![](https://media.organized-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/compact-mudroom-kate-mccann-david-prince-crop1-768x533.jpg)
Snow can make the dirtiest street look like a Norman Rockwell scene and transform even a turnpike into a winter wonderland. Snow indoors, though? That’s a whole different story. Inside, the snow melt from you boots can wreak havoc on your floors, turning hardwood and tiled floors into a Slip ‘n Slide and light-colored rugs into unwanted Rorschach tests. Here’s how to ensure the inevitable puddles are contained and stay off your floors.
N.B.: Featured photograph by David Prince, courtesy of Kate McCann of Grey Dove Design, from Reader Rehab: A Country House Makeover Courtesy of White Paint.
1. Make a DIY pebble tray.
Here’s a solution for small-space dwellers: a rolling metal tray filled with beach stones where wet shoes can drain without making a mess. When you no longer need its services, simply roll it out of sight.
![See DIY: Rolling Boot Tray for a Mini Mudroom for materials and step-by-step directions. Photograph by Erin Boyle.](https://media.organized-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/fields/boot-box-erin-boyle-gardenista-10-733x489.jpg)
2. Repurpose a jelly roll pan.
In a pinch and in need of a boot tray right away? Relax, you have what you need in the kitchen: Simply repurpose a jelly roll pan or rimmed baking sheet to do the dirty work. The rim guarantees that the mess that melts off your boots never seeps onto the floor; just wash the pan when everything dries. See Aha! Hack: Baking Sheet as a Boot Tray for details.
![Julia von Eichel Entryway Photo by Matthew Williams](https://media.organized-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/julia-von-eichel-entryway-organized-home-matthew-williams-733x933.jpg)
3. Buy a boot tray.
L.L. Bean, Smith & Hawken (via Target), Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel all stock boot trays we like. Their rugged good looks would fit right in in a mudroom.
![Blacksmith Boot Tray at Pottery Barn](https://media.organized-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/blacksmith-boot-tray-pottery-barn.jpg)
4. Consider a welly rack.
Take a page from the Brits, who know a thing or two about wet weather, and source a wooden boot rack. (Extra points for referring to it as a “welly rack.”) See 10 Easy Pieces: Wooden Boot Racks for some great-looking options.
![Oak Henderson boot rack from Cotswold Co](https://media.organized-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cotsworld-co-henderson-oak-boot-rack-733x733.jpg)
5. Try an absorbent mat.
Here’s another solution for those living in small spaces: On snowy days, put an absorbent door mat down. Once snow boots aren’t necessary anymore, simply roll up the mat and stow it away until the next storm.
![Waterhog Boot Mat LLBean](https://media.organized-home.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/waterhog-boot-mat-llbean-733x845.jpeg)
For more entryway storage solutions, see:
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