Let's face it, mudrooms often turn into a catch-all for coats, boots, bags, and various seasonal items. We tend to toss things down and move on to the next room without a second thought about where we left our belongings.
Creating a harmonious and functional mudroom is achievable with some organization. It involves ensuring everything has its designated spot and removing items that no longer serve a purpose.
Frequently regarded as one of the messiest areas in the home, mudrooms can easily become chaotic. I consulted professional organizers and interior designers for their insights on transforming this cluttered space into a streamlined, easily navigable area.
1. Begin with a Thorough Decluttering
Whenever a room needs attention, the first step is always to declutter, followed by adopting a habit of decluttering regularly. Like in other spaces, create three categories: keep, toss, and donate.
Even in a small mudroom, it's a great opportunity to clear out coats and shoes that are either too small or worn out.
"This rule is straightforward yet powerful," says Ben Harvey, principal interior designer and CEO of Patio Productions. "For each new item brought into your home, pledge to remove an old one. This helps maintain balance and prevents clutter from accumulating."
Learn when to donate or sell your decluttered items.
2. Establish Individual Zones for Family Members
Maintain order by designating a specific spot for each family member to hang their coats and store their shoes, including a spot for dog leashes.
"Label your zones—especially for families, labeled shelving or cubbies can be lifesavers. Imagine a shelf named 'Emma's Homework' or a basket identified as 'Dad's Tools.' This eliminates confusion about 'Who left this here?' and adds a subtle structure to your space," advises Ben Harvey.
Amazon's moveable shelf label holders are an excellent choice as they are adjustable and can be repositioned as needed.
All prices are correct at the time of publishing.
Ornavo Home 2 Pack Wicker Storage Basket Cube Bin With Handles
If you have open shelving or limited storage in your mudroom, assigning a specific basket for each family member can help keep everyone's items organized and easy to find. Items without a designated spot tend to create clutter. Providing a home for them is truly transformative.
3. Set Up a Charging Station
In an age where technology rules our lives and chargers often vanish, this idea is a great solution.
"One of my favorite ideas for a clutter-free mudroom is to create a stylish charging station. It keeps all cords organized and gives each device a dedicated spot. Imagine a sleek, built-in angled shelf with outlets on every tier—it's an organizer's dream!" suggests Michelle Shapiro, founder of Dwellier Design.
Check out this OWNTECH USB charging station for multiple devices from Walmart with six ports, ideal for family use.
This is also an excellent opportunity to incorporate regular digital detox times to help minimize your family's screen time.
4. Utilize Baskets and Bins for Seasonal Items
Whether you opt for hanging baskets or those designed for shelving, keeping items off the floor is crucial for effective organization and storage in your mudroom. This practice also helps deter pests from making themselves at home.
"I'm a big fan of stylish baskets and bins as they work wonders for everything from shoes to scarves, mittens, and other loose items," says Kanika Bakshi Khurana, principal interior designer and founder of Kanika Design.
Melissa Park, a professional organizer and founder of With Arla, agrees, saying, "Use bins for items like hats and gloves in winter or sandals and swimwear in summer."
With so many options available today, Kanika suggests choosing designs with open tops or handles. "This allows you to easily grab what you need without disrupting the entire system. Consistency is key—select a few that match or complement the room's aesthetic."
Two colors
This lovely hanging basket, designed for lighter accessories like gloves and scarves, is crafted from seagrass, faux raffia, and faux leather. Its distinctive two-tone design ensures it stands out among other styles.
Highly rated
Wire baskets are great because they allow you to see the contents, perfect for quickly locating a dog lead or a favorite pair of gloves. Available in two sizes and colors, they can easily fit two side by side on your mudroom shelves.
Handmade
Lidded baskets are particularly useful as they keep contents dust-free while reducing visual clutter. These are perfect for items that require extra care. Made from natural hyacinth, this design offers durability.
5. Invest in Hooks
Kanika emphasizes that maximizing vertical space is an essential rule. "Hooks are a quick solution for jackets, bags, and hats, but placement is crucial. I make sure there's enough space between each hook to allow everything to hang freely without crowding. A combination of large and small hooks accommodates everything from heavy coats to tiny purses."
Target's metal pegboard wall organizer set in green is perfect for hanging keys and keeping mail organized. It also serves as a fantastic organizing tool for pet owners.
Mimi Hook
Opt for hooks featuring a dual hanging element like this elegant design. The lavender 'button' is crafted from ceramic while the rest of the hook is made of cast iron with a brushed brass finish. You can choose matching hooks for a cohesive look or let each family member select their own for a personal touch.
6. Incorporate Bench Seating
Dual-purpose storage is always beneficial in any area of the house, particularly in small mudrooms where space is limited. It maximizes functionality while enhancing the space.
Kanika suggests, "Mudrooms need not be filled solely with storage. I enjoy incorporating a bench with hidden storage or cubby drawers beneath the seating. This provides a place to sit while putting on shoes and also doubles as extra storage for gloves or bags."
Guillaume Drew, interior designer and founder of Or & Zon, recommends storage furniture as well. "Choose storage ottomans to conceal items like off-season clothing or pet supplies. This boosts functionality without sacrificing aesthetics."
Shiplap style
This is a great starting point if you're looking to create your own mudroom featuring bench seating storage. It has ample space to store pillows, blankets, and seasonal accessories that need to be swapped out. Additionally, it includes five double zinc alloy hooks and a top shelf.
Three-piece set
For the ultimate mudroom storage solution that includes bench seating, consider this three-piece design. There's plenty of space for the entire family to sit and put on their shoes, along with ample storage for coats, footwear, and accessories. Available in ash brown, black, Cape Cod gray, and white ash.
Lift top
Keep it simple with a Shaker style bench featuring a hidden compartment beneath the cushioned seat—perfect for storing keys and wallets. It also includes doors underneath with adjustable shelves to accommodate various footwear sizes.
7. Implement a 'Daily Reset'
The most effective strategy for keeping your mudroom clutter-free is to tidy up regularly. Ben Harvey agrees, stating, "A tidy home isn't maintained with one big cleanup; it's about cultivating consistent habits. Spend 10-15 minutes each evening returning items to their places. It's like giving your home a fresh start every day."
Encourage family members to manage their belongings as well—daily tidying and cleaning habits are far more effective than spending hours on cleaning. Ben encourages his clients to think of themselves as curators of an exhibit: Does this item belong in the display? If it lacks functionality, sentimentality, or beauty, it may be time to let it go. Decluttering is truly an art.
Meet Our Experts
Ben Harvey is an interior design expert, principal designer, and CEO of Patio Productions based in San Diego, California. He is dedicated to creating a premium line of outdoor furniture that blends style and durability in all spaces.
With over six years of experience in real estate development and construction management, Michelle brings a unique perspective to designing functional and beautiful spaces.
Kanika Bakshi Khurana is the principal interior designer and founder of Kanika Design, a full-service interior design firm located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
As a professional organizer based in NYC, Melissa assists busy individuals, especially mothers, in creating beautiful, functional spaces that simplify daily life. With a background in tech project management, she excels at blending efficiency with creativity to develop effective organizational systems.
As the founder of Or & Zon, Guillaume merges sustainable luxury with practical solutions, drawing inspiration from global artisanal traditions.
Your mudroom plays a vital role in your home, especially if it's part of your entryway. Keeping it organized ensures that it remains functional and harmonious.
Next, explore small mudroom ideas and learn about entryway storage mistakes that could be disrupting your system.
