[This is a guest post]
When you walk in the door of your home, do you feel overwhelmed by piles of jackets, bags and boots? What about when it’s hailing out and you’ve got wet kids racing to untangle their scarves and ditch their umbrellas? If you’ve ever fantasized about creating a space to rein in your belongings before entering your home, a mudroom might be just what you need to create a stress-free transition from your busy day to a relaxing evening.
Designing a designed space that you actually want to get dirty will prevent a mess from entering your home, conserve heat and help you keep track of your family’s belongings. It could also be an easy addition and a smart investment if you’re thinking of selling your home.
Here are nine tips on creating a mudroom that will work for your family.
The placement of a mudroom will determine how well-utilized it will be. Is there a location near an entry point that you could turn into a mudroom? A corner of the garage, or a pantry off the kitchen? A sun room that sits empty for the long winter and could be easily converted into a mudroom? The goal is to make the inside of your home a mud-free zone, so think carefully about where it makes sense to store your family’s coats, boots, hats, scarves, earmuffs, and everything else they take in and out of the home.
A mudroom can be an easy addition to your home, so let your imagination run wild. If you’re building a mudroom from scratch, common dimensions are between 6′ x 6′ and 7′ x 9′. The space could be larger if your mudroom will also have a washer and dryer.
After you decide where the mudroom will be located, think about everything you’d like the new space to do. Need a place for the family’s recycling center? Are mops and brooms taking up valuable space in the kitchen? A mudroom can function as a utility room, or even an extra closet or pantry. Who doesn’t need a little more storage space?
As you plan how to outfit the space, make a list of the things your family takes in and out of the house every day, both big and small: bicycles, helmets, keys, Commuter Rail pass or CharlieCard, not to mention coats, scarves, boots, umbrellas. What are you and your kids constantly forgetting? Include shelves on the wall for commonly forgotten items. Make sure each family member gets a cabinet, cubby, or locker, as well as a set of height-appropriate hooks. To add a fun and simple design element, color-code each family member’s storage area.
Want to make sure that everyone removes their muddy shoes before entering your home, and reduce the amount of cleaning up after everyone that you’ll have to do? Add a bench or chair to remove muddy shoes, a cubby to store shoes, and extra pairs of shoes, socks, or even slippers for everyone to put on before they come inside.
Proper heating and natural commercial ventilation systems will prevent mildew, speed up the drying of wet clothing, and promote heating efficiency in your mudroom (not to mention keep those utility bills down). Keep the doors airtight and secure so heat doesn’t escape during those long Boston winters. Consider investing in an adjustable vent to control heating. A heat lamp can keep the family warm after everyone takes off their snow gear after a day of building snowmen.
Since a mudroom will be the entry point of your home, it can be a great space to communicate important reminders to your family. Consider including a message center or even a small desk if you have room. A chalkboard by the door can help remind everyone of afterschool activities, doctor’s appointments and everything going on in your family’s busy week.
Be sure to create a spot for recharging your family’s cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. You don’t want anyone to drag their muddy clothes into your home out of eagerness to charge their gadgets.
Don’t forget to get extra wall hooks, pegs, and cubbies for guests, both your friends and your kids’ friends. Do you have dogs? Hang those leashes on wall hooks so you don’t have to search before you head out to walk the dogs. Keep extra towels nearby to dry off the dogs in case they get wet or dirty on the walk.
What’s the perfect spot for your family’s mudroom? Is there an existing space you can convert, or will you add one to your home?
Jessica Johnson works for www.extraspace.com and contributes to the Extra Space Storage blog, exploring various aspects of organizing and storing possessions.
