Two matching gloves and a hat that fits. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask for, does it? Yet for busy parents of young children, this simple request often becomes a lofty goal as kids rush in and out, scattering their winter gear throughout the house. To help keep our mudrooms (or whatever space has been pressed into service) sorted and manageable, three area professional organizers who are also parents of young children share their tried-and-true strategies for maintaining order during the winter months.

The “Monica” Method: Personalized Storage Solutions

Meredith Gross-Holstein, Clothing Racks to Dresser Drawers

A self-described “Monica” from Friends, Gross-Holstein has made good organization a lifelong habit. “I practice what I preach because if I don’t, I can’t help anybody else,” she explains. Her key recommendation is giving each child their own storage drawer or basket just inside the main entry door. The rule is simple: items go directly into storage before any other activity begins. While it takes time for children to develop this habit, the payoff is worth the effort. Gross-Holstein also emphasizes the importance of regularly checking that stored items are the correct sizes, making it easier to donate or consign outgrown pieces. Her clever solution for wet gear? Keep a designated basket by the entry door for soggy items, allowing for easy transport to the dryer without creating puddles along the way.

Strategic Planning for Any Space

Darla DeMorrow, HeartWork Organizing

DeMorrow’s approach starts with intentional planning. “Figure out the space’s purpose, then stick to that, rather than having the mudroom become a catch-all for random items,” she advises. Even in minimal spaces – like her own three-foot kitchen “mudroom” – she demonstrates how to maximize functionality with child-height hooks, gear baskets, and boot trays. Her smart tip for preventing chaos? Keep only regularly-used items within reach, storing extras elsewhere. DeMorrow proudly owns being “that mom” who ensures her children properly store their items before moving on to other activities. “Stuff builds up, but if you make the time and make it a habit and everyone pitches in, it can take only 5 minutes a day to stay organized,” she says, noting that her children have managed proper storage since age two.

Vertical Solutions for Historic Homes

Annie Kilbride, Life Simplified

Kilbride specializes in tackling organization challenges in older homes with limited closet space. Her mantra? “Use as much vertical space as possible.” She creatively utilizes often-overlooked spaces, including wall space behind doors and even door backs themselves for hanging coats and backpacks. For homes tight on square footage, she recommends exploring under-furniture storage solutions with appropriate boxes and suggests multi-functional pieces like storage ottomans that serve as both seating and winter gear storage. Kilbride’s practical approach includes keeping only essential shoes by the door, maximizing space for hat and glove storage.

Find more tips in our Home Improvement Guide!