How To Organize The Entryway

HOW TO ORGANIZE THE ENTRYWAY

Ahh the entryway… the very first and last area we see when entering and exiting our homes. It has the tall order of appearing cool, calm and collected, all the while operating like a well-oiled machine.

So how do we make this high traffic area welcoming, impressionable & clutter free?

It’s important to first take a moment to look around to see what actually lives there.  What do you naturally “shed” when you come home?  Are there an overwhelming amount of shoes?  Where do you tend to plop your keys?  Are there stroller accessories everywhere? (solidarity mama!)

After assessing your daily habits and routines, you can then formulate a system (no matter the shape or size) to create an entryway that’s seemingly elegant and efficient.

“Phone, keys, wallet…”

1- PRIORITIZE THE DAILY ESSENTIALS

You know the ones you chant to yourself as you’re leaving the door?  “Phone, keys, wallet…” In order to ensure you have your daily essentials at arms reach, corral them in a small bin, bowl, or console drawer (depending on your storage.)  As these items are vital, you want to automate the habit of putting them in the same spot every time you walk through the door.  These are the things that can easily get lost or misplaced, so once you pick a spot that works, contain them, and stick to it!  

2 - DESIGNATE A MAILBOX

Mail is just one of those inevitable truths.  No matter how much we unsubscribe, someone somewhere will send correspondence, an offering, invitation, menu, and the list goes on!

Keep an aesthetically attractive “inbox” to toss all mail into.  This can be a beautiful basket on a shelf or even a serving tray on an entry console table. Low on storage space? Try a wall mounted organizer right by the front door.  What’s important is that mail lands all in one spot.  No more running around your house searching for that bill, check, or invite!

3- ASSIGN DROP ZONES FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER

Everyone (even the pooch!) gets a place to call their own. Hooks or hangers for jackets and bags, and bins or baskets for bags & accessories.  The easier the system, the more everyone will adhere to it. Label each shelf or bin with names until the new habits are set!  It keeps everyone accountable, and the floor a clutter-free zone.

To set young kids up for success, place sturdy hooks at their height for jackets, backpacks or other items so they learn to maintain the space with you.

 4- BE SELECTIVE WITH SHOES

Whether they are yours or your guests (sigh.. remember guests?), they all need a definitive place to land.  

The secret to taming the sea of shoes is to set strict limits (no more than a few pairs per person in active rotation.) I get it… I too like to go from flats to heels to sneakers all in a 24 hour period (ok let’s be honest, I haven’t worn heels since pre-quarantine hah!), but their permanent homes should be in another location, such as a bedroom closet or kids room. When we have homes for the bulk of our shoes elsewhere, maintaining our entry is as simple as placing shoes we haven’t chosen back in their respective spaces!

For an entryway closet, try stackable shoe bins, drawers, or an over the door shoe rack. If your entry lacks a front closet, opt for an attractive shoe riser, or sturdy baskets under/beside a bench or table!

5- RELOCATE OFF-SEASON ITEMS

In order to keep the overall volume in check, separate the off-season items from what’s in current use (ie: winter hats vs. summer caps.) Place these items in a lidded bin or basket and store them higher up in the entry closet or other storage area. If out of sight means out of mind for you, switch to clear storage to reinforce the new habits, and don’t forget to label!

Store off season coats in another storage area or with our friends over at Garde Robe.  Read more about them in this blog post!

For stroller accessories, consider which are year round, and which are weather specific. Blankets, hand muffs, and rain shields can all easily tuck away in a plastic bin when not in use.

Once systems are in place, it’s as easy as taking a few minutes every day to maintain them!

Need specific help or creative solutions regarding your entryway? Comment below, or give us a shout here!