Mudrooms are a prime space for messiness and disorganization. Things often get dumped in mudrooms with the expectation of picking it up later. But that rarely happens, leaving behind a mess that’s never fully cleaned up. Shoes, hats, coats, and more get left to settle along with the dirt and mud.
Keeping your mudroom clean and tidy prevents dirt and disorganization from being tracked into other parts of the home. It’ll be easy to keep up with once you try these expert-approved DIY mudroom storage ideas.
Traditionally, mudrooms were a fixture in rural homes where a transitional space was needed to serve as a changing station before entering the home. After working outside, a person’s boots, pants, and jacket would be covered in mud and grime. The mudroom was a place to take off their work gear without tracking mud and dirt into the home.
However, the idea of a mudroom quickly spread. Now, it’s found in all types of areas and homes.
They’re especially popular here in Minnesota! Our harsh, snow-ridden winters leave us needing a space to take off our wet and dirty clothes before entering the house.
Mudrooms are often used as a secondary or back entrance to a home. There are many types of mudrooms with varying sizes and functions. Some mudrooms have a sink, a spare toilet, or even a shower for cleanup.
Before making improvements to your mudroom, think about a few questions:
The answers to these questions will help determine the types of storage space your mudroom needs. For example, if the mudroom is the main entrance to your home, you’ll want to consider having things like a small table and mail organizer in place.
Mudrooms can be a storage haven when designed properly. Some of the things people store in mudrooms include:
Now, let’s move on to those expert-approved DIY mudroom storage ideas we promised! Mudroom storage doesn’t just have to be about practicality. There are plenty of functional and aesthetically pleasing options for homeowners.
Mudrooms are designed to handle the messy, damp items that come with outdoor activities. Fortunately, there are plenty of functional and stylish ways to organize things like umbrellas, rain boots, and more:
Keeping your mudroom tidy doesn’t have to be a chore! A cubby system is a fantastic way to stay organized, especially for families. Giving each family member their designated cubby gives everyone a spot for their belongings—and it helps keep everyone accountable for their stuff, too!
There are plenty of fun ways to build a cubby system that suits your space. Try installing wire shelves with dividers so each person has their own section. Add a couple of hooks underneath to hang bags, jackets, or hats—it’s both practical and space-saving.
For a more sporty vibe, consider creating locker-style cubbies by segmenting the mudroom horizontally. This setup looks cool and provides everyone with plenty of space to store their gear in style.
Keeping it Clean
While a cubby system will keep your mudroom organized, the real challenge is keeping it clean! Since mudrooms are designed to catch the dirt and grime from outside, it can seem impossible to maintain a spotless space. But with a few smart strategies, your mudroom can stay clean and functional.
Two key tips for maintaining a clean mudroom are to choose easy-to-clean flooring and provide accessible seating. Opt for flooring that can be quickly swept or mopped when dirt, mud, and moisture inevitably build up. Consider adding rubber mats for wet shoes or an old rug to trap dirt and protect your floors.
As for seating, place a bench near the door. Since the mudroom is where you’ll be taking off and putting on dirty footwear, a bench offers a convenient spot to do so.
Plus, it helps contain the mess in one small area rather than the whole room. This way, you’ll only need to clean a corner of your mudroom regularly—saving you time and effort.
