How to Organize an Entryway — 7 Tips From Professional Organizers to Help Elevate and Maximize Your Space

For me, the entryway is an important part of the home. It's the first thing you see, which is why knowing how to organize an entryway is key to a tidy and elevated home. The entryway is where we often store coats, shoes, bags, and so much more. So, finding little solutions to make things look as neat as possible will allow you to maximize your space.

It's time to bring those entryway storage ideas to life and get organized. Marie Potter, a professional organizer from Maria Potter.ca, tells us: "The entryway sets the tone for your home, so it should feel welcoming while staying highly functional." We could not agree more.

Without further ado, here are some simple tips and tricks from the experts to help you organize your entryway.

1. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions

Whether you're prepping to organize an entryway for winter or you're just looking to refresh the way your home looks and feels, there is a crucial step you must take — declutter first and organize later.

Meaghan Kessman, a professional organizer from Meaghan Kessman Home Organization says: "Entryways often become cluttered. Commit to a quick weekly clean-up to keep the area tidy and functional. Remove any unnecessary items and prioritize keeping only what’s needed for daily use.

2. Create Personalized Zones

In order to bring those fabulous entryway ideas to life, you'll need to have an organized and clear space. According to professional organizer Meaghan, a great way to do this is to create zones.

"An organized entryway starts with creating designated spaces for each family member," the expert explains. "Utilize baskets, cubbies, or hooks for shoes, bags, jackets, or even pet leashes to ensure everyone has their own spot and minimize clutter."

3. Incorporate Stylish Storage Solutions

A great hidden storage idea would be to add little storage solutions. We love the sound of baskets near a multifunctional bench with hidden storage. It's a great way to bring a space together and place little bits and bobs to ensure they're not taking up your entryway space.

Meaghan tells us: "Whether you have a small or large entryway, storage is key. A multifunctional bench with hidden storage is both practical and aesthetically pleasing."

For smaller spaces, the expert recommends opting for slim storage solutions to tuck away shoes or other essentials without consuming too much space.

4. Implement Weather-Proof Storage Solutions

It's no fun dragging the dirt and rain into a home. The entryway is often a victim to a few shoe scruffs, wet umbrellas, and damp coats — but what if there was a solution? According to the expert, there are a few things an entryway should have.

"In rainy or snowy seasons, keep your entryway clean and organized with a shoe tray that collects water and dirt," says Meaghan. "Consider adding an umbrella stand or drying rack to manage wet gear and coats, preserving your floors and maintaining a tidy space regardless of weather conditions."

5. Establish a Dedicated Mail and Paperwork Station

If you're looking to decorate an entryway table, storing mail and paperwork on top of it may not be the best look. Things can often look disorganized and cluttered, which is why having a dedicated space is key.

Meaghan tells us: "Mail and random papers often pile up near the front door. Create a designated spot using a wall-mounted mail organizer or a tiered tray, with individual slots for each family member."

She says you should, "add a nearby recycling bin for instant disposal of junk mail, eliminating paper piles and maintaining a clutter-free entryway."

6. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture

Another great way to organize an entryway would be to add multi-purpose furniture. For example, this can be transforming furniture — such as a bench that works as a storage solution. Furniture that adds a sense of style as well as an organized entryway is a game changer.

To get the best out of your entryway furniture, Diane N. Quintana, Certified Professional Organizer at DNQ Solutions, LLC tells us: "Measure the area. Then look for a piece of furniture that will fit. The sort of thing you are looking for is something that will hold a bag, maybe some shoes, and a coat or two."

7. Maximize Wall Space

If you're looking for a way to use vertical storage, try maximizing wall space. That means adding wall hooks, shelving, and maybe even cubbies.

"Wall-mounted hooks and shelves are lifesavers," explains Meaghan. "Not only do they keep items like coats, bags, and keys off the floor, but they also free up precious space. Consider using a floating shelf or a small console for storing keys and sunglasses to eliminate last-minute scrambles when you’re rushing out the door."

FAQs

How to declutter a small entryway?

Want to learn to declutter room by room? Let's start with the entryway. Diane N. Quintana tells us: "Maintaining organization in a small space requires intentional resetting of the area. If you have a no-shoes policy, create a specific day to remove excess shoes from the entry. Even if it’s just you living in the home, there’s no need to have your entire collection of shoes in the entryway. Keep an extra pair, just in case."

She continues: "Monitor the number of jackets and coats that accumulate in the entryway also. In the fall, with the temperature swinging from high to low and back again you may need a light jacket one day and a heavier coat the next. Pay attention to the accumulation and take a few minutes to put away the layers you aren’t currently using. It doesn’t take more than 5 to 10 minutes to reset or declutter a small entryway if you do it once a week."