How to Organize an Entryway: A Calm Welcome Starts Here
Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home — but it’s also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. Shoes, bags, keys, mail… it all ends up here. If you’re craving a calmer welcome when you walk through the door, a little intentional organization can go a long way.
Here’s how to transform your entryway into a space that feels both beautiful and functional.
Why the Entryway Matters
Think of your entry as a reset button. It’s the first impression you (and your guests) get when entering your home. A tidy, intentional space creates an instant sense of calm — while a cluttered one can add stress before you’ve even taken off your shoes.
Start With a Clean Slate
If your entryway is overflowing with shoes, bags, and stray items, start by clearing everything out. Yes — everything.
Once it’s empty, sort items into categories: things you use daily (like keys or a jacket), things that belong elsewhere, and things to donate or toss. Remove anything that doesn’t absolutely need to live there.
Define the Space
Especially in open floor plans or small apartments, it helps to clearly define where the entryway begins and ends. A small bench, rug, or console table visually anchors the area and helps keep clutter contained. If you have a larger foyer, resist the urge to spread out — keep belongings within a specific “zone” so the space remains tidy and welcoming.
Sort the Essentials
Decide what truly needs to stay in your entry. These are typically grab-and-go items like:
- Keys and sunglasses
- A few pairs of daily-use shoes
- A coat or bag
- Pet leashes
- Mail or outgoing packages
Everything else should either be stored elsewhere or eliminated. Less is more in high-traffic spaces.
Storage That Works for You
You don’t need a custom mudroom to have great entryway storage — just thoughtful solutions that suit your home and habits.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Wall Hooks or a Rack: For coats, bags, leashes, and hats.
- Bench with Storage: A dual-purpose spot to sit and stash shoes or bags underneath.
- Shoe Cabinet or Boot Tray: Tuck away shoes and contain mud or debris.
- Console Table or Slim Cabinet: Great for storing keys, mail, and personal care items.
- Floating Shelves + Baskets: Use vertical space for hats, scarves, or pet gear.
- Hall Tree: Combines hooks, a bench, and cubbies — ideal for families.
- Pegboard: Create a flexible command center for mail, to-dos, and accessories.
Whatever you choose, keep it simple and easy to maintain.
credit: Pure Harmony Home
Create a Landing Zone
Every home needs a “drop zone” — a place to put things when you walk in. Whether it’s a tray for your keys, a bin for returns, or a file folder for school forms, having a designated spot will prevent clutter from spreading across your home.
Label bins or use trays to keep everything tidy and visually pleasing.
Make It Beautiful and Functional
Don’t forget the finishing touches. A mirror can make the space feel larger and more intentional. A calming scent from a candle or diffuser sets the tone. A labeled basket for each family member adds structure and personalization.
Add a rug to define the area and protect your floors, and consider artwork or a plant to bring warmth and style.
credit: Pure Harmony Home
Quick Wins
Try one or two of these mini upgrades today:
- Hang a piece of art or mirror to make the space feel more intentional
- Add a calming scent with a reed diffuser or candle
- Use a labeled basket for each family member’s items
Your Entryway Checklist
☐ Clear out unused shoes and coats
☐ Create a drop zone for keys, mail, and essentials
☐ Add a rug to define the space and catch dirt
☐ Use wall hooks or a small bench for function and flow
☐ Add warmth with art, a candle, or a plant
Product Recommendations
Heavy-duty and durable with a simple yet stylish look. Made from stainless steel with aluminium alloy hooks; black colour; 16-1/4 x 5-1/4 x 2 inches (L x W x H). Featuring long-projected arm and ball tips, the wall mounted coat hook well pretects your hangings from tearing or slidding off.
This shoe cabinet combines classic rectangular rattan doors, emitting rustic charm and bohemian vibes, making it a versatile addition to any home decor. Its unique three-door design effectively organizes the clutter at the entryway, ensuring no more shoes scattered everywhere.
Handwoven basket: Crafted from sustainable water hyacinth, this boat-shaped laundry basket adds a touch of natural beauty to your home while supporting eco-conscious living. This tall basket features a wide opening for easy access.
- Raised-relief pine cone design promotes airflow so items dry faster
- Raised lip keeps items – or mess – inside tray.
- Powder coated with a copper finish, constructed of galvanized steel.
- Dimensions: 34"L x 14"W x 2"H
- 6 foot pads on the bottom prevents sliding.
11.8 inch diameter x 2 inch height. The tray features inside handles for both elegance and ease in carrying and serving
This serving bowl features an organically-shaped stoneware silhouette with a sculptural base and handle, finished in a natural variating reactive glaze
- This stoneware bowl is a must-have for any kitchen
- Made out of stoneware
- White reactive glaze finish
- Perfect for serving friends or family
- Bowl measures 8 inches Diameter x 3.75 inches H
VANILLA INSPIRED : Enjoy this soothing vanilla perfume with creamy Coconut Milk, rich Vanilla, and soft Shea Butter, blending together for a warm, comforting scent that feels both luxurious and relaxing.
- Machine made.100% Polypropylene pile for long lasting quality.Pile height 0.39 Inches. Jute backing.
- Soft and plush to walk on, the high-quality polypropylene pile fiber adds durability and longevity to these rugs.
Neutral Easy Jute Rug: Get a magic of a long lasting rug in the look of natural jute with our Easy Jute rugs. (Not actually made from jute) Made of safe polyester that is not easy to crack, without scratching, shedding, or fraying with time
Experience the luxurious touch, meticulously crafted from faux wool fibers. Our rug provides a warm and cozy ambiance underfoot, it means fibers won't fall down easily and provide support for every step.
- PREVENT DIRT, RAIN AND SNOW FROM ENTERING YOUR HOME: The three-dimensional surface effectively scrapes and traps dirt, mud and moisture from shoes
- CLEANER HOME: Highly absorbent materials ensure your entryway stays dry and free from dirt and moisture in any weather
- FLOOR PROTECTION: A non-slip rubber backing ensures the mat stays securely in place and helps prevent water damage and wear
Farmhouse Bench: With armless design and spindle back, the entryway bench has been made to stand out and provide a stylish finish to your home décor. It has an appeal of comfort, durability and style. Slightly backward leaning backrest supports your back comfortably when you rely on for rest
This wooden bench is designed with a minimalist line pattern splicing style that can be amplified by cushion pillows and woven fabric. Relax on this decorative bench. Small furniture makes a big difference and gives your home a new look
47.2"Wx11.8"Dx16.5"H);Load Capacity:550 lbs. Made of 100% rubber wood, this bench rack is stable, sturdy, look good and eco-friendly
Open compartment design that embodies easy-to-blend-in minimalism, while ensuring everything's organized and easily accessible. 10 compartments that comfortably hold 10 pairs of shoes. Capable of holding up to 330 lb. It features 6 bottom pads to prevent scratches, protecting both your floors and the bench
Want help tackling the rest of your home?
Download the full Chaos to Calm Declutter Kickstart Guide — your room-by-room roadmap to a more organized life.
Tags: Organization, Declutter, Entryway
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