Winter Gear Organization: Keep Coats, Boots, & Gloves Under Control

Coats, hats, and mittens—oh my! Winter mornings can quickly become chaotic when every coat, boot, and glove is scattered across your entryway, mudroom, or coat closet. But with a few simple systems, you can keep winter gear tidy, accessible, and ready for every snowy day.

Why Winter Gear Causes Chaos

Winter gear is tricky because:

• It’s bulky and takes up a lot of space

• Kids frequently misplace mittens, hats, and scarves

• Snow, mud, and wet gear create extra mess

Without a plan, your entryway becomes a daily stress zone — and no one wants to start the day digging for a missing glove.

Step 1: Clear & Assess Your Space

Start by taking everything out of your entryway, mudroom, or coat closet.Sort items into categories:

• Coats

• Boots & shoes

• Hats, gloves, scarves

• Outdoor accessories (snow pants, sleds, etc.)

Remove anything that’s outgrown or no longer used. Donate or store what your family won’t need this season.

Step 2: Use the Right Storage for Each Item

Coats

• Install sturdy hooks or pegs at kid height

• Consider a tiered or wall-mounted coat rack for multiple children

• Use labeled hooks if kids have similar jackets

Boots & Shoes

• Keep a waterproof tray or boot bin for wet shoes

• Stackable shoe bins can maximize vertical space

• Assign each child a designated spot to simplify mornings

Hats, Gloves, Scarves

• Use small baskets, bins, or mesh hanging organizers

• Consider a “glove clip” system to keep pairs together

• Keep extras in a labeled bin for quick swaps

Step 3: Make It Easy for Kids

A system only works if the family uses it!

• Hooks and bins should be reachable for little ones

• Color-code or label storage spots

• Create a “grab & go” zone near the door for quick departures
  

Step 4: Manage Wet & Dirty Gear

• Line boot trays with newspaper or absorbent mats

• Keep a small hand towel or cloth nearby for quick cleanup

• Encourage kids to drop wet gear directly into the tray to prevent floor messes
  

Step 5: Maintain Your Winter Gear System

• Weekly check-ins: tidy hooks, return stray gloves, remove outgrown items

• Teach kids to follow the system — consistency is key
  

Winter Mornings, Simplified ❄️

With a thoughtful system for coats, boots, and accessories, your entryway or mudroom can become a calm, functional space — even in the middle of a snowstorm.

Sunny Spaces Organizing helps busy families create systems that work in real life. Keep your winter gear organized, accessible, and ready for every snowy morning.