As a leading North American new home builder, we have one goal in mind: to create the best places to call home. Our homes are built to enrich the quality of life for our homebuyers, and while certain details may vary based on regional needs, there’s one design theme you’ll find in all of our homes: thoughtful spaces.

One space you’re sure to love? Your entry zone. Whether it’s called a “drop zone” like in Orange County, CA, a “utility room” like in Austin, TX, or “mudroom” like in Calgary, AB, it’s the household’s catch-all spot.

While it’s great to have this space for your family, if you aren’t careful, it can quickly turn to chaos. Here are some of our favorite ways to help you organize your mudroom.

Use Baskets, Bins, & Cubbies

Baskets, bins, and cubbies are all excellent tools for organizing any space. In a mudroom, they’re great for assigning to each family member and hiding away those random loose items you need, but don’t want hanging out.

Designate a basket for dirty clothes you don’t want worn through the house. Whether the jersey got extra dirty at practice, the mud found its way inside the boot, or your kid’s art project ended up on their jacket more than the canvas, having a spot as soon as you enter the home for dirty clothes is a must.

You can utilize bins for other uses as well, like a tall plastic bucket for umbrella storage or long acrylic bin for wet, snowy boots. Just be sure they’re waterproof and allow for air flow to prevent mold and mildew issues. Use labeled bins to organize items by activity, such as dance, baseball, or soccer. It helps the kids know where to look for their cleats if they’re running late.

Include Hooks

Hooks are a must-have in a mudroom. They’re perfect for your everyday items like backpacks and purses; seasonal items like coats, hats, and scarves; and pet necessities like leashes and doggy bags.

These are the items you’re often grabbing at the last minute, right before you head out the door so it’s more convenient to have easy access to them. While it isn’t much, saving those few extra seconds by not opening and closing a cupboard can feel life-changing.

Designate a “Zone” for Each Family Member

Each person in the family should have their own little space – including the pets! This will help keep the mudroom organized, streamline the little ones getting ready, and make everyone’s routine more efficient.

Everyone should have at least two-zones, if not three: A spot down low for their shoes, a hook (or hooks) for their coats and bags, and a bin up high for miscellaneous grab-and-go items like mittens or sunglasses.

Make it playful by using silly selfies to label each bin so even your youngest family member knows where to put away their items.

Get the Right Rug

Even if you have the most durable flooring in your mudroom, always place a mat both on the inside and outside of your entry door. They’ll catch most of the dirt before you enter your home.

Most outside mats can be hosed off and indoor mats can be tossed in the washer as needed. Just be sure to choose an indoor mat that is slip-resistant with a non-skid backing to prevent accidents.

Add a Message Center

Even in the digital-age where we have our calendars, to-do lists, and reminders right at our fingertips, you can’t underestimate the benefit of a physical note. When our minds are going a mile-a-minute trying to get out the door, it can be easy to forget your afternoon appointment, the kids’ playdate, or that you need to call the vet.

Having a cork bulletin board or other type of message center in a high-traffic area like the mudroom just makes sense. It’s a good location for a visual reminder of those important items you definitely can’t forget.

Your Brookfield Residential mudroom is the first place that greets your family when they get home, and the last place before everyone is off for their day’s adventure. Keeping it organized gives everyone the right energy to seize the day!

Be sure to follow the Brookfield Residential blog for more design advice, homebuying insights, mortgage tips, and more. Explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!