Mudroom Storage: 3 Simple Hacks for Storing Muddy Boots & Shoes

by Jan Kennemer 07/06/2025

Bulky footwear can be difficult to keep organized, especially when muddy or dirty. While many homeowners have a mudroom to help prevent tracking mud inside the house, the mudroom itself can become a chaotic mess. Luckily, there are some simple ways to store and organize your wet or soiled footwear no matter the size of your space. Here are some mudroom storage hacks for your footwear:

Hang a Coat Rack

Simple coat racks also make excellent boot racks. All you need is the style of coat rack with long enough pegs to keep the boot or shoe from falling off. You can keep it on the floor and turn the boots upside down or attach the rack to the wall and hang it vertically. Experiment with different styles and sizes of rack to fit your particular footwear needs.

Try a Pebble Tray

Using pebbles and coarse gravel for drainage is a staple among savvy gardeners, but it also makes an excellent addition to a mudroom. By filling a shallow tray with a small layer of pebbles, gravel or stones, you create a surface that allows your wet footwear to drain.

Plastic Bins & Crates

When in doubt, plastic bins and crates are a go-to storage solution for wet and dirty belongings. They're easy to clean, lightweight and perfect for stacking. For a convenient footwear organization hack, turn plastic bins on their sides so the opening faces out. This will make it easier to see which boots and shoes are in the bin while allowing for better airflow and drainage. Plastic milk crates are another fun option for upcycling and can be combined into custom cubby units.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.