Yesterday was the first day of school for my two boys. Although yesterday was my first emotional first day, I love the beginning of school. It’s such a great time for a fresh start. And I wanted to to start my guys off right.
So, when they came home and I asked them to put their backpacks and shoes away, this is what I got:
Messy Mudroom
This was not good for the First Day of School Fresh Start I was hoping for.
But if I hadn’t given them a clear spot for their backpacks, how could I expect them to put them in the right spot each day?
And when I cruised over to the Organizing Junkie’s blog and saw how nice her backpack station was, I knew I had to take a picture and make a change right away.
So, while the guys were in school this morning, I went through the clutter and found quite a few things to give to friends, lots of things to donate, many items that were in the wrong place to begin with and, yes, even plenty of items for the trash.
Here’s what the boys will find when they return home this afternoon:
Much better mudroom
The guys are too small to hang their packs, but at least they will have a clear spot for setting them.
I’m pretty proud of my hat hanger, by the way. I just took a long piece of ribbon, looped it on top and attached the hats with clothespins. Now we can see our hats and actually wear them!
Disclaimer: The stack on the bench is waiting to be mongrammed and go to school with my youngest in September.
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Through March 31, 2010, Mom's Toolbox's primary goal is to encourage you in attentively reading the entire Bible in 90 days by offering almost-daily encouragement and my SOAP observations from the reading.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great job you did and what a fantastic space you have there!
May I include your station in my backpack station round-up?
Thank You! I’d love for you to include it!
–Amy
Wow what a difference! And I bet once you got started it didn’t take any time to whip it in shape. When I looked at the finished photo I thought maybe you went out and bought a hat holder…what a creative idea! Now the trick is keeping the space neat and tidy…that was always the challenge at my house!
Great job! looks fantastic.
Just an idea about the hooks: you could put in another row of hooks down about midway. then they could reach for themselves.
I love your station! You’ve inspired me to clean up our station… starting now!
I love the set up you have. I want something like that in our garage. I like the hat rack. My dh has millions of hats. So they are in a basket for him to look through when he needs one.
Great transformation! I need to work on our catchall area as it is starting to get out of control too – thanks for the inspiration.
It looks awesome! :D Great job!
Oh I wish we had a space like that. It would help tremendously. Great job!
You are so lucky to have a spot for that stuff. Have a great Tackle it Tuesday.
Your mud room looks great! Makes me want one, we don’t have them here in AZ, only “heat” rooms! : )
How great! Weeonly have a hook spot for our backpacks..Id LOVE a whole mudroom!!