First impressions count, and so does your entryway. When someone enters your house for the first time, you need to ensure they're met by a warm welcome. This small area of the home may seem unimportant, but as the first place guests lay their eyes upon, it holds a greater power than you might imagine.
Alas, it's also one of the messiest ones. For most of us, this space is a chaotic amalgamation of loose shoes, scattered keys, discarded mail, and tangled charging cords. That's why professional organizers recommend some must-have items that won't only make your space look more presentable, but will also make the task of staying on top of clutter so much easier. What's more, by having proper places to store things, it will be so much more convenient to find them next time you’re rushing out of the house.
We asked experts to share which top buys they recommend for a functional space that doesn't sacrifice on style. Here are five organizers that promise to restore order to your entryway for clutter-free calm as soon as you've crossed the threshold.
1. A Message Board
Every family member has such a busy life that it's usually hard to keep track of all the events going on. When it comes to how to organize an entryway, having a message board to plan and prepare for such things by keeping letters and reminders in sight is an excellent idea.
‘This is a must for every entryway,' says Melissa Gugni, owner of Melissa Gugni Organizing. 'Even these days with less paper than ever before, there are still so many important things that need to live there. An effective one can even include a bulletin board or a whiteboard.’
Melissa suggests this message board available on Amazon, but there are a plethora of options on the market to serve your needs and suit your style. ‘Use this space to post important reminders, upcoming events, to-do lists, and homework,' Melissa adds. 'The trick to a good message board, though, is to cull it frequently.’
2. A wall-Mounted Command Center
To save the havoc of searching for your car keys a minute before leaving the house, hang them on a key hook with shelves so you know exactly where to find them. While it could be as simple as mounting key hooks to the wall, incorporating a larger system into your space - known as a command center - will keep all your essentials contained so you know where to find them.
'These organizers combine storage shelves with hooks for hanging keys, bags, coats, family schedules, and more,' notes Di Ter Avest, owner of Di is Organized. Typically they also feature the likes of a message board, a wire basket, and a catch-all style shelf for miscellaneous bits and bobs.
Melissa also has a suggestion for those who find it difficult to keep track of their keys. ‘Create a system that works for you such as grouping keys by the location where they belong,' she says. 'Mark each key with a tag or label and, as you acquire new keys or change the locks, make sure to toss or recycle those old keys accordingly.'
3. A charging Station
With every person having several electronics to their name, it can get difficult to find plugs around the house to charge your devices. Having a place to charge all your electronics saves the time and energy to go look for an available plug.
‘There are so many clever charging station designs nowadays and many can disguise those unsightly cords,' says Melissa. 'You may already have one in your office or next to the bed, but it's helpful to have a centralized area to charge at least some of your family's devices.’ It also helps to have these right by the front door to grab your devices as you leave or put them on charge as soon as you come in.
4. A Storage bench
When it comes to entryway storage, disguisable space-saving solutions are always best. 'A basic bench with built-in storage is a great multifunctional option,’ Di notes. They're a great place to keep winterwear off-season, spare coats and jackets, or store shoes and boots so they're out of sight. The best part is that the bench then doubles up as a place to sit down and put on your shoes before heading out. Di suggests this bench from IKEA as it has a minimalistic look and easily blends with any decor.
5. Over-the-Door Organizer
Finally, things like hats, backpacks, and umbrellas are often dumped in the entryway, making it look very cluttered. If you're strapped for space or you're a renter who can't fix your own hardware to the walls, try an over-door hanger to create a designated space for all your out-the-house essentials. The best feature is that they don't require any screws and bolts in order to be installed.
‘Over-the-door organizers with baskets and hooks are perfect for small items,' says Di. 'They make efficient use of space and are easy to install.’ Kids can be taught to store their bags and bottles here while adults can use it to store things they need regularly before leaving the house. Di’s personal favorite is this white over-the-door storage rack from The Container Store.
