A current term that has entered the modern landscape of homeownership is "the drop zone." Please don't read too much into the actual word itself. A drop zone is precisely that: a zone where you can drop your items upon entering your home.
The name actually derives from paratroopers and skydivers. A drop zone is a specific area where the troops or their supplies land on the ground in the military. The drop zone of a house is far less extreme. When you're carrying loads of groceries, luggage, and knick-knacks, you need a place to drop everything. The drop zone constitutes just that. Below you'll find the best options for constructing the most efficient and least headache-inducing drop zones in your house.
It's best to have a drop zone near the foyer or entryway of your home. The sole purpose of a drop zone is to drop the items in your hands as you enter the house. It should become second nature to drop items in this zone constructed near the front door.
Pro tip: Know that a mudroom differs from a drop zone. A mudroom usually resides near the laundry room and usually consists of a messier environment. Returning from a lake, ocean, or another dirty setting, the mudroom serves as a place to drop off all dirty items.
Drop zone ideas
1. Baskets
At the very least, if you don't want to take up too much real estate in your home's drop zone, baskets can be a handy addition. Using a nail or a fashionable hook, hang numerous baskets to hold your small items. We tend to leave keys, wallets, purses, and more things around the house. These items can have their dedicated place in the baskets of your drop zone.
2. A bench
A small bench is one of the most common additions to home drop zones. There's an unlimited amount of bench choices to find online or in hardware stores. Finding a bench that opens up to a large compartment is essential for any bulk items. You can store jackets, blankets, umbrellas, and shawls in such bench.
3. Trays
Simple trays can be bolted to your drywall as easy storage space for small items. You can store keys, purses, and other minutiae on these trays. The installation usually just involves a screwdriver or drill. Several tray types are available in stores, from mesh metal to wood. It's also fun to paint and personalize the trays to your desire.
Pro tip: You must find a stud in the wall if you intend on storing heavier items on your trays.
4. A small desk
Depending on the size of your drop zone, you might want to consider a small desk. They serve the same purpose as a bench but can compartmentalize more space. Desks can have drawers for smaller items like your keys or wallet. And the surface of the desk can be where you drop off temporary items like a hat or jacket.
5. Lockers
Though they may not sound popular, a fashionable locker can be a viable storage space in your drop zone. There are more options than the standard children's locker you've seen in the past. You can find fun tin or wooden lockers to close off all of your drop zone items upon entry.
6. Shelves
You can add a few shelves to your drop zone using a drill or screwdriver. Some folks love the look of floating shelves. Floating shelves look like standard shelves without all of the brackets or rods. You can add picture frames to take up empty space when your drop zone stuff isn't lying around.
Pro tip: Keep in mind how visual shelves are. You won't have any drop zone items hidden with a shelf.
7. Hooks
Finding various kinds of hooks can be a fun way to disguise a drop zone. You can hang umbrellas, hats, jackets, and more in a drop zone. Wooden pegs, iron hooks, or even nails can serve as hooks. The assembly might be the easiest and quickest option for creating an efficient drop zone.
8. Dutch closets
To add a dutch closet to your drop zone is a significant feat. But these can be the best addition for storage if you have the space. Dutch closets have several different styles and compartments. You'll enjoy drawer and shelf space for various items.
Pro tip: Remember that you must have the space for a dutch closet. Even if they're slim, they'll be a bulky addition to the entryway area of your home.
9. A shoe rack
There are endless amounts of attractive shoe racks to put in your home's entryway. Often, your drop zone builds up in rogue stacks of shoes. A shoe rack can solve this problem.
10. A table
In between the desk and shelf ideas is a simple table. You won't have drawers or added compartments, but you will have space. You can store boots and shoes below the table while putting knick-knacks atop the table. Decorate its corners with picture frames or small artifacts.
Decor in your drop zone
Many will find a way to uplevel their home's aesthetic with drop zone decor. If you leave a drop zone looking plain, it will stick out like a sore thumb. Make this area stylish by adding a mirror, paintings, vintage posters, or a seasonal wreath. If you have a bench or shelf in your drop zone, add some throw pillows or a blanket for a finishing touch.
The advent of a drop zone has become a staple in modern homes. Newly built custom homes will often have a space designated for a drop zone. Even if you live in an older home, you can find a clever way to construct a drop area. Nobody likes the build-up of everyday items on the kitchen counter or knick-knacks in the corner. Over time, the entryway of our homes can become clouded and junky. Consider one or more options above to create a space for items to drop!