Spring is coming to Wisconsin and that means “mud season” will soon be upon us. But if you own a
home, you probably have realized that mud season happens year-round. Whether it’s snow, rain, or just
dirt from your own backyard, you are tracking it in the house every time you come in the door. So that
might mean that the most valuable room of the house is the mudroom.
A mudroom is a dedicated room usually located near or at an entrance to the home where you can
remove muddy boots and wet coats before entering the rest of the house. It also can function as a drop
zone or storage station. Essentially, a mud room provides a buffer between the outdoors and the rest of
the house. It is your first defense against a dirty house.
If you are shopping for a home for the first time or building a new home, you might forget about this
important room of the house. While your focus will probably be on the kitchen, living area, and
bedrooms, the mudroom will always be your desired entry into the home and a tool to keep the living
spaces clean and comfortable. Be sure to build a mudroom into your design when building or buying your
next home.
So, what makes this room perfectly outfitted to handle anything the family brings into it? Here are some
of the must-haves and essentials for your ideal mudroom.
A Washing Station
When clothes, shoes, and any large items are dirty, having a large utility sink to wash them in is ideal. No
one wants to wash muddy shoes or pets in the kitchen sink or bathtub. Laundry utility sinks are large
enough to rinse out bulky clothes, wash off small pets, and clean large items. Another option is a
ground-floor basin with a drain and a wall-mounted hand spray. These work great for washing dirty
boots, feet, and large dogs. Place a stack of towels nearby for drying off, and a plastic tray to dry wet
footwear.
Laundry Hamper
When wet and dirty clothes have been removed, you’ll want a designated laundry hamper ready to
receive them. Otherwise, you are likely to find dirty clothes discarded on the floor and in various
locations around the room. A plastic hamper is good for wet clothes because it can be cleaned in your
washing station.
Cubbies and Locker Stalls
Everyone likes their own space to put their things. Having a cubby or locker stall for each family member
provides each person a designated space as their personal drop zone. Outfit it with hooks and they can
hang up their coats, scarves, gloves, and hats. A bench seat in the space provides a place to sit and
change shoes. The open space below the seat is a great spot to store shoes where they can air out.
Include a shelf at the top and you’ll have a place to hold personal items.
Shoe Racks and Seating
If there is not enough room to install cubbies and lockers in your mud room, try to include a bench or
chair where shoes can be changed. Include a shoe rack to store outdoor shoes so they don’t have to be
carried across the house to the bedrooms. Save a row on the shoe rack for indoor or house shoes to
encourage the habit of changing out of street shoes in the mud room.
Build a Mudroom with Turnkey Homes and Remodeling
With even just a few of these fixtures and items in your mudroom, you will be sure to keep the mud,
snow, and dirt contained. If your home needs a remodel to build a mudroom, or you want to remodel
your existing mudroom, Turnkey Homes can help! Turnkey Homes LLC is a custom home builder and
remodeler in the Appleton-Green Bay area. Learn more about us and our services at
turnkeyhomesllc.com or reach us by phone at (920) 470-4315.
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