How to Create a Makeshift Mudroom

Great tips on How to Create a Makeshift Mudroom in your home!

Hi friends! It’s January – the month of new resolutions and the time to organize anything and everything, right? We’ve been in our new house for about 6 months now, and while we’re mostly settled in, I’ve started to realize the areas that need help and for us it’s the [lack of] an entryway or mudroom. Since we live in Arizona and don’t have what folks might call “real weather,” many homes don’t have actual mudrooms. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have shoes and backpacks and jackets – all of the stuff you’d like to have a spot for in the home, preferably where these items tend to get dropped. So with the help of my local True Value, I set out to solve this problem.

DESIGNATED AREA. Now if you don’t have an actual mudroom in your home and you’re like me in needing to create a “makeshift mudroom,” start out by designating an area to create your mudroom or dropzone. We happened to have an almost blank wall right off the entrance from our garage, which is right off our laundry room.

ANCHOR PIECE. Now that you’ve designated an area, you need a piece to anchor your mudroom. We found this awesome ClosetMaid 3-Cube Storage Bench at True Value that was the perfect size and shape for our space! A bench with storage is a perfect anchor piece, though you could use a small dresser, a cart or a number of other pieces that would also work depending on your needs. The ClosetMaid bench was the perfect solution for us and so easy to put together! One note – it does come with a back that you can add on but I chose to leave it open so that we would have access to the outlet that you can see peeking through. I have had thoughts of adding a little charging station to this area as well.

STORAGE. Now that you have your designated space and anchor piece, now you need to add some baskets or crates for storage. I love the three cubbies that are perfect for my three boys. They each have a basket now that can hold paperwork, shoes and more! But these baskets could hold anything you need access to as you come and go from your house.

MESSAGE CENTER. While a message center is not 100% necessary for your mudroom space, they are so very versatile! For this project we upcycled a poster frame that we already had with white spray paint and chalkboard spray paint into a functioning chalkboard! I actually couldn’t believe I hadn’t done this sooner, as I’ve been wanting to add a chalkboard to this area for a while. While right now I just hung a little greenery on the chalkboard, I do have plans to use it for seasonal decor and possibly for a calendar and/or a menu board. Message centers are so versatile and are perfect for your mudroom area.

HOOKS. Another mudroom area must-have are hooks! If you’re a commitment-phobe like I am, you might want to go with the Command Hooks like I have here. With the nickel finish, they look great and really do get the job done! I want to have the boys use this area for a while before I decide on a permanent location, though so far this placement has been working perfectly. Hooks are great for holding bags, backpacks, scarves, jackets and more!

And when you have your space, your anchor piece, storage and hooks – your Makeshift Mudroom is ready to be put to good use! You can add pillows, throws and decor to match your home decor…

Or if you’re like us, it’s all about the boys and practical use: baby bags, backpacks and Jordans.

But I hope we’ve shown you that it can be completely versatile and serve whatever purpose your mudroom needs to! And just a trip down to your local True Value and you can stock up on everything you need to get started on your very own Makeshift Mudroom project!

If you’re looking for more home decor and DIY inspiration, be sure to check out TrueValueProjects.com and follow True Value on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!

I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as writing about my experience. My opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. Thank you to True Value for sponsoring today’s post about How to Create a Makeshift Mudroom. All opinions and images are my own.