Drop zones can happen to you or be purposely designated without breaking the bank.
Whenever a season changes, the items we drop become noticeable: spring rain jackets and umbrellas change to summer sports gear and water bottles, which change to fall jackets and hats and change to winter snow jackets, boots, and scarves.
You can kick things aside, sigh with resignation, put "organize drop zone" on your to-do list, and ultimately accept this season in life. There's truth to life seasons; however, I think some simplistic items could drastically change your drop zone and provide order for when you set your timer for a 5-minute clean-up.
So, I gathered a list of options for three different drop zone locations, all of which are between $70 and $1,600.
Let's Get Organized!
This is for people with garage doors that open into their kitchen spaces and who like to keep their kitchen as an information center in their homes.
The kitchen isn't typically the space for shoe and jacket storage, so I picked some hutches that can hold a lot of weight, like a full backpack, but also hide a mess behind a pretty door!
Shelves can be designated for each child or need: mail center, homework drop, backpack station, lunchbox zone, etc. If you still want some counter space, pick a hutch with a counter so you can quickly offload the items in your hands before dropping what's in your arms!
A hutch can be a beautiful accent piece and doesn't need to match your cabinetry color. I still like to blend as closely as possible with the overall style of my home.
Next, let's tackle the entryway.
Order can be brought to an entryway through separate pieces or an all-in-one organizational unit. When I think of an entryway, I think of needing more than a hutch. This area often requires organization for everything: jackets, scarves, gloves, hats, shoes, backpacks, gear, and individualized needs.
Since each home has differing spatial constraints and requirements tailored to each family member, I gathered some pieces that can be used alone or combined to meet your needs. Wall-hanging coat shelves with or without cubbies, singular coat racks, benches with shoe storage, and all-in-one storage units.
I have two suggestions: If you choose a separate coat rack, select one with a stable base. Those tip over quite easily, especially during frenzied mornings when everyone is grabbing jackets! And always ensure that furniture is properly anchored so that children are safe.
(Side note: We have the shoe cabinet with four doors and love it!)
Not everyone has the space to hold a larger piece of furniture, but if you do, please, yes, please!
You don't need a custom built-in budget to get one of these! They come in many sizes and storage solution arrangements so that you can find one for any family. Those dreamy mudrooms with built-in lockers were never closer.
I love that you can achieve a locker-filled mudroom space with a piece of furniture (properly anchored to the wall). Maybe you don't have a mudroom, and your garage is your drop zone. Perfect! Placing one of these units in your garage might even inspire you to finish the space with a bike rack, organizational cabinets, and a tool zone.
Gorgeous wooden built-ins are my jam, but I'm all for beautiful solutions without breaking a budget.
I found all of these items at Wayfair (not a paid endorsement) and believe you can find well-designed pieces for low prices. Grab my list below!
As always, it's a pleasure chatting about our homes with you. I love hearing about the plans you have for yours, so drop a quick note HERE to get started. Until next time, cheering you on!
