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Controlling the clutter at the entrance to your home can be a nightmare. With many people using the same area and all having different organizing styles clutter can develop.  Together decide on what will be stored near the doorway and how it will be stored.  When everyone knows the plan, everyone can participate in keeping the entryway clutter-free and organized.

1. A place for coats

Place hooks low enough that everyone can hang up their coats, sweaters, and jackets. By mounting some hooks higher and others lower you will have more space available. Decide if you want to put in permanent hooks or ones that can be easily moved. 3M makes several styles of hooks that are easy to move.

2. A spot for bags and backpacks

Establish a space, that can be reached without help, for each person’s backpack or gym bag.  This could be a shelf, cupboard or hook.

3. Use vertical space

Have enough space near the door for shoes that are used regularly.  Buy stackable shoe racks and use vertical space efficiently.  When selecting the shelf, make sure it is strong enough to hold the shoes’ weight. If you have people with large feet the shelf will need to be deeper. A size 11 or 12 shoe needs more space than a size 7 shoe. Look at the space between the shelves. Is it tall enough to hold boots? Footwear worn occasionally should be stored elsewhere and brought out as needed.

4. Use the inside of doors

Have a place for seasonal hats, gloves and scarves.  A hanging shoe organizer is ideal for this purpose.  Put regularly worn hats, scarves and pairs of gloves into the pockets, where you can easily see each item and quickly select what you need.   Storing hats, mitts and scarves directly with a jacket also helps to keep everything together. During the warmer months put sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses and hats in the pockets of the shoe organizer.

5. Have a collection basket

Have a basket to collect mail, newspapers, and schoolwork as you enter the home.  It will keep all the paperwork in one place and you can easily take the basket to your work area to quickly sort it and deal with items. Red can be a good choice. It is eye catching and the colour gives a feel of urgency.

6. Collect garbage and recycling

Do you need a garbage can and recycling bin near the entryway?  Some people do and some people don’t. It helps to keep the area clean.  Garbage from the car, a backpack, a gym bag or a snack can be easily tidied up and not left lying around.  I saw this wastebasket with  4 compartments on one of my trips.

7. Protect your personal property

It is tempting to store keys, phones and purses near the door.  Don’t do it.  Find a more secure location for those items so no one picks them up and walks away with them when you’re distracted.

8. Have multi-use furniture

It is nice to have a place where a person can sit to put on their shoes or boots. Have a stool that also has storage space.  It can be a good place to put a blanket for sitting outside when it gets cool, cushions for chairs, small toys for children or pet supplies.

9. Repurpose furniture

Add a deacon’s bench, buffet, or dresser that is sitting around your home.  Place it by your entryway to provide additional storage at no additional cost.

10. Declutter often

Declutter your entryway often.  Place items back in their correct storage place, let go of items you no longer need, store off season items way from the entrance and remove garbage and recycling.

Book a virtual organizing appointment and work with Julie to get your entryway working well for you. Click here for more information about Virtual organizing services

Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.

Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca

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