Realtor.com's Jennifer Geddes says that adding smart details to an entryway or mudroom will make homeowners more organized and draw buyers into a sale. Here, she presents some small additions you can make to a mudroom to catch buyers' attention.
Writing on the wall A chalkboard or whiteboard strategically placed on the wall of your mudroom is the perfect solution for alerting your gang about dental appointments, important phone numbers, and any other reminder you need to jot down. "Post a calendar in this space, too," says Jamie Novak, organizing pro and author of "Keep This Toss That." Use a highlighter or attach neon sticky notes on those days that have a different schedule.
Hook 'em An abundance of hooks in all sizes is a must in any mudroom. Think beyond the standard three-hook hangers you can buy at your favorite home decor store. "You need lots and lots of hooks for car keys, your work lanyard, dog leashes, shopping bags, backpacks, your purse, jackets, baseball caps, scarves, and more," says Novak. "You'll also need a hook for the dog's towel when she comes in muddy and wet from her walk," adds Lorena Canals, founder of the eponymous home accessories brand. For the little ones in your house, hang a second row of hooks at kid height.
Smart storage You can't just throw everything on a hook or in a basket and call it a day. Amy Bell, owner of Red Chair Interiors in Cary, NC, recommends shelves for footwear, rather than baskets or bins. "Shoes are just easier to put away and retrieve from hard-surface storage, and they tend to look tidier all lined up in a row," she says. You can also add a stash spot for sunglasses, phones, mail, receipts, and small change. You'll also want to designate a spot for bags, backpacks, and laptop cases so they aren't just plopped on a chair or bench.
Have a seat At the very least, place a bench in the mudroom where the family can sit to put on their shoes. Marcotte recommends old locker benches. "They have an interesting, industrial look, and kids can't beat them up any more than they already are," she says. Or poke around a flea market for a lone church pew and place baskets underneath. If you want to go the built-in route (like the mudroom above), you can design it with pull-out drawers below the bench.
Charge it While hooks and baskets are the mudroom standard, modern families often have a number of outlets with chargers on a rack to hold everyone's phone, says Lestikow. It might seem counter-intuitive, but installing this tech station right by the door might encourage kids—and adults—to power down their devices earlier and finish the day face to face.