As a contractor, I’m no stranger to mess. At the end of a busy day on the job site, I’m covered in dust, dirt, grime and mud. Even when I work around my home – cutting the grass, clearing snow or tackling some much-needed maintenance – usually by the time I’m finished, I’ve worked up a big sweat, and an even bigger mess.
Here’s the problem: when you come inside, you’re tracking that dirt and grime with you, and where does it go? Depending on how your home is set up, you may be able to trace a dirt path from the front door, to the bedroom, to the bathroom, where you’re finally able to clean yourself off.
So what’s the solution to cutting down on this excess mess? If you’ve got the space for it, a mudroom creates a great transition for your home between the indoors and outdoors.
Even a small mudroom can add good value to your home by reducing the amount of cleaning and mopping you have to do. So whether you’ve got the space to add a full mudroom with extra shelves and storage, or a simple entryway with a few extra hooks to keep dirt at bay, here are a few things to think about.
The storage possibilities are endless
There are two major jobs a good mudroom should accomplish. One, it should be easy to clean. And two, it should offer lots of storage space for a growing family.
To me, ceramic tiles make the most sense for your mudroom floor. They’re super-durable and non-porous, which is key for a room that’s going to see lots of water and moisture. When we track in mud and dirt, it’s going to be easy for us to clean. You could also go with a good laminate flooring, which is resistant to humidity and moisture, as well as less prone to scratches and dents from heavy gear.
For many, the major appeal of adding a mudroom is the expanded storage space that it brings. Having a place to hide away all your winter gear, or to store wet shoes and boots without creating sloppy puddles in the front hallway, is a real sanity-saver for families with young kids.
If you’re a real neat freak, the mudroom offers extra organization, keeping all the clutter we require every day (coats, shoes, boots, umbrellas) organized in one easy-to-access area, without needing to store it in the main living area.
Location, location, location
How many entryways does your house have? A front and a back door of course, but a side door or an entryway through the garage is pretty likely if you’ve got the space for it. So when designing your mudroom, you might want to consider choosing an entryway that’s more out of the way, so guests won’t see it when they visit.
Whichever entryway you choose, it will likely become the main entrance for you and your family, so it should offer convenient access to the rest of the home. Choosing a spot with close proximity to the laundry room makes sense, so you can take your wet, dirt-covered gear and toss it right in the wash if necessary.
Regardless of where your laundry is, keep a hamper in the mudroom to toss any filthy clothing in, so you can transfer it to the wash without dropping dirt and mud everywhere.
Our furry friends
A mudroom makes a great storage spot for all your furry friends’ necessities. You can keep their toys, leashes and towels to wipe off muddy paws. For cats, you can store their litter and a scratching post to keep them busy.
One incredibly valuable addition for dog owners is a small area sectioned off for a dog-washing station. If you hate dragging a messy dog upstairs to the bath, adding a small, enclosed tiled area and detachable shower head will let you quickly rinse off Fido and keep him from tracking mud all over your house. If you’ve got a dog that loves to roll around on muddy grass, believe me, this will save you a fortune on carpet cleaning.
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