One of the most challenging spots to keep clutter-free is often your main entry point. Whether it’s the side door or the front door, it can be difficult to not let this spot be a catch-all for everything you set down upon walking through the door. From backpacks to sporting equipment, things tend to get dropped in the same spot every time.
If things are already being dropped in place, why not take advantage and utilize this space to your advantage? That’s where a drop zone comes into play.
Including a drop zone in your new home is a great way to create a dedicated space and bring organization to what typically would be a cluttered space. Adding a drop zone is an easy way to add style and organization to your home without hurting your budget. This space is the perfect addition to either a mudroom or garage entry and there are plenty of options to make the space work for your family dynamics.
Adding hooks to the wall encourages jackets to be hung in the proper place instead of just throwing them on the nearest chair or counter. They’re also perfect for hanging purses, backpacks or even hats. By creating a spot for these items, you’re less likely to have these items spill over into other rooms like the kitchen. If you have little ones, you can add hooks at a lower height so they can easily hang their gear without having to climb a chair. Pro tip: ensure the hooks are deep enough for bigger bags with bulky straps so they can easily be hung.
Incorporating a bench like the one in our Charleston Earnhardt is a great addition to any drop zone. A bench makes taking off shoes much easier. By eliminating the struggle of removing shoes, you’re more likely to take the few seconds it takes to pause and do so. Adults no longer have to just kick off their shoes and kids no longer have to plop on the dirty ground.
Shoes don’t have to pile up on the floor! By creating storage underneath your bench there’s a specific spot for muddy shoes and rain boots. Stopping the dirt at the door means there’s less of a chance that the mud and mess make it to kids’ rooms. This makes finding gear before a game much easier and helps cut down on the “Where are my cleats?” issue that is bound to happen as you’re rushing to get kids to games.
Adding baskets is a great way to take your organization to the next level. They’re multipurpose and you can easily change their function to what works for your family. During the winter, baskets can be used to organize hats and mittens. Come summertime, these same baskets can house sunscreen, bug spray and goggles. Besides seasonality changes, baskets can also be assigned to family members. Each family member (and even your pup) can have their own basket to keep their odds and ends in one contained place.
Just because your drop zone is a place to clear up clutter doesn’t mean that it must be boring. You can make this space as stylish as any other part of the home. Go bold with paint to make a splash or get decorative by adding pillows to liven up the space. There’s no reason that this space can’t be as fun as the rest of your home.
To make sure things stay organized, set some time about once a month to do a quick evaluation of your drop zone. This way if things haven’t moved, you can always move those items to a closet and free up space.
Having a dedicated (and organized) space for all your temporary items can make your day go smoother and maximize your home storage. Most importantly, things will be less likely to get misplaced or lost if there’s a designated space as soon as you walk in the door. With a drop zone, your kitchen no longer looks cluttered the moment everyone comes home. Not only will your catch-all space be more organized with a drop zone, but it’ll also look stylish at the same time and take minimal effort to maintain!
Want more inspiration for your drop zone? Head to our image gallery, or check out Schumacher Homes on Pinterest to find even more ideas.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 22 locations in 11 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.