How to Organize Your Home Entryway Like a Pro

Why Organizing Your Entryway Matters

A cluttered entryway is more than an eyesore.

It can actually cause stress, make you late as you search for lost keys or shoes, and leave visitors with the wrong first impression.

On the flip side, an organized entryway streamlines your routine and lets your home’s personality shine.

Key benefits of a well-organized entryway include:

• Reduced daily stress and wasted time
• Efficient storage for essentials like keys, wallets, and shoes
• Immediate visual appeal for guests and family
• Encouragement for everyone to keep clutter in check

When your entryway functions smoothly, the rest of your home feels calmer too.

Step One Clear the Clutter for a Fresh Start

Before you start organizing, take everything out of the entryway.

And we mean everything! This blank-slate approach is the secret weapon of every pro organizer.

Sort items into categories as you go, such as:

• Shoes
• Coats/jackets
• Bags and backpacks
• Mail and papers
• Umbrellas
• Pet leashes & accessories

Now, ask yourself a few honest questions:

• How many pairs of shoes do you really need by the front door?
• Are you storing off-season items that could be relocated?
• Is there anything here that belongs in a different room?

Pro tip: If you haven’t used it in a month, it probably doesn’t belong in your entryway.

Bag up what you don’t use, donate or toss, and keep only the essentials.

Step Two Assess Your Space and Your Needs

Every entryway is unique, so take a moment to really look at your area.

Measure the width and depth if you’re adding new furniture or organizers.

Think about traffic flow and how your household uses the space.

Questions to consider:

• Do you have a closet, or will you need open storage?
• Is there a place to sit while putting on shoes?
• Who uses this space most (kids, pets, adults with lots of bags)?
• Are there walls, corners, or vertical space you can make use of?

Write down what must live in your entryway so you know your priorities before you start shopping or rearranging.

Step Three Choose Storage That Works for You

Here’s where the magic happens! Storage is the backbone of any organized entryway.

The pros focus on maximizing every inch—even the vertical space.

Key storage solutions to consider:

Wall Hooks and Racks

Hang wall hooks at different heights for coats, hats, totes, and pet leashes.

Kids? Mount a lower set they can reach themselves.

Popular choices: Sleek rows of metal hooks, decorative single knobs, or modern peg rails.

Shoe Racks and Cabinets

A dedicated spot for shoes reduces floor clutter instantly.

Go for an open shoe bench, stackable cubbies, or a slim cabinet for small spaces.

Style tip: A bench with shoe cubbies below is double-duty and super stylish.

Baskets and Bins

Corral loose items like gloves and scarves with labeled baskets or bins.

Use sturdy, washable options for a high-traffic area.

Pro tip: Woven baskets add warmth and hide messes.

Entry Tables and Consoles

A narrow table or floating shelf by the door gives you a landing spot for keys, mail, or décor.

Add a decorative tray to keep little things contained.

Cubbies and Lockers

If you’ve got the space (or a busy family), cubbies or locker-style units make mornings run smoother.

Assign one to each person for all their stuff.

Step Four Create a Dedicated Drop Zone

Every pro organizer will tell you the same thing—the key to keeping entryways tidy is setting up a drop zone for everyday essentials.

This is where you (and everyone else) can unload your pockets and bags when you come home.

Must-haves for a drop zone:

• Small dish or tray for keys and loose change
• Catch-all basket for mail and papers
• Hook or tray for sunglasses, headphones, or hand sanitizer
• Charging station for phones or devices (if you have enough outlets)

Place your drop zone as close to the entry door as possible.

Label baskets or trays if that helps your family keep things in the right spot.

Step Five Make It Personal (and Pretty!)

Organization should make you happy, not just functional!

Once you’ve got the essentials in place, infuse your personality.

Add style with:

• Artwork, a printed quote, or a favorite photo
• A cozy rug that’s washable and weather-friendly
• Decorative mirrors (makes a small entry look bigger, too)
• Plants or fresh flowers for a burst of welcoming energy
• Colorful baskets, trays, or hooks to reflect your taste

Organized doesn’t have to mean boring.

Choose pieces that make you smile every time you walk in.

Step Six Set Up Smart Entryway Habits

An organized entryway only stays that way if you develop simple habits.

The good news?

Once every item has a home, tidying up takes seconds, not minutes.

Habits that help:

• Put shoes, bags, and keys in their spot as you walk in
• Do a two-minute tidy each night to reset for morning
• Declutter (even just one basket!) once a week
• Swap out seasonal gear as the weather changes
• Remind the whole family of the system with signs or color-coded bins

Kids or roommates need some encouragement?

Try a “shoes in the cubby” or “mail in the tray” challenge for a week and reward good habits.

Step Seven Tackle Entryway Challenges Like a Pro

We can’t all have Instagram-worthy foyers, but that doesn’t mean your entry can’t function (and look) fantastic.

Here’s how to solve the trickiest entryway issues:

Tiny entryways

• Use wall-mount shelves and hooks to keep the floor clear.
• Go for a shoe cabinet that’s only a few inches deep.
• Mirrors help bounce light and make the space feel bigger.

No coat closet

• Mount rows of hooks in a zig-zag pattern for double the hanging room.
• Use a free-standing coat rack or a slim wardrobe.
• Hang a utility rail with S-hooks for hats and bags.

Shoes galore

• Create a “one in, one out” rule to keep shoe piles manageable.
• Store off-season shoes elsewhere.
• Add a boot tray for wet or muddy footwear.

Paper piles

• Sort mail daily into “Action” and “File” trays.
• Go digital for bills and statements to reduce paper at the door.

Take Your Entryway to the Next Level

An organized entryway is more than just good looks.

It’s about creating a welcoming space that helps you and your family feel less stressed, more prepared, and proud every time you walk through the door.

Start small, and remember the golden rule of great organization: everything needs a home.

Once you’ve set up your new system, all that’s left is to enjoy the benefits!

If you’re ready for more home hacks and organizing tips, check out our free resources, or sign up for our weekly newsletter for even more inspiration delivered right to your inbox.

Happy Decluttering!