Situation: I need to cut out clutter before it gets past the door.
Solution: Set up an entryway that works.
When you get home at the end of a long day, it’s really tempting to drop your jacket and bag on the floor, kick off your shoes and throw the mail on the nearest surface. Entryways are universally known as clutter hot spots, so it’s important to have a convenient system at your front door where you can filter the chaos of daily life before it creeps into your home. Depending on your layout, there are a few options for organizing a functional entryway:
The basics
A fully stocked entryway has a spot to hang coats, a doormat, a rack or cabinet for shoes, a mail sorting station, a trash can for junk mail and — if you have the room — some extra storage for hats, gloves and bags. In Chicago, it’s also important to have a spot where wet boots can dry out during the winter.
Suggestions for a small apartment
If you’ve got only a sliver of space near your front door, use a wall-mounted entryway organizer to hold your keys and sort your mail. Plain old wall hooks are another simple option for organizing coats and jackets.
Open and shut storage
If you’ve got the space, the entryway is a logical place to store shoes. An open system, like a bench or shelf, shows off your kicks, while a closed cabinet keeps smelly shoes tucked away. If you opt for closed storage, line your shoe cabinet with cedar paper to keep odors in check.
Double-duty systems
Save space by using your entryway as a multifunctional area. A desk can double as a home office and mail sorting station, or a storage bench can provide extra seating while stowing your boots and umbrellas.
Charge it
Cell phones, iPods, BlackBerries and all the cords that come with them are an additional source of clutter in the digital age. Keep your cords in check and your gadgets powered by setting up a charging station near the front door. You can make a DIY version by concealing a power strip in a box.
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RedEye special contributor Sarah Coffey blogs for apartmenttherapy.com.
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