7 Biggest Mudroom Problems & 7 Easy FIXES: Mudroom Solutions!
- stylovelife
- Nov 8, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: May 21
Don't miss our 2 favorite mudroom additions in Bonus #8
Read Till the End for the Ultimate Mudroom Solution
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Keeping a mudroom organized can be challenging, but a few tweaks can turn it into a stress-free space. Let’s dive into the top issues and some smart, simple solutions to keep your mudroom clutter-free and welcoming!
The Clutter and the Mess
The Problem:
Don’t we hate to see clothes and shoes scattered everywhere. I mean, if you can manage to keep things tidy, why can’t everyone else? But take a step back: sometimes, the problem isn't with people—it’s with the setup.
In our family, I took a moment to reassess and noticed that it was unclear whose jacket hook was whose, and that the hangers were too high.
Mudroom Solution:
Create individualized spaces for each family member! Give everyone a hook or two, a designated shoe spot, a bench area, and a pocket organizer or baskets for winter gear. Limit each person to two pairs of shoes in the mudroom; the rest can go in a closet or separate storage.
To make it fun for kids, personalize each space with a name tag or photo. There are so many creative and fun label options kids will love! Personally, I got one of these stamps for each of my kids—they’re super handy for quick and easy labeling.
Communication is the key to solving most problems. Take a minute to give the family a "mudroom tour". The kids will have a blast seeing the changes you've made, at identifying their spots with their own names and photos, AND you get to show off your newly discovered redesigning skills.
The Storage Problem: The Endless Need for Space!
The Problem:
Doesn't it feel like storage space is too often a never-ending battle?!
Every so often, we find our closets, hangers, and shoe racks start to overflow. Things get hard to find, and there’s never quite enough space to keep everything in order.
Despite adding bins, shelves, and hooks, the mudroom somehow turns into an overflowing collection of everyone’s: shoes, jackets and seasonal gear. It quickly becomes a chaotic mess—hard to organize and even harder to find what you need when you’re in a rush.
Mudroom Solution:
Add storage space:
Start by installing overhead shelves for items you don’t need every day—think extra storage bins, off-season shoes, and holiday gear. Keep a foldable step ladder nearby to make these high shelves easily accessible when you do need them.
Choose what stays and what goes:
Keep only the basics in your mudroom. Limit each person to 1 or 2 jackets, a pair of shoes, and one or two essentials like hats and gloves. This way, everything has a place, and nothing is spilling over.
If it’s getting crowded, it’s a sign that the mudroom might need a little declutter. Move the extras to another closet, a separate shoe rack or storage spot.
Choose what STAYS and what GOES... for GOOD!
Now, let me tell you... No matter how many hooks and shoe racks you add, no matter how many storage units you squeeze in your home, things just keep piling up!! It’s inevitable—think of all the clothes, toys, and home items we accumulate over time! Which is why... DECLUTTERING is the secret!
So, YES—keep only the items you use daily. The rest, store in another cabinet.
BUT my personal favorite secret is... (drumroll)... Give away, throw way, let go!
Ask yourself: “Have I used this in the last 6–12 months?”
If not, chances are you won’t use it anytime soon, either!
It is time for it to get adopted by a different home, if in good condition, of course. Otherwise, thank it for its service and bid it farewell!
The Lack of Personal Space
The Problem:
No matter how much I decluttered, organized and personalized our spaces, we often felt like we're stumbling over each other, or waiting impatiently someone to move. We'd installed hangers for each of us, even a bench to sit and put the shoes on.
With some observation I noticed the kids were sitting on the stairs to put their shoes on, making it impossible for me and my husband to pass and get ready without a traffic jam.
Turns out the bench was too tall for them to sit on!
Mudroom Solution:
Adding 2 child-sized chairs made a world of difference—no more tripping hazards during busy mornings. Simple and effective!
Sometimes all it takes is a simple observation and attention to the flow of your space.
The Back-from-School Gear Left Lying Around
The Problem:
As our kids started bringing home more homework, I realized we had a “gear trail” problem: backpacks, lunch bags, and water bottles would be scattered from the garage to the kitchen, and each morning felt like a scavenger hunt.
Mudroom Solution:
Create specific spots for school bags, lunch bags, and water bottles, ideally in the kitchen or near homework areas.
Make it part of the routine for kids to bring these items inside and put them in their designated spots.
This way, homework is ready to go, lunch bags are ready for next morning’s lunch prep, and water bottles are cleaned and ready to be refilled—no more frantic morning searches.
Outdoor Tools and Toys are Out of Hand
The Problem:
It’s wonderful to see everyone’s creativity and energy—whether my husband’s home projects or the kids’ outdoor play! But by the end of the day, tools, balls, helmets, and pool gear seem to turn into permanent decor.
Should I nag them? Pick it up myself? Or let it pile up into an eyesore until I finally go nuclear?!
Mudroom Solution:
The toys: Create a designated space for outdoor toys by placing them in a box, basket, or bag—keeping them tidy and out of the way.
Click here and check out these collapsible storage bins, perfect for outdoor toys and balls.
With this setup, the kids know exactly where to leave their biking gear and where to store their toys. And if the new routine doesn’t stick? Time to bring out our favorite parenting techniques: a single reminder with a consequence, a little privilege adjustment, or whatever works best for your family.
Personally, I’ve learned two things that make all the difference: (1) I don’t do tasks my kids can and should handle themselves, and (2) I won’t nag. I have my own techniques that seem to work well—the first being clearly labeled storage baskets and a simple, easy-to-follow process.
The tools: As for the hubby? Well, adjusting our approach might just save us a night on the couch!
I initially set up a box at the garage entrance with frequently-used tools: screwdrivers, screws, a stud finder, a cutter, a leveler—you get it. But as time passed, one box turned into four, each packed with duplicates, and more tools spread across the garage until there was no space for our cars.
I tried reorganizing but soon realized it was best to let him handle it. Silence is key!
After a few weeks, he began expressing frustration with the clutter. I chimed in with a supportive “I know!” Not because I didn’t want to help, but because I knew he needed his own system.
Soon, momentum kicked in, and the garage was thoroughly cleaned and decluttered.
We even gifted him a sturdy new tool bag to organize everything just the way he likes.
With a final touch-up, our mudroom is now fully functional and ready to serve us all, stress-free!
“Silence is key!”
The Wet, Muddy, Dirty floors
The Problem:
It’s one thing to have a place for wet shoes, but what about a dry area to step into? Without a “clean zone,” you’re often left hopping around or accidentally stepping back onto a wet patch.
Mudroom Solution:
Create a designated “clean zone” by placing a second mat a few feet away from your boot tray or mud area. This mat is strictly for dry, clean feet only, making it the ideal spot to step into after removing boots.
By having two separate zones—one for wet boots and one for dry feet—you’re keeping the mudroom organized and functional. If you’re tight on space, use a small but absorbent mat that fits seamlessly within your setup.
What About Those Reusable Shopping Bags?
The Problem:
They’re not only perfect for groceries but also a great way to be eco-friendly!
But somehow, they seem to multiply overnight. They’re stashed away in closets, piled up in cabinets, or—worst of all—left at home just when you need them most!
This often leads to a last-minute scramble at checkout or the purchase of even more bags, adding to the clutter.
Mudroom Solution:
Simplify your routine by setting up an assigned spot for your bags, either near the mudroom door or another easy-to-grab location.
Make it a habit to place them straight into the car trunk after unpacking groceries so they’re always ready for your next shopping trip. To make this even easier, I started parking my car in reverse whenever possible—this way, the trunk is easily accessible for quick unloading and restocking.
If you prefer to keep your bags in the mudroom, hang them on a hook or place them in storage bins near the door. This way, they’re quick to grab on your way out, making eco-friendly shopping part of your routine while keeping your space neat and clutter-free!
BONUS!
Our 2 Favorite Garage Mudroom Additions:
#1. The Mini-Fridge!
Let’s be honest—what’s the one thing you always seem to need during a drive? Or the first thing the kids ask for? Yep, water! And who wants to settle for lukewarm water? Not us!
Enter this mini-fridge: the ultimate game-changer.
Now we’ve got cold water—and maybe a few snacks—ready to grab and go anytime. It’s honestly one of my favorite upgrades—a simple addition that’s made a huge difference in our day-to-day life.
#2. The Mirror!
Let’s face it—nobody wants to spend hours with friends or colleagues, only to discover later that you had something in your teeth or your makeup was a little… off!
A mirror was a must-have for our mudroom—a quick glance before heading out the door, and you’re good to go.
Bonus? It doesn’t just help with last-minute touch-ups; it also makes the space feel bigger and brighter!
For extra functionality, check out this wall-mounted mirror with a built-in shelf—perfect for keeping keys, wallets, and other essentials right where you need them. Stylish and practical!
Conclusion:
The Ultimate Mudroom Solution - A Smooth and Simple Flow
Welcome to a mudroom that works for you! Here’s a process to keep everything organized, functional, and stress-free, turning those daily routines into a smooth rhythm:
First, observe the flow of your space and cater to your family's needs! Identify problem areas and make a plan to fix it.
Second, DECLUTTER and LET GO: If items start overflowing, it’s time for a declutter. Decide what stays, what goes, and what goes for good!
Third, designate clear identified spots—for: Bags, wallets, school bags, lunch boxes and bottles, winter gear, outdoor toys and tools, grocery bags, whatever the outdoors bring you! Keeping them close, but out of the way.
Fourth, personalize your spaces. Add names, photos, and communicate!
Fifth, shoes off, step In, shoes in tray: Shoes come off before stepping onto the rug, to avoid stepping again onto the wet muddy floors. Place them neatly onto the shoe tray.
Sixth, add storage units: Hooks, baskets, boxes, shelves to keep things organized and accessible.
Seventh, check out our family's favorite 2 mudroom additions here:
Check out my must-have mudroom finds here! 9 Essentials For an AMAZING Entrance-Mudroom-Garage: 25 Amazon Best Finds |
By following this simple, organized process, your mudroom becomes a smooth, clutter-free zone that’s easy to maintain and welcoming for everyone.
Say goodbye to clutter and chaos, and hello to a smooth, functional flow that supports your family’s daily routines!
Which of these mudroom SOLUTIONS will you try this week? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
And share this with a friend today!
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