Is your mudroom less “mud” and more “mess?” Can people actually walk through your entryway?
If so, I’m here to help you get these areas back in order. Here are a few tips to help you begin.
1. Make sure the
things that need to stay in these areas have a proper “home”. So much of disorganization at home begins
with us not consciously thinking about the place items need to “live.”
If a home hasn’t been designated for an item, it’s hard to put it away
properly. So make sure that the families’
items-keys, purses, briefcases, coats, shoes and boots, backpacks, etc. - have
a place to live.
Professional organizers like to call this having a” landing
and launching pad” in these areas. This
makes getting everyone out the door in the morning easier because it’s grab and
go. It also makes coming home at the end
of the day easier and keeps the mudroom or entryway clear for safety reasons.
2. To maximize space
usage, go vertical as much as possible.
Place hooks and/or shelves with baskets on the wall at the appropriate
level for the kids to hang their own coats. For any containers, be sure to label them
clearly with pictures or words, depending on age of children. Beneath hooks or
shelves should be a place to sit to put on or take off footwear. A small storage bench could hold seasonal
items such as hats, scarves and gloves or sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray.
3. Don’t forget the
dog. A spot for pet items can make dog
walks a breeze when everyone knows where the leash is.4. If your household recycles and room permits, having a recycling zone in this area can make it easier for all to get items together for curbside or drop-off recycling.
5. With kids’
backpacks during the school year, make sure to build a habit of emptying the
backpack every night with the child so any permission slips, homework review or
assignments can be worked on by deadlines given. Once that has been accomplished, be sure to
get the backpack back to its home for the morning rush.
6. For kids with
after school activities, getting the next days’ gear washed, gathered and ready
the night before and by the exit door can avoid any last-minute pleas of “mom,
I forgot I need …. for school tomorrow” the next morning.
Coming and going does not need to be chaotic once thought is
given to what your family needs to get organized to be on the go.
For more tips, check out NAPO Michigan’s website at napomichigan.com.
This Blog article was written by Cindy Greenleaf of New Leaf
Organizing LLC. The website is NewLeafOrganizingLLC.com.
