Drop zones are fast becoming the new “must-have” inclusion in homes and it is easy to see why! Having a dedicated space to corral the clutter that is invading your home plus keep shoes, mail, keys, etc. organized? Count us in!
But what exactly is a drop zone and how can you incorporate one in your house? We share our top tips for designing a beautiful drop zone that will enhance your house—no matter the size of your space or budget!
Drop Zone FAQs:
- What is a drop zone?
- Are drop zones the same thing as a mudroom?
- What should I store in my drop zone?
- How do I incorporate one in my house?
We’ll answer all these questions and more. Let’s get started!
Reimagining Storage with a Custom Drop Zone
Storage solutions are an essential part of any home. With the right drop zone design, you can create a custom storage solution that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Let’s dive into some drop zone FAQs!
#1. What is a Drop Zone?
A drop zone is a designated area in which you can store important items like keys, mail, paperwork, and more that would normally clutter up your space.
Need a place to set your coffee as you head out the door and wrangle the kids & pets?
What about a space to keep track of reminders, store returns, kids’ homework, or that library book that was due last week?
Or a spot to organize junk mail, items that need organizing, and more?
Enter the drop zone!
#2. Are Drop Zones the Same Thing as a Mudroom?
Not quite! Mudrooms are typically installed in an entryway, unused wall, or a spot in the laundry room where wet and dirty items can be hung up or stored away until they are needed again. They generally have built-in cabinetry of some kind which is ideal for storing coats, boots, umbrellas, bags, and other items. They also provide a designated location to keep shoes organized and out of sight instead of having them cluttering up hallways or living spaces.
Drop zones, on the other hand, usually serve the purpose to provide storage for the items that you are carrying when you walk in the door such as keys, purses, mail, backpacks, etc.
Generally, they are less formal spaces and are as the name suggests, a place for you and your family to drop your stuff. But don’t worry, a drop zone is still a highly efficient space and just as stylish!
#3. What Should I Store in My Drop Zone?
The items you choose to store in your drop zone will depend on the stage of life you’re in, what you routinely use and carry with you when traveling in and out of the door every day, and the current season.
#4. How Do I Incorporate a Drop Zone in My House?
You’re in the right place! Our craftsmen at C & C Cabinets can make any idea a reality. If you’re interested in incorporating a drop zone for your family, there are several things to think about before getting started.
We’ll cover everything you need to know below!
Be Inspired > Custom Built-Ins for a Luxuriously Functional Home
Designing a Drop Zone
Incorporating a drop zone into your home can be as simple or complex as you'd like it to be. It can range from putting up a few shelves by the door for organizing shoes, keys, and other items coming in and out of the house; all the way to customizing a wall with cubbies, drawers, benches, wall organizers, and more; sort of like a mini-mudroom area.
Follow these tips to get started:
#1. Choose Your Spot
For most people, the ideal spot to design a drop zone is just inside the front door. But this isn’t your only option! Other drop zone locations to consider:
- Kitchen
- Rear hallway
- Entryway/Foyer
- Mudroom
- The garage (the area right outside the door that leads into the home)
There is no right or wrong space to dedicate to a drop zone, just make sure that the area you choose is used regularly.
#2. Consider Storage
The best kind of storage is crucial when designing a drop zone. You want it to be functional for you and your family after all!
Your drop zone might be a wall area with a notice board and hooks, or you might want to incorporate drawers, lockers, or unique built-in cabinetry for the ultimate storage space. This way, all that stuff will be organized before it makes its way to the kitchen counter, couch, stair railing, etc.
Unique Storage Solutions
Consider these storage ideas when designing your drop zone!
- Set up an incoming mail station to store the mail that you need to process, especially if you don’t open all your mail right away. By doing so, you’ll cut down on mail clutter elsewhere in the house. Just make sure to sort through it every couple of days!
- Create a home for your keys. Whether you use a tray, a bowl, or a hook, you’ll save yourself a lot of time searching for your keys if you get in the habit of putting them in the same place every day.
- Have a designated spot for shoes. A waterproof shoe tray will do the trick, but a built-in shoe cabinet is even better as it allows you to close the door for a more visually pleasing space.
Mudroom Inspiration > Designing a Modern Mudroom
Bring Order to Your Home
Designing an efficient drop zone is an important step in creating an organized, stress-free home. It's all about finding the perfect spot and making sure it's easy for everyone to use.
From built-in cabinets or lockers to custom drawers and a place to sort mail, these thoughtful touches will help make your home more efficient and clutter-free.
Take control of the chaos! Contact our Tampa-based cabinetry designer, Miriam Johnson, to design a space that will bring order to your home!
