Clutter Hot Spot: Laundry Rooms and Mudrooms Part 2

By Jessica Hoelzel

I’m a big proponent of letting things be what they are. Laundry and mudrooms were designed to store things and are allowed to get messy from time to time. (Hence the name “mud” room.) They’re a transitional place, so let them be that.

Set up a “command center” to keep things in control. Sort things out right away instead of letting them accumulate in miscellaneous piles. If you have countertop space, great, use it to your advantage. If you don’t, consider hanging something on the wall, behind or over a door to use vertical space.

Don’t get let anything get too comfortable, though. This is the transitional place – for things to get set temporarily, then move on, but not pile up. When I say temporarily, I mean they should be gone through and dealt with at least once a week.

What comes into every person’s homes is different, so I can’t solve for everyone here, but some “command center” suggestions:

Recycling Bin
Absolute MUST HAVE. Don’t let junk mail get past your entry. Some even toss it in the garage, not permitting it to enter the house. Be strict and realistic about what you actually will read, use, and need to keep.



***Remember, postponed decisions lead to clutter. Be your own gate-keeper for what you want to let into your life.***


Baskets
For mail, things to return, things to put away elsewhere in the house. Have a time once or twice a week (should only take 15-20 minutes) to empty, putting things in their proper homes.
Lined Makati Baskets from The Container Store

Stacking trays

For mail/papers (one for each family member, or one for each project/committee, or one for “Bills to Pay”,“To File”, “Action Items”, etc.). These can also go in cupboards if you want to keep them out of sight.

Landscape Letter Tray from The Container Store

Wall or Door Hanging Paper Sorters
If you have limited or no counter space, use your vertical space.
3-Tier Mesh Wall Sorter from The Container Store

Hooks
Get things up and off the floor. Command hooks are removable; make sure to get the hooks strong enough to hold the weight you need.

Shoe racks
Get shoes up and off the floor too. Use vertical space.
9-Pair Convertible Shoe Rack from The Container Store

And as always, PURGE, PURGE, PURGE before you attempt any organizational efforts. You need to get down to the nitty gritty of what you absolutely need to have in that space. THEN figure out how to best organize it.