Buzz
Photo: Liudmila Chernetska/Getty ImagesYour entryway should be a warm, welcoming space for both you and your guests. Unfortunately, it often becomes a dumping ground for items you bring in and out of the house. Things like stray papers, packages, and piles of shoes can quickly pile up, making it hard to leave the house, especially if you're searching through a mountain of mail to locate your keys.
"Nobody enjoys entering a cluttered home," says Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly. "Provide your guests with an inviting entry by creating a tidy spot to hang coats and drop off bags."
The solution? Address these frequent entryway clutter sources now, and turn your entryway into a peaceful, welcoming area where you can enter—and exit—your home with ease.
1. Mail and Paper Clutter
A major source of clutter in the entryway is the accumulation of junk mail, bills, school notices, and other papers of varying importance, which tend to pile up on your entryway console.
To tackle the paper mess, consider placing a paper recycling bin and a shredder near the entryway, allowing you to immediately sort through junk mail before it accumulates. Additionally, set up a tray or storage box in your entryway for papers that require action, such as bills, permission slips, and invitations.
To permanently reduce paper clutter, try using websites like Catalog Choice to remove yourself from unwanted mailing lists, and opt for paperless billing whenever possible.
2. Out-of-Season Shoes
When cold weather arrives, make space by relocating your flip-flops, sandals, and other warm-weather footwear. This will not only free up room for your winter boots but also accommodate your guests' shoes more comfortably!
3. Off-Season Outerwear
During the summer, pack away your parkas and mittens for the season, and when winter comes around, store away the lighter jackets until the warmer weather returns.
If you find your entryway crowded, only keep the jackets you wear most frequently in that space, and store the others in bedroom closets.
4. Items Not Needed Daily
Certain things tend to accumulate in the entryway for occasional use, such as a yoga mat for weekly sessions or hiking boots for your rare outdoor adventures. If space is limited, think about storing these items elsewhere.
5. Items to Return or Donate
Sometimes, things you declutter from other parts of your home don't quite make it out the door—they may end up lingering in your entryway until you're able to sell or donate them. Other items, like shopping returns or library books, can often fall into the same trap. Set a deadline to clear out this clutter and make sure that returns and donations don't overstay their welcome for more than a week in your entryway.
6. Extra Bags and Totes
With the shift towards reusable totes instead of plastic bags, your entryway can easily become cluttered with a mix of bags. Simplify by reducing your collection to a few foldable bags. Keep some on hand—whether in your car or work bag—so you're never caught needing more when you're out shopping.
7. Damaged or Worn Out Umbrellas
Umbrellas are a must-have in the entryway. However, umbrellas with bent frames, rips, or other damage won't serve anyone. Yet, somehow, they always seem to find their way back home. Time to toss those broken ones so everyone is properly prepared when they head out.
8. Packages
If you're frequently receiving package deliveries, it's easy for a pile of cardboard boxes to build up in your entryway. Create a designated spot for those holiday orders and set up a system to open packages as they arrive to avoid clutter.
