Any strategies/suggestions for tackling my mud room? (Updated with pictures)

[TxCat]

So, we have a "mudroom" right off of the back door and garage door. It's basically the size of a standard front hall closet. There is a shelf about head level, with about 2.5 ft of space, and then a bench seat that that opens up to basically a storage bin below.

Right now we have a jumble of shoes in the under storage bin and also on top of it as well. Top shelf is. Jumble of emergency supplies (fire extinguisher, flashlights) and outdoor toys (balls, bubbles, chalk, etc.). I'm thinking about getting a tiered shelving system for the top shelf, to better utilize the space, but no idea about the storage bin/sitting bench. Any ideas?

[arivecchi]

Can you post a pic? I'm having a hard time visualizing your setup.

[TxCat]

Yes, photos would be helpful, wouldn't they? :duh:

Image of whole "mudroom" area (door to left is the door that can close off mudroom, door to the right is to the garage)
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/9300541267_6c03fbb64e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36223674@N05/9300541267/)


Idea of space extending above top shelf
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/9300547937_4a5a96d2b3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36223674@N05/9300547937/)


Closer shot of "bench" area - top lifts up, and it's essentially an empty storage area underneath (random shoes live there now)
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/9300566991_623430ff76.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36223674@N05/9300566991/)

I also forgot - there are 4 coat hooks just under the shelf - we use for misc. sporting equipment right now, coats/jackets, scarves/gloves in winter, canvas bags, insulated picnic bag and blanket, etc.

[kara97210]

I think you should definitely add a higher shelf (or 2) to take advantage of the vertical space. We have something like this http://www.vivaterra.com/three-bin-wire-shelf-unit.html and I've definitely seen them in painted wood, I would do something like that where your current shelf is. I'd put a couple of bins in the bench and store shoes there, organized by owner. It's a nice little closet.

[elbenn]

Container Store's multi-purpose bins would really help organize the stuff on the shelf. You could definitely add another shelf above the shelf that is there.

[arivecchi]

Agree with PP. Add more shelfs and bins or if you want something fancier, have someone build in cubbies and shelves to make the space more functional.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/53113/storage-ideas-laundry-room-other-metro

http://www.houzz.com/photos/380563/Craftsman-foyer-traditional-entry-denver

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2118978/Maple-Leaf-traditional-closet-seattle

[legaleagle]

Are you willing to ditch the bench in favor of shelves? Storage benches have always been pretty much a waste for me compared to shelves or cubbies. I'm very much an out of sight, out of mind person.

[TxCat]

Are you willing to ditch the bench in favor of shelves? Storage benches have always been pretty much a waste for me compared to shelves or cubbies. I'm very much an out of sight, out of mind person.

That's not a bad thought, and something that I didn't think of at all. Our handyman is coming over next week so I could probably ask him if he's up to the task then. If not, I guess I could clean it out and put the picnic stuff and lesser-used sports equipment, and off-season shoes in there.



Agree with PP. Add more shelfs and bins or if you want something fancier, have someone build in cubbies and shelves to make the space more functional.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/53113/storage-ideas-laundry-room-other-metro

http://www.houzz.com/photos/380563/Craftsman-foyer-traditional-entry-denver

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2118978/Maple-Leaf-traditional-closet-seattle

I love that last photo especially! This makes me want to look into the cost for more built-ins.

Thanks for all of the suggestions - now I have some great ideas to work with (mommy brain wasn't working too well before that).