hooks.
Behind Closed Doors:
"Out of sight, out of mind" works well for items you need to store but don’t often use, like tools, painting supplies, or out-of-season gear. Keep similar items together.
Boot Tray:
If you have room for one or two, I highly recommend boot trays. They catch dirt and debris, preventing them from entering your living space. Boot trays also establish a visible boundary, keeping things tidier and signaling where items belong, making it easier to maintain order.
Labels:
Bins and shelves are less prone to turning into cluttered catch-all areas when they are clearly labeled.
Be the Boss of Your Mudroom
By taking the time to declutter, toss out unnecessary items, and thoughtfully organize what remains, you can create a welcoming environment that keeps chaos at bay. Remember to tailor your approach to fit the unique needs of your family, utilizing bins, hooks, and storage solutions that work for you. With a some effort and creativity, you can create a mudroom or entryway that works for you and your family. If you like the idea of being the boss of your mudroom, but you’re also overwhelmed by the thought of it, reach out for a free consultation any time.
Hi! I’m Ashley!
I’m a professional organizer serving Jamestown, ND, and surrounding areas. I love to work in homes and businesses to help people simplify, declutter, and be the boss of their stuff.
