Scroll through real estate listings and you’ll see the usual parade of pristine kitchens and bedrooms. But another picture is increasingly getting added and catching buyers’ eyes: the mudroom. More buyers are looking for these hardworking spaces that corral the everyday mess of coats, shoes, bags and outdoor gear.

What makes a good drop zone? Owners don’t need a ton of square footage to make an impact. Strategic cubbies, drawers, hooks and a built-in bench can transform an otherwise messy entryway into an organized, highly functional space—that buyers will surely notice as they enter a home.