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Backpack Drop Zone

Indoor Projects •  October 20, 2016

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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While daddy’s away, the kiddos and mommy will pl While daddy’s away, the kiddos and mommy will play! My husband is a CPA and now works every waking moment until April 15th. So I’m planning lots of fun ‘adventure days’ for us 4. Today was our first adventure exploring Dauphin Island and going to the @disealab! I hope they remember these special times like I will!🥰
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Successfully transformed our birthday cake wagon f Successfully transformed our birthday cake wagon float from last year into a tractor for this years’ preschool Mardi Gras parade.🎉SO happy our sweet school found a safe way to keep this cute tradition alive for the kiddos!
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The theme was Storybook Characters, so Mary Helen and Gus chose their favorite character, Tractor Mac by @billysteersauthor. Check them out next time you’re in the market for illustrated books with a good storyline.🥰
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Happy Covid Mardi Gras! #partyanyway 💜💛
I’m crazy excited to be diving into my first who I’m crazy excited to be diving into my first whole room makeover in our new house, the dining room!! And it all starts with these boxes from @armstrongceilings. Some of you guessed flooring in my stories but it’s actually planks that clip together to form a floating ceiling. I’m sharing more of the process in stories!
I’ve never done a decorative ceiling before so I’m so stoked to share it with you.🤩
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Let me know what you think!! We’re starting on the next video tomorrow and it’s a dream project for me, so can’t wait to show you details in stories on Tuesday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY🎉to my beautiful little boy who c HAPPY BIRTHDAY🎉to my beautiful little boy who could wear pajamas, eat, and run around in circles all day long if we let him. And today we let him because he’s 4 years old!😱We love you buddy!💙🎈
I’ve been busy making plans for our exterior ren I’ve been busy making plans for our exterior renovation...windows, doors, shutters, PAINT colors...can’t wait to install a front door with 3/4 glass. It’ll make this little spot shine bright all year long.🤩
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