 If you're lucky enough to have a mudroom, you also know that sometimes it doesn't feel so lucky. Shoes are scattered across the floor, mail is piling up, you can never seem to find your keys, and your coat racks are stuffed to the brim. Your mudroom makes you feel stuck in the mud - stressed, chaotic, and like you'll never find a peaceful way out of your house! Have no fear. We're here to share 4 tips to transform your mudroom into the beautiful, functional space it was always meant to be. Tip #1: How Will You Use This Space? Taking a step back and thinking about what you want from a space can be super helpful. What are mudrooms supposed to be for? Even more important, what do you use the space and want to use the space for? Is it a place to keep your shoes and coats? A command center for your calendar, mail, and keys? A place for your kids to store their backpacks? How you use the space will guide you in organizing and tweaking the space to work in your favor. This is something we discuss with our clients before making any organizing plans to make sure we tailor systems to the individual family needs.  Tip #2: Purchase Proper Storage Solutions A very common mistake we see when working with clients who tried getting organized before hiring us is that they felt stressed by their mudroom, so they went out and bought a ton of baskets and other products. But the baskets were too big and hung over the edge of the shelf, or the products didn't help with the pile of mail; it just created more clutter. When we organize a space, we take measurements to get the correct size products and bring a variety of sizes to problem solve in the moment. We purchase products based on the plan for the space and the client's style preferences. We use our years of experience working with products to create the best system for your space, such as a letter tray for mail, baskets for hats and gloves, a shoe rack for the adults, shoe bins for the kids, and wall hooks for coats and backpacks. Then we return what we don't use, so you don't clutter your mudroom more with products that didn't work well. Label bins with family names. Have a family meeting and explain what goes where and that you'll practice the new routine when you all leave and enter the home. It may take a few tries (or more!), but everyone will eventually know where their hat, mittens, coat, shoes, and backpack go. You don't have to do it all! Read more common client mistakes in 10 Things Not to do in Your Home.  Tip #3: Don't Overlook Moisture Control The last thing we want is mildew on our outerwear. Mudrooms can get damp (and dirty) due to wet clothes and shoes from the rain or snow. We suggest having easily washable welcome mats/rugs. The less cluttered the space is, the easier it will be to lay items out to dry, too. Swap out the seasonal outwear you're not using and store it in another area, such as a coat closet. Only keep the 1-2 seasonal coats per person that you're actually using right now. The same goes for shoes. You don't need to store every pair you own in the mudroom. Chances are there are many shoes you only wear occasionally that can be stored elsewhere. If these tips still don't fix the issue, consider a quiet dehumidifier in the corner to suck the excess moisture out of the air.  Tip #4: Accessorize the Space with Thoughtful TouchesMudrooms don't have to be drab. They can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It's the first room you walk into when you come home; make it lovely! Add a framed family photo on the wall or some artwork. Purchase a beautiful plant or some fake flowers. A bench with some pop of color throw pillows can make for the perfect place to put on shoes (and remind family it's not a place to stack coats, toys, or whatever you're holding when you enter the house).  Mudrooms can make your life easier if you set them up for success. Think of exiting your home stress-free. Your keys and sunglasses are right there by the door. Your coat and shoes are organized and waiting for you. Your kids can independently get ready to head to school. It's possible if you follow these simple tips. Good luck; you can do it!
And if this still feels like too much and you're curious about having us organize your mudroom for you, download our organizing guide to learn more about our process. Warmly, Sandi
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