Indoor Projects

Backpack Drop Zone

One of the overall goals for the laundry room makeover I started several weeks ago is to help it function better for the family that uses it daily. Sure it’s fun to make it more beautiful, but what good is that if the family is having to make sacrifices in this space (or elsewhere in their house, for that matter) in order to live their everyday lives.

So, enter the backpack drop zone.

Backpack Hook and Rail System for Laundry Room

Previously the backpacks were dropped off on the floor as the 4 kids of the house entered the house through the garage.

Laundry Room Opposite Washer Dryer Before

Not pretty and certainly not functional. But the solution is so easy. And pretty cheap too!

To make it, I started with a 1″x4″x8′ and cut it to the length I was going for. I didn’t want it to reach too far past the edge of the washing machine, so the two pieces, or rails as I’ve been calling them, are 32 inches each.

1x4 Cut to Length for Backpack Rail

Before I hung them up, I covered them with 2 coats of paint (after lightly sanding), leaving the back unpainted since it’ll never be seen!

Painting 1x4 with White Hi Gloss Trim Paint

I just used a hi-gloss off-the-shelf white which is what the homeowner is slowly transitioning all of the trim in her house to.

To hang them, I marked where the studs where so I could ensure maximum durability. Then I drilled holes in the boards using a countersink bit which helps the screw heads recess below the surface.

1x4s Hung on Wall for Backpack Rail

I used 2-1/4″ screws since I had them on hand. Definitely lean towards a longer screw when hanging something in a stud that will have a lot of weight on it, like kids’ backpacks these days!

With the screws in place and just below the surface of the board, I puttied over them. While the putty was setting up, I got my hooks ready to install.

Moen Hooks Used for Backpack Drop Zone

I had seen these new hooks from Moen at the blogger conference I attended back in August. They have a stamp on the back that marks where you need to attach the screws for the bracket to make installation that much easier!

Stamp on Back of Moen Robe Hook

So I marked where I wanted the hooks to go, 8 inches from each end, held the hook in place and pressed down.

Holes Marked for Hook Bracket

If you’ve ever hung towel rods, toilet paper holders, or hooks before, you know it can be difficult to get the bracket exactly where you want it in order to have the rod/holder/hook where you want it when it’s all said and done. And having it just right was especially important for my backpack hooks. Since there are 4 that needed to match and they’re so close to each other, I didn’t want one slightly higher or lower than the other. (**Moen graciously sent the hooks for this project since I was so anxious to try them out. All opinions, though, are 100% my own!)

Hooks Hung on Backpack Rail in Laundry Room

Once all 4 brackets and then hooks were in place, I used the provided Allen wrench to tighten the hooks onto the brackets very well! Lots of torquing and twerking took place. Ok maybe not the twerking…

By this time I was able to lightly sand the putty smooth and touch up the paint. Then by the time the kids got home form school, the new backpack system was ready for action!

DIY Hook and Rail Drop Zone System for School Backpacks

There was some negotiations that took place to determine who got which hook. Oh the things I have to look forward to with multiple kiddos! Ha!

Backpack Hook and Rail System for Laundry Room

Since these are double hooks, there’s room for their backpacks and then the lunch boxes on the front, lower hook.

Moen Hensley Hooks with Backpacks Hanging

You just can’t beat function that’s also looks great! Next up on the laundry room to-do list is more function and storage above the lovely laundry sorter, which you can find a tutorial on how to make by clicking here.

Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea

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