From Chaos to Calm: Mudroom & Drop Zone Ideas for Busy Summer Days

How would your busy family describe the average summer day? Is it organized, clean, convenient, and functionally optimal? Probably not, but these are the qualities we look for in a well-designed mudroom.

Creating a practical space for everything we take out or bring home keeps chaos from encroaching further into the home. Whether it’s keeping dirt from getting tracked everywhere or finally making it to practice on time, it can help hold your life together. 

Keep reading to get mudroom and drop zone ideas for a busy summer schedule.  

I don’t have a mudroom. Where can I add a drop zone?

You don’t need a formally dedicated mudroom, foyer, or traditional entryway to use these ideas. Many drop zones are multifunctional family spaces arranged where they work best. Consider all of the custom organization and storage solutions we discuss in these places and more:

• Garages
• Laundry rooms
• Under staircases
• Hallways
• Sunrooms and covered porches

Let the layout of your home guide you to the best location. If there’s an area that tends to gather clutter, like a side table as you enter the kitchen, this may be an ideal spot.

What to consider when remodeling a mudroom or entryway

What is it that makes drop zones and mudroom-style areas so effective? Hooks are handy, but they’re hardly the whole story. Here are some elements to add to your new design.

Clever cabinets and built-ins

If there were ever a way to make all of your family’s stuff aesthetically pleasing, here it is. Cabinets and built-in shelving or seating can be customized to the overall style of the home, transforming the area from a sloppy catch-all to a seamlessly blended transition space.

Just like kitchen or bathroom cabinets, mudroom cabinets come in every style, color, and finish, with your choice of hardware. Adding built-ins changes the very architecture of your home and is a great selling point that could bump up its value.

Durable, easy-care flooring

Rain boots, soccer cleats, and whatever else the kids are dragging in this summer. The latest in low-maintenance flooring makes remodeled mudrooms as easy to clean as they are to organize.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a great example of this. It carries a lot of the aesthetic quality of pricier materials with better resistance against scratching and moisture. 

Organization accessories

Finally, optimize your custom design with baskets, dividers, vertical storage, and other accessories. This way, you can change the organization to fit whatever your family’s getting into that season.

This summer’s sports equipment zone can be next winter’s place to park your parka. A good drop zone system is scalable to your needs.

Creative drop zone ideas for busy summers

Families on the go can benefit from these drop zone ideas all summer long. Fewer reminders, less mess, and zero time spent hunting down those swim goggles? Yes, please.

Sporting station

It’s time to pack away coats and jackets, but that hook is still a great spot for a bike helmet, beach towel, or tennis racket. Cubbies that may typically hold hats, gloves, and homework can stow away water bottles, tennis balls, and sunscreen. 

Designating a zone for summer fun doesn’t just make getting out the door easier; it removes excuses for skipping safety. 

Pet zone

Now that the kids are out of school, they can take over some pet-related responsibilities. Dedicate a basket or shelf to the family dog’s leashes, treats, brushes, and waste bags. 

Pro tip: Is that mudroom bench just sitting there? Add a bed for the family pet/s and provide them a quiet space away from a hectic summer household.

Adults only

Don’t forget to make a drop zone solely for yourself. A drawer or shelf for mail, sunglasses, purses, and other daily essentials keeps away clutter. However, the main benefit is never wasting another morning looking for your keys.

Want more? Find out how to keep your closet organized during extra-busy times.

Master schedule

Keep summer plans in clear view when you post the family calendar in the last place they see before leaving. Chore checklists, vacation countdowns, and helpful reminders keep everything running right on schedule.

Settle in for summer with a new mudroom by The Designery

If your family’s raring to go, you don’t have time to plan a remodel, track down materials, and find a contractor to do it right. Let the pros at The Designery pitch in from start to finish. Dozens of cabinet styles, flooring for every budget, and all of the finishes you’re dreaming of.

It’s all carried out by a professional designer and expert installation crew. Book a complimentary consultation and let us introduce some calm into a chaotic summer.