Everything You’ll Need to Create a Drop Space in Your Home
If you don’t have a mudroom for your kids to drop their belonging from school, here's how to improvise with a drop space.
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Photo By: Jessica Peterson
Keep Your Items Organized
If your home was designed with a mudroom where your kids can come home and kick off their dirty shoes, hang up their bookbags, and even leave their coats and sports equipment hanging, organized, and out of sight, I’ll be honest, I’m very jealous. For those of us who do not have the joy that is the mudroom, there is still hope for the gear, gadgets and clothing items our kids bring in and out of the house daily. Essentially, a drop space is a spot in your home that you create to keep all of these items organized. Even the smallest of entryways, hallways, or corners of rooms can be transformed into a practical drop space that works for you and your kids. Here are a few items you’ll need to get started.
Wall Mounted Coat Rack
If you've ever asked your kids to hang something on a hook, you know that a simple hook won’t do. So instead, you’ll need heavy duty hooks that are easy for kids to hang bookbags or coats. This set comes with two wall mounted coat racks and is large enough for everything your kids bring home from school and after school activities. Hang the rack in your entryway or on a wall close to the door so kids can unload their items from school instead of just dumping them on the floor.
BUY IT: Amazon, $21.99
Shoe Tray
Give their shoes a place to rest when they aren’t in use with this shoe tray. It’s extra long so plenty of pairs can fit, and your floors will be cleaner since kids won’t track dirt though your house. Plus mornings will be easier on everyone because no one is searching for a lost shoe.
BUY IT: Amazon, $26.95
Family Calendar
Help remind kids and yourself about important dates by hanging this chalkboard calendar right at the drop space. This way everyone can add important dates and times and can check the calendar before they head out the door.
BUY IT: Amazon, $64.99
Locker
If you want a fun piece of decor that will keep all of your kid’s items out of sight, add a few lockers to your entryway. There’s multiple colors to choose from since everyone has their own locker, everything they need for school can be stored inside and not scattered throughout the house.
BUY IT: Amazon, $130.05
Entryway Table
If you have the space, a small entryway table is a great addition. You can place baskets underneath to hold shoes and sports equipment, and on top, smaller baskets can hold keys, chargers, and all the items you and your kids may need before you head out the door.
BUY IT: Amazon, $85.99
Entryway Bench
This bench doubles as a place to store shoes and for everyone to take a seat to tie those shoes before heading out the door. It’s small enough to be placed against a wall and can work in a narrow entryway, but also serves as a great place to store shoes, boots, and bags.
BUY IT: Amazon, $64.99
Individual Hooks
If you still want hooks for the kids to hang all off their school items, but want the freedom to decide where to hang each hook, try these entryway hooks. Reviewers said they were easy to install and kids were easily able to hang items and take the items off the hooks. Plus they look great and will blend with most decor.
BUY IT: Amazon, $7.80
Ladder Coat Rack
If you're looking for something that you don’t have to hang on your walls and is less permanent, this ladder coat rack may be exactly what you need. The sturdy metal frame has plenty of hooks for hanging items like coats, hats, scarves, and bookbags. It has plenty of room for shoes along the base, and because of the design, won’t take up a ton of room in your house. This is a great option for smaller spaces and if you are renting and not wanting to drill holes into the wall.
BUY IT: Amazon, $108.45
Cubby and Hooks
This piece multitasks and gives your family a place to hang their items and a cubby to store all of those items that are easily lost — like gloves and hats.
BUY IT: Amazon, $59.99
Hall Tree
Get the look of a built-in space for a mud room even if you don’t have one with this hall tree. It comes with a storage bench, sitting area, and coat rack that are designed to accommodate your entryway, garage, or any corner of your home. Attach this hall tree to your wall so it’s secure in your home and ready for kids to use before the school day begins.
BUY IT: Amazon, $227.99
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