7 golden rules for a clutter-free mudroom

mudroom with bench storage seating and shelf above, laundry room on the left, stone floor, gray cabinetry

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)

Jump to category:

1. Declutter
2. Create zones per person
3. Create charging station
4. Seasonal storage
5. Use hooks
6. Bench seating
7. Daily resets
Meet our experts

published 29 December 2024

Let's be honest, mudrooms can be a bit of a dumping ground for coats, boots, bags and other miscellaneous seasonal items – we tend to drop and move into the next room without really thinking about where we've just left our coats and accessories.

A harmonious and practical mudroom is possible with a touch of organization. It's about everything having its place and getting rid of those pieces that no longer serve us.

Often known for being one of the most disorganized rooms in the house, mudrooms can be untidy. I've spoken to professional organizers and interior designers for their advice on how to turn this chaotic space into one that's streamlined and easy to find things in.

1. Start by having a big declutter

mudroom with wood panelling and cubbie storage

Whenever you need to give a room a bit of attention, the first job is to always declutter and then learn to declutter as you go. As with other spaces, put things in three piles, one for keeps, one for trash and the third for charity drop off.

Even if your mudroom is small it's a great way to clear out coats and footwear that might be too small or worn out.

'This rule is simple but mighty,' says Ben Harvey, principal interior designer and CEO of Patio Productions. 'For every new item you bring into your home, commit to removing an old one. It keeps your space balanced and prevents things from piling up.'

Learn when to donate or sell decluttered items.

2. Create separate zones for each family member

Keep order by giving every family member a place to hang their coats and keep their footwear – and have a place for the dog leads too.

'Name your zones – for families especially, labeled shelving or cubbies are a lifesaver. Imagine a shelf labeled 'Emma’s Homework' or a basket marked 'Dad’s Tools'. It eliminates the chaos of 'Who left this here?' while adding a subtle structure to your space,' advises Ben Harvey.

Amazon's moveable shelf label holders are a good option, they're not fixed so you can move them as and when.

All prices correct at time of publishing.

Five colors

Ornavo Home 2 Pack Wicker Storage Basket Cube Bin With Handles

If you have open shelving, or a lack of storage in your mudroom, a dedicated basket for each household member will help keep each person's things organized and easy to track down. Items without a home tend to clutter up the space. Giving them somewhere to live is transformative.

3. Install a charging station

With today's tech being all consuming and the way chargers tend to disappear, this is an idea we love.

'One of my go-to tricks for a clutter-free mudroom is setting up a stylish charging station. It keeps all of your cords tidy and gives everyone's devices a dedicated home. Picture this: a super narrow built-in angled bookshelf with outlets on every shelf – it's an organizer's dream!' says Michelle Shapiro, founder of Dwellier Design.

Check out this OWNTECH USB charging station for multiple devices from Walmart, it has six ports making it ideal for all the family.

This is also a brilliant way to bring in regular digital detox times to help reduce your household's screen time.

4. Use baskets and bins for seasonal items

mudroom with shiplap, bench seating herringbone tile layout, hooks, baskets, shelf, cream walls

Whether it's hanging baskets or those that fit into shelving, keeping things off the floor is paramount when it comes to organizing and looking at storage mudroom solutions. It also deters pests from setting up a home.

'I’m a huge fan of stylish baskets and bins as these 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, professional organizer and founder of With Arla agrees, 'Use bins for items like hats and gloves in winter or sandals and swimwear in summer.'

There's such a huge amount to choose from these days, Kanika recommends designs with open tops or handles, 'Then you can easily grab what you need without disturbing the whole system. The key is consistency – get a few that match or complement the room’s aesthetic.'

Two colors

Braided Hanging Basket, Large

Specifically for hanging rather than carrying, this beautiful basket is ideal for lighter accessories like gloves and scarves. It's made from seagrass, faux raffia and faux leather. The two design will ensure it stands out from other baskets styles.

Highly rated

Rectangular Wire Natural Wood Handles Basket, Black, Small

Iron baskets are good because you can see in them, ideal if you're looking for the dog lead or a favorite pair of gloves. There are two sizes available and they come in white too. Depending on the size of your mudroom shelving, you might be able to get two side by side.

Handmade

Better Homes & Gardens Hyacinth Basket with Lid

Lidded baskets can be really useful as they keep the contents dust free and clean, as well as reducing visual clutter. You could use it for the items that are more precious and need better care. This design is made from natural hyacinth making it a hardwearing choice.

5. Invest in hooks

According to Kanika, going up and using the space you have is a great golden rule, 'Hooks are a quick solution for jackets, bags, and hats, but placement matters. I ensure there’s enough space between each hook so that everything has room to hang without crowding. A mix of large and small hooks also accommodates everything from heavy coats to tiny purses.'

Target's metal pegboard wall organizer set in green is ideal for hanging keys and for keeping post on.

Double hanging element

Mimi Hook

Always invest in hooks that have a double hanging element like this stylish design. The lavender 'button' is made from ceramic whilst the rest of the hook is cast iron with a brushed brass finish. You can all have matching, or let each family member choose their own for an individual look.

6. Incorporate bench seating

small mudroom near entryway with bench storage seating and peg rail shelf, baskets, coat, stone floor, blind

Double use storage is always a winner in any room of the house and it works especially well in small mudrooms when space saving is paramount. It doubles up on function and is a great way to maximize your space, too.

Kanika says, 'Mudrooms don’t have to be full of just storage. I like to incorporate a bench with hidden storage or cubby drawers under seating areas. It provides a spot to sit while putting on shoes and doubles as extra storage for gloves or bags.'

Guillaume Drew, interior designer and founder of Or & Zon suggests storage furniture too, 'Select storage ottomans to conceal items such as off season clothing or pet items. This increases functionality without compromising on look.'

Shiplap style

Tangkula 3-in-1 Entryway Hall Tree Storage Bench

This is a good starting point if you want to create your own mudroom that comes with bench seating storage. There's enough room inside to store pillows, blankets and seasonal accessories that need swapping out. You also get five double zinc alloy hooks and shelf on the top.

Three-piece set

Arulappu Hall Trees with 40W Door Bench, Seat and New Shoe Benches, White Washed Maple

For the ultimate in mudroom storage that includes bench seating, consider this three-piece design. There's plenty of room for every member of the family to sit and put their shoes on, plus ample storage for coats, footwear and accessories. Also comes in ash brown, black, Cape Cod gray and white ash.

Lift top

Knowlife Shoe Bench with Cushion & Lift Top Storage

Keep it simple with a Shaker style bench that has a hidden compartment under the cushioned seat – use it for keys and wallets. Then there's doors underneath that have three-position adjustable shelves so you can fit them in to suit all footwear sizes.

7. Introduce a 'daily reset'

The best way to keep your mudroom clutter free is to tidy up little but often. Ben Harvey agrees, 'A tidy home isn’t maintained in one big weekend clean-up; it’s about consistent habits. Spend 10-15 minutes every evening putting things back. It’s like giving your home a fresh start every single day.'

Try to encourage your family members to keep their items in check too – daily tidying and cleaning habits are better than spending hours doing it. Ben adds, 'I ask my clients to think of themselves as curators of a gallery: Does this item deserve to be part of the exhibit? If it’s not functional, sentimental, or beautiful, it’s probably time to let it go. Decluttering is an art in itself.'

Meet our experts

Ben Harvey

Ben Harvey, is an interior design expert, principal designer and CEO of Patio Productions based in San Diego, California. I’m passionate about creating a full line of premium outdoor furniture that combines style and durability for all spaces.

Michelle Shapiro

As an interior designer with over six years of experience in real estate development and construction management, I bring a unique perspective to creating functional and beautiful spaces.

Kanika Bakshi Khurana

Kanika Bakshi Khurana is the principal interior designer and the founder of Kanika Design, a full-service interior design firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Melissa Park

As a professional organizer based in NYC, Melissa helps busy professionals, especially moms, create beautiful, functional spaces that make everyday life easier. With a background in tech project management, she loves blending efficiency with creativity to design organizational systems that truly work.

Guillaume Drew

As the founder of Or & Zon, Guillaume combines sustainable luxury with practical solutions, drawing inspiration from global artisanal traditions.

Your mudroom is an essential part of your home, especially if it's part of your entryway too. Keeping it organized will keep it both functional and harmonious.

Next learn about small mudroom ideas and the entryway storage mistakes wreaking havoc on your system.

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched Flowers Inside My Head where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.