The entryway is the first space you and guests see when entering your home. An organized entryway makes a great impression and sets the tone for the rest of the house. As we transition into spring, now is the perfect time to declutter your entryway and get organized! Here are my tips for creating a clutter-free entryway by organizing coats, shoes, and other items.
Assess and Declutter
The first step is to take everything out of the entryway – coats, shoes, umbrellas, bags, etc. As you do, ask yourself the following questions about each item:
- Do I wear/use this item?
- Does it fit?
- Is it still in good condition?
- Do I have multiples of the same type of item?
Be ruthless and get rid of anything you don’t wear, use, or love. Donate or trash it. This process will leave you with only the essentials to organize.
Choose Storage Furniture
The foundation of an organized entryway is furniture that provides plenty of smart storage. Here are some furniture pieces I recommend:
Coat Rack or Coat Closet
- Wall-mounted or free-standing coat racks work for most homes. Consider finishes and hooks that match your entryway’s style.
- For larger families, a coat closet may be the best option to neatly store outerwear. Install double hang rods to double your hanging space.
Shoe Storage
- An entryway bench with cubbies and shoe storage underneath is both stylish and functional. This takes shoes off the floor.
- A classic shoe rack is another option for organizing shoes in tight spaces. Choose one with angled tiers to easily see all your shoes.
- For kids’ shoes, use labeled canvas bins or baskets on shelves. This contains the chaos.
Accessory Storage
- Wall-mounted hooks are great for bags, leashes, hats, and more. Stagger at different heights for maximum usage.
- A small entryway cabinet with shelves and drawers keeps items like gloves, scarves, and mail organized.
Organize Items
Once you’ve decluttered and chosen furniture, it’s time to put items into their new “homes”. Follow these tips:
- Group like items together – gloves with gloves, hats with hats.
- Only keep seasonally-relevant items out. Store other seasons’ stuff elsewhere.
- Label baskets or storage bins so everyone knows where to find and return items.
- Preassign hooks or cubbies to family members in shared spaces.
- Don’t overstuff – things should fit comfortably without stretching or cramming.
Maintain the System
The last step is just as important – maintaining organization! Follow these habits to keep your entryway clutter-free:
- Put away items as soon as you take them off.
- Do a quick 5-minute tidy each evening.
- Declutter seasonally, donating items your family has outgrown.
- Adjust furniture and storage as needed for changing needs.
With the right furniture, storage, and habits, you can enjoy a decluttered, stress-free entryway all season long. It only takes a little time and effort to make a big impact. Give it a try – you’ll be so glad you did!
