The porches and mudrooms in many homes become the first barrier from your home to the outside world. They house outdoor items, like rakes and shovels, along with items like shoes, coats and sporting equipment. Because neither is generally very large, it can be a pain to try to organize the mudrooms so that they stay clean and easy to use.
Before you begin installing an organization system to your mudroom, first, throw out any items that you do not regularly use. If items are not meant to be throw out but do not belong in the mudroom, then remove them to the place where they do belong. For example, many people store sporting equipment in their mudrooms, but they could (and should) be storing it in a garage or basement. Because mudrooms are not heated, storing items like basketballs and baseball gloves can be dangerous to your equipment, as the cold air or excessive heat can cause them to warp and crack.
Clothes, other than coats and shoes, do not belong in the mudroom or porch. This includes athletic clothes, swimming clothes, gym bags or luggage. Because the mudroom and porch are the first places many people stop when entering your home, it is very easy just to drop your items and hit the door or the kitchen. However, it is important that you practice and imposes discipline in order to keep your mudroom and porch in tip-top shape.
One way to ensure that your place stays in order is to invest in some storage unites or cubbies. Have a bench made with a shelf underneath to store your items, like shoes, coats, and baskets. Each shelf can be dedicated to a different child or family member, but you know that no matter what, you must keep your own cubby and space clean. This way, everyone will feel that they have space and can be independent with the choices for the home. They can also leave their bags, so that they do not forget them when they get ready to leave for the day.
Have a space dedicated to specific items. If you do choose to keep sporting equipment in your mudroom or porch, then set aside a large bin to hold onto it. Make sure everyone knows that their equipment goes directly into the bin after use so that it is not left lying around the house or the mudroom for people to trip on.
Next, if you have things like brooms, mops and rakes that you keep in the mudroom, then invest in a rack that will hold them. Rather than propping these items up against the wall or another spot, it makes sense to have a racks that the poles can neatly attach to. This way, when you go to sweep the floor, you will always know where to find your materials.
If you use the room to hold coats and hats, install a coat rack. At the start of the day and end of the day, you and your family can grab a coat and head out the door, quickly and efficiently. It will also reduce clutter in other parts of your home.