Determine Your Storage Needs

The items you want to store will help determine the best storage solutions for your mudroom.

CI-CloasetMaid-blue-brown-mudroom-wall_s4x3

Photo courtesy of Closet Maid

Photo courtesy of Closet Maid
By: Jeannie Matteucci

If you want the most efficient and well-organized mudroom possible, think about the items being stored. The size of each item is a big consideration, since large, medium and small items all require different types of storage solutions. Also consider the weight of items, says professional organizer Martha Clouse, owner of Organized for Life.

"I don't think the mudroom is the space for larger, really heavy items, because you don't want those items falling on anyone," says Clouse. "If you're not using something at least once a week, I'd rather see you store the large sports equipment and bikes in the garage."

But if you use your bike daily or your mudroom is your only storage option, here are suggestions and tips on how to best store all the items on your list.

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Large Items

Bulky items like bikes, snow gear and other sports equipment can take up lots of space in your mudroom if not stored properly.

Here are helpful storage solutions that allow you to store larger items the right way:

  • Use a horizontal and vertical bike rack that mounts to your mudroom wall to keep the bikes from taking up floor space. A ceiling-mounted bike pulley or a floor-mounted vertical bike rack are two other options to consider.
  • A tall cabinet can be a good solution for storing a large vacuum, broom or carpet steamer.
  • Heavy-duty hooks allow bulky coats to dry and keep them off the floor.

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Medium Items

Medium-sized items like bags, boots and shoes need their own home. "I think some people like the idea of storing their shoes in a basket, but I don't think that's a great way to store shoes in a mudroom," says designer Lisa Benbow, owner of Garnish Home Decor. "Shoes in a basket can get lost because they don't stay in pairs. Instead, use a cubby system."

Here are other tips on how to efficiently store your medium-sized mudroom items:

  • Light- and medium-weight bags can be stored on hooks.
  • Cubbies can be a handy storage tool for heavy book bags.
  • Boot trays keep wet or dirty boots and shoes in a designated spot and off the floor.
  • Boots and shoes can also be stored in open space under a bench.

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Small Items

Ideally you want to store small items like hats, gloves and scarves in some kind of container or basket so they don't get lost, suggests Clouse.

"Acrylic containers come in all different shapes and sizes and I think they're attractive," says Benbow. "If you store all of your items in the same color it becomes a statement."

Here are other great ways to store the small items on your mudroom list:

  • Make sure to organize small items (like gloves) by category so everyone knows where to look as they head out the door.
  • Pullout baskets and drawers with dividers are great storage options for small items like scarves or sunglasses.
  • Store small toys by theme in labeled bins.
  • Wall-mounted file pockets can be an ideal way to sort and store daily mail.

Next Up

Mudrooms: Built-Ins vs. Freestanding

Consider the pros and cons of each type of mudroom storage option

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