Our home was lacking in storage area. The book bags, shoes, coats and lunch boxes were scattered throughout the house. So I decided to turn our small entry way closet into a mini mudroom. The transition was easy and affordable and I love the results!
Our first step was to remove the folding closet door and the tracks in the door frame. We took everything out of the closet, which previously was just a coat rack with hangers and a shelf above that.
Once you have a blank slate take measurements of your area. Decide what you need storage for. Do you need hooks for book bags and purses? How about cubbies for each kids school work or sports equipment? We needed baskets to hold winter hats and gloves and a shoe cubby to hold shoes that previously were flung all over the house.
After you have taken all of your measurements and decided on a design you can research what products you want to use. In our mini mudroom we purchased hooks and baskets from Hobby Lobby, peel and stick wallpaper and a shoe cubby from Target and then shelving from Lowes. We repurposed a piece of scrap wood to use as the bottom shelf.
If you are installing shelving be sure to use drywall anchors where needed for added support. The finishing touches are the fun and personal part. I enjoyed adding my own finishing touches to the space. For instance I purchased a shoe cubby from Target, but spray painted the back panel gold. Have fun and make the space yours. Think outside the closet and utilize your space!
Jessica Shockney is a mother of two and a Baltimore City Firefighters’ wife. Jessica is passionate about writing, photography, baking and gardening. She’s a busy mom trying to keep up in a Pinterest world of successes and fails.