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Assess, Measure, Plan, Purchase, Install

So you've decided your mudroom, entryway, or coat closets really need help. Where do you start?

Step1 -- Define your storage needs. What do you REALLY need to store in this location (essentials)? What things are convenient to have available when you walk out the door (handy)? What items do you use only occasionally or seasonally that might be stored elsewhere (seasonal)?

Step2 -- Assess your storage area. Clear the area of all the "stuff" then look at the empty space. What spaces do you have for storage? Can you add furniture to the room? Is there wall space for additional storage? Can the space be improved, reworked, or reconfigured in some way to better meet your storage needs? Use the checklist format below to make notes.

Step3 -- Measure and plan. Is there room for a second closet rod? Will a chest of drawers fit in the corner? Where can you hang a mirror? How much room is there for hooks? Is there space to add built-in cupboards? Is there room behind the door for a shelf? Will hanging organizers help in the closet or just take up room? How much space do you need for jackets, mittens, backpacks?

Step4 -- Purchase and install. Begin to purchase the parts for your Mudroom Makeover -- hooks, shelves, closet rods or organizers, a mirror, wastebasket, recycling bins -- whatever will fit and make your space useable.

Step5 -- Move in and enjoy. First, sweep and clean everything (floor, shelves, furniture, drawers, etc.). Then, move in slowly and deliberately. Put away the essential items that are most needed. Then add the items that are handy to have in the space, and finally, if you still have room, add seasonal or seldom used items.

So, to get the chaos under control, begin the process outlined above. Use a checklist format, similar to the one below, to plan your Mudroom Makeover. In this example, we've filled in the form for a "hypothetical" mudroom -- one with lots of coats and school supplies to store. Your checklist will need to fit your situation and space.

In MUDROOM Coat Closet: Install 2 closet poles - one to hold adult parkas above with kids' jackets on the lower rod. Buy stronger hangers for heavy jackets. Get an over-the-door fabric organizer to contain mittens. Put a tray on floor for boots. Install a light. Measure space and buy clear bins for upper shelves.
Room for Chest of Drawers: Check size to see if guestroom chest will fit in mudroom. Use top drawer of chest for paper, pens, phone lists, etc. Designate lower drawers for school supplies and hats.
Command Central: Hang a white board and bulletin board over the chest. Get a pencil cup, memo pads, and a basket for mail. Add a few cuphooks (for keys) on the bottom of the bulletin board. (Note - make 2 extra sets of keys in case of loss.) Need tissues in drawer to wipe off white board.
Wall Space: Install two levels of hooks for kids and adults. Buy 1x4 lumber, 11 hooks, and 8 long screws. (Use wall paint for the board.) Hang a mirror behind the door. Get a bench for space under the hooks.
In Front Coat Closet: Move good raincoats to front coat closet. Use the coat tree only for guests. Find a hanging fabric organizer to hold gloves and hats.

Page 3: No Fly Zones!