Simple steps for creating an organized midwestern mudroom

The amount of stuff that comes with living in the Midwest—boots,
spring jackets, winter coats, rubber boots, rain jackets (just to name a few)—well, it’s overwhelming. It’s really easy for your mudroom (or entryway) to get overwhelmed with all the clutter that comes from living in the Midwest, especially when the seasons change or kids go back to school. The good news is that there is a way to organize that stuff with just a few simple planning steps and a day (or two or three or…) of installation:

1. Plan ahead. We can’t emphasize how crucial this step is to creating an organized and efficient mudroom. Ask yourself what functions you need from your mudroom. Do you need to organize your kids’ stuff? Or do you need a place for all your motorcycle gear? Organizing your papers and computer bags for work? Use every square foot you have efficiently; even small spaces can alleviate some of your storage and organization issues. Measure the area so you know what you have to work with, and take inventory of what you need space for:

• Boots.
• Gloves (and mittens and scarves and…).
• Backpacks/work cases.
• Jackets.
• Hobby gear (sports, motorcycle, etc.).
• Notes, papers, mail, etc.

2. Evaluate your options. Look for inspiration on the Y’s Way facebook page and other online websites. We’ve seen some very unorthodox organization solutions: buckets, wooden crates, customized furniture pieces, etc. Whatever you choose for your mudroom, make sure it’s flexible enough to fill many uses if you find you need it for something else down the road. Other options for mudroom organization include:

•Buckets or drawers.
• Hooks.
• Shelves.
• Shoe organizer (the pocket hanging shoe organizer is perfect for        organizing gloves and mittens!).
• Mirror.
• File drawers.
• Benches.

3. Make a plan. Don’t worry about corners; use every square inch possible. A corner can be the ideal spot for hooks or a shoe organizer. Once you have it measured and drawn out, put it aside and think about your plan. Make changes until you have a plan you are satisfied with and is functional for the future.

4. Look down. Ask yourself if your flooring can take the rigors of a mudroom. Can it take the melting snow, gravel and dirt that inevitably gets tracked in? Your beautiful shelving and furniture won’t be able to hide a worn and stained floor. What’s the best flooring for your mudroom? We’ll start with what’s not the best option. Hardwood flooring and laminate floors, though extremely durable and beautiful, is not the best fit for a mudroom. Any water (or snow) left on hardwood flooring can lead to water stains, damage and warping. That leaves you with a few other excellent choices:

• Porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is beautiful and water, odor and mildew resistant. If you’re worried about the cold feeling of this tile, you can install radiant heating underneath and enjoy toasty toes even on the coldest winter days.
• Vinyl. Some of the newest vinyl products could fool even the most hard-core hardwood admirer. Whether your preference is stone or hardwood, these tiles can mimic both styles with colors that floor everyone who enters your home. Vinyl is also durable and soil and stain resistant, perfect for the room that takes the brunt of the elements on a regular basis. If you want to see vinyl in person, head to a Y’s Way Flooring to see the different styles of vinyl flooring.

5. Install and enjoy. If you need new flooring, contact Y’s Way Flooring to get your new flooring installed and ready for your new organized furniture. Hire a professional or install your shelving, hooks and other mudroom furniture yourself. Make sure you find a stud when you hang hooks; you don’t want your coats to come crashing down. Then sit back and enjoy a day without a mess of boots, shoes, mittens, computer cases and all the other clutter, and a floor that can take all the water, dirt and grime that comes with it!