How can I Organize My Entryway?

Everyone has their own preference for how they want people to view their home. Some want to show it off and others just want others to walk in and put things down properly.

Entryways seem to be the catch-all clutter locations. I feel like once you add 3 or more items in that area of my home, then it feels messy. I immediately start removing those items and making them more appealing.

I even have a spot that is designed for their shoes that stay outside, and a designated area for the ones inside.

Some people like to have their shoes gathered in a pile next to the door, or they all are left outside.

This is what my shoe rack looks like outside and inside.

I do not like to trip over shoes walking into the home.

If the shoes become overwhelming on the racks, then they must go in the bedroom closets.

WHAT ABOUT KEYS?

Having a spot for your keys is important, because how often do you search for your keys? Either because they are in your purse, on the countertop, or in the refrigerator? Don’t ask about that last one (another story for another day).

Needless to say, I have designated areas for all those things, including my purse. If I ever need someone to go grab something they usually know where it is.

My husband has his own area too, just so that he does not forget his wallet, keys, etc. These organized tips will add minutes back into your day.

The reason I say this is more times than not when we are in a hurry, our keys seem to be the last thing on our mind, and then we are freaking out because we cannot locate them.

Make it a habit to put it right back when you are done with them and this will never be a factor. You do not need a remote or the Find my keys app to locate them for you. There are hooks that you can simply place your keys on.

WHAT ABOUT THE MAIL?

Do you have a spot for incoming mail or outgoing mail? When there is mail that I need my husband to handle I lay it on his hat. Men never go places without their hats, right?

I will even put little notes and things I need him to keep with him in his hat. There was a time I had asked him to mail something off for me. Yes, the piece of mail was in my outgoing spot, but for most men, that does not work. It only works for women, I suppose.

Anyway, I asked him to put it in the mailbox for me so our mail carrier can get it. He forgot because it was not in his hat. A mistake on my part.

I have an entryway table just for him and his items so that he can stay organized. I also can look upon the area and see what needs my attention, or if he forgot something himself.

My husband does a great job staying within the boundaries of my OCD needs. I have no complaints, well except for remembering to give my dogs water.

 At this current time, I have not managed a way for him to remember this on his own. So I usually, just do it and we laugh about it later when I make a joke about it.

So, I also have another spot for all my dog leases and harnesses/collars, those stay in the given metal tubs that are located near the door.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE JACKETS?

I have a coat rack next to my entryway table, quick and easy to hang or grab when heading out the door.

Having to open a door to hang a jacket in my home, will not happen. They like to throw it across my couch or my bench that is facing my entryway.

Yes, that is still my struggle currently with my family. I am the one removing and putting them where they belong. They get in a rush about things and immediately toss them.

That is okay for me because honestly, you need a drop zone. My white bench is the drop zone for everyone’s items.

Entryway Bench

Drop zone for everything.

Sort and remove.

If their hands are full, they can drop it on the bench, or if they have a bag they need to remember to take, that is a good place for it.

It keeps things off the floor, and it is very noticeable sitting there, so we manage to keep it cleaned off.

However, I still have a coat rack and that problem is for another day, and I am good with that.

Having them remember to put those items on the rack is the least of my worries. It’s the shoes, that bother me the most.

Though, I got to give my little family recognition, because they are doing so much better with their shoes and placing them on the racks that they are designed for.

Now, the reason for these little organized tactics is that I need my family to be self-sufficient in locating their own items.

I hate searching for things, especially, when the family asks me where something is. I like them to just know and that is one less thing to worry about.

If things are placed back where they go each time, then you can focus on the things that matter the most.

Here are some Entryway Organization Tips that may help you in your home

1.       Add some hooks near the door this is a quick way to hang your keys

2.       Use a small table as a command center to show important mail, keys, etc.

3.       Use some small baskets for other things that belong to boats, ATVs, etc.

4.       Keep shoe storage simple and out of the middle of the entryway

5.       Have a bench or big basket for the drop zone area

Make things accessible and kid-friendly so the process of coming in and out of your home is not chaotic.

What does your entryway look like? Be sure to shoot a picture below, I would love to see your idea.