The Organized Entryway: Create a Drop Zone That Actually Works
Your entryway is not only just the first glimpse into your home; it’s the place where everything lands when you come through the door. Mail, keys, purses, backpacks, and shoes end up cluttering the view of your home. But your entryway is your partner in organization and managing chaos. Utilize this space in a way that works for you and your family so you can leave home feeling prepared and come home ready to relax.
A Home for Shoes
The easiest way to clutter up an entryway is with shoes. It makes sense; you’re going in and out, you don’t want to bring mud into the house, and with so many weather changes, different days call for different shoes. Being prepared isn’t a bad thing, but there’s a way to stay prepared and organized. How you do so will depend on your space. You might invest in a shoe rack or cubby, or you might just designate a spot where shoes belong. Keep a towel or washable rug down for those rainy days, and take care to set them up neatly. Your shoes are your sentries: keep them upright and out of the doorway where they become a tripping hazard.
Doorway Reminders
We all have things we will not leave the house without. Often, it’s your keys and wallet, but you might carry a bag or purse as well. And we’ve all had that moment where we’re ready to leave and realize we have no idea where we last set our keys. Cue thirty minutes of tearing the house apart looking for where you might have left them. The entryway is your partner in solving this issue. You might find it helpful to have a small table or shelf where you can place the items that come and go with you every day, so that every time you walk in the door you put them in the same place and there still when you need to leave again. A key hook can give you a permanent spot for the car and house keys. Giving these daily items a home is one of the simplest ways to organize your entryway. You’ll always know where everything you need to leave the house can be found.
Spring Storage
As spring comes along, you’re probably getting ready to dust off outdoor equipment. Yardwork, sports, and general outdoor merriment is about to commence, and that means there’s more to store. Just like giving your keys and wallet a home, having a home for the equipment near the door is a game changer, especially when you’re running late. Not only will you always know where the equipment is when you need it, but keeping it organized will avoid the stress and mess that often comes with the busy season. The ideal storage spot is in the garage near your car if you’ve organized your garage well enough to park inside it, but an indoor closet near the front door can convert from winter coat and boot storage to become a home for sports equipment, gardening tools, and whatever else you want to have on hand. Keeping them together in one place will prevent anything from getting lost, as well as minimize areas that might need a little extra cleaning. It also helps keep the dirt out of sight when guests are over.
Cleaning Supply Kit
Staying on top of the mud and grime from an outdoor adventure can be tough. Your doorway is inevitably going to feel the brunt of these first few moments back home before everyone has a chance to clean up. Keeping some basic cleaning supplies nearby in a cabinet or closet is one way to stop the dirt in its tracks. You don’t need to pull out anything fancy; a basic broom and some cleaning cloths can be a great start in staying on top of the extra grime. It’ll also serve as a reminder when you have a spare moment to give the space a quick once over. You can do a deeper clean later, but this basic cleaning kit is your starter point for a fresh entryway.
Entryways are often overlooked. You don’t spend as much time in them, and when things are hectic, it’s easy to just dump and run. Taking some care of your entryway is an easy way to tie together an otherwise organized house and give you some peace of mind throughout the new season. Start off on the right foot and enter your home in a new light.