Declutter your entryway one simple step at a time. Here’s how!
Your entryway has probably become a bit of a magnet for all the things.
Scattered shoes, mail piling up, jackets tossed wherever and there may or may not be a random toy or sippy cup hiding somewhere near the door.
It’s funny how the entryway, the very first space we walk into, often ends up being so chaotic.
But guess what? It doesn’t have to stay that way.
And today… we’re all about keeping the entryway organized, and of course, the first step is to declutter.
Even if you are a busy mom, you can do this by simply allotting at least 15 minutes of your day to decluttering the entryway. Do what you can in those 15 minutes.
So, let’s go through this together!
Step 1: Clear the floor.
Let’s start with a quick win. Take 15 minutes and pick up everything scattered on the floor.
These include shoes, toys, grocery bags, umbrellas and mails or papers and everything else that shouldn’t be on the floor.
Don’t worry about putting everything away perfectly right now. Just get things off the floor. You can toss things into a basket to sort later.
Your first goal is to make the floor visible again!
Step 2: Sort the shoes.
Okay, now let’s tackle those shoes.
Go through every pair in the entryway. Ask yourself:
- Are these worn every day?
- Do they still fit?
- Are they in good condition?
Try to keep only 1–2 pairs per person near the door. The rest can go in closets or bedroom shelves. A simple basket or shoe rack works wonders here. Nothing fancy needed!
Step 3: Handle the mail.
If mail tends to pile up on a nearby table or counter, fix that.
Go through the stack:
- Toss or recycle junk.
- Set aside anything important.
- Create a home for mail moving forward (a small basket, tray, or even a folder will do)
If you have too many papers in the entryway, put them all together in a bin or basket to be tackled later. Read our post on how to declutter paper for a much thorough process for tackling all your papers.
Step 4: Tidy coats, bags & accessories.
This is where things often get chaotic, especially with little ones who love dropping things the second they walk in.
Look at the coats, bags, scarves, and hats hanging up or scattered around. Keep only what’s in season and used regularly in the entryway.
Everything else? Off to closets or storage bins.
Hooks at kid-level are awesome for helping little ones hang their own jackets!
Step 5: Declutter the “drop zone”.
If you have a small table, bench, or shelf where things tend to land (keys, loose change, sunglasses, random toys), it’s time to clean that space up.
Clear it off, wipe it down, and decide what deserves a permanent spot there.
A little tray for keys, a small bowl for coins, or a mini organizer for incoming mail can work beautifully. Just keep it simple.
Step 6: Make a “grab & go” spot.
This is one of my favorite sanity-savers. Create a little spot where you keep things you grab often on your way out the door:
- Sunglasses
- Reusable shopping bags
- Umbrella
- Snacks or water bottles
- Baby items like wipes or a carrier
It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. A small basket or bin will totally do the job.
Step 7: Clean the floor.
Now that we’ve removed most of the clutter, it’s a great time to give the floor some love.
Sweep, vacuum, or mop depending on your flooring. Shake out the rug or wipe it down if needed. You’ll feel an instant lift once the floors are clean!
Step 8: Freshen up the décor.
Let’s add a little charm! You don’t have to redecorate, but a few small touches can really make the space feel more welcoming.
It can be a new rug, a small plant or faux greenery, a framed quote or a wall art. Also consider adding a mirror to brighten up the space.
Little things make a big difference. Again, just keep it simple.
Step 9: Add a kid-friendly storage.
If you’ve got little ones, it helps to create a space they can manage too.
For example, low hooks for coats and backpacks, a basket for their shoes and a bin for outdoor toys or small items.
You know what? Giving kids their own little area actually encourages them to tidy up. And remember to cheer them, praise them when they do it!
Step 10: Quick declutter of seasonal items
Now that things are more organized, do a quick once-over:
- Are there any heavy coats out in spring?
- Still holding onto mittens when it’s 80°F outside?
Rotate things out as needed and store off-season gear in a closet or bin. You’ll free up space and keep the entryway lighter and easier to maintain.
Step 11: Improve storage if needed.
If things still feel cluttered, think about upgrading storage in a simple way:
- Add a slim bench with storage underneath.
- Hang a few extra hooks.
- Add small baskets on a shelf for grab-and-go items.
Look around your house first. Sometimes you already own exactly what you need, just in the wrong spot.
For more tips and ideas on organizing the entryway, read our related posts:
Step 12: Teach the system.
Now that everything has a home, it’s time to gently teach the family how to use it.
Go over the basics:
- Put shoes in the basket
- Hang your coat on your hook
- Drop mail in the tray
The goal is making life easier for everyone. A little guidance goes a long way (especially with kiddos!).
Celebrate your progress!
That’s it! When you’re done then you have turned a cluttered, stressful space into a peaceful, organized one.
So take a moment to enjoy it. Seriously.
Pause at the door and breathe in the calm. You did something wonderful for your home and your family, and you didn’t have to burn out to get there.
Decluttering your entryway may seem like a small thing, but it really makes a difference. It sets the tone when you walk in, keeps the morning rush from turning into chaos, and helps you feel just a little more in control of the day.
And the best part? You did it in short, simple steps, because life is already full enough.
So, here’s to more peace and a home that welcomes you gently, right from the front door!
You’ve got this!
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