The entryway to our home is one of the most important spaces we organize. Not only is it where we store many of our essential personal belongings – keys, purses/bags, coats, shoes, mail, etc. – it is the first space our guests see when entering our home. Having strong organizational systems in place helps our mornings run smoothly when heading out the door, and also helps to control what comes into our home. 

While some homes are equipped with mudrooms, others simply have an entryway. It is important to assess the space you have, consider what needs to live in that space, and then create sustainable and attractive systems. Here are a few things to consider when organizing your entryway.

1.   Closet organization. Having a designated place for all outerwear helps keep entryway clutter to a minimum. Coats, hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, and shoes/boots all need a home. Most closets have a ton of wasted space, especially above the top shelf. Consider installing a closet system that utilizes the vertical space more efficiently. 

2.   Have a designated place for keys. We are creatures of habit, and when we store our keys in the same place every day, it’s almost impossible to lose them! Try mounting hooks on the inside wall of your closet. Give each member of your home their own hook for their keys. Use key labels to keep keys organized.

3.   Boot trays and slipper storage. Using boot trays helps to keep your entryway clean. Try placing an attractive bin for slippers/house shoes next to the boot tray. This will help foster the habit of taking off shoes in the home. 

4.   Consider a console. If you have the space, a console or hallway table is a simple way to make your entryway more attractive and functional. Decorate the surface with fresh flowers, family photos, or artwork to make your entryway feel welcoming. You can also use an attractive bin to sort and organize your mail. Just be sure to NOT allow clutter to collect on the console!

5.   Bench it. Proper seating is a staple of any good entryway. Wooden benches are easy to maintain and you don’t have to worry about wet upholstery. If you are tight on space, you can put your boot trays under the bench, or use attractive bins to store seasonal items.

If you need help organizing your entryway, Create Calm is here for you! Simply shoot us an email. We are happy to help!