Wish your entryway could feel peaceful instead of chaotic? This step-by-step guide will help you finally take control of the clutter—for good.
How to Create a Functional & Inviting Entryway
The entryway is more than just a doorway—it’s the first space that greets you after a long day of errands, school drop-offs, or toddler wrangling. It’s where shoes pile up, backpacks get tossed, and keys mysteriously vanish. But with a few intentional changes, this high-traffic zone can become a calm, functional space that welcomes both your family and your peace of mind.
This easy 7-step guide will walk you through how to declutter your entryway once and for all.
1. Visualize Your Ideal Space
Before diving into the decluttering process, I always encourage my clients to pause and picture what they truly want the space to feel like. So take a moment—stand in your entryway and imagine it exactly how you’d love it to look. What would make it feel calm, welcoming, and functional for your family? Let that vision guide your decisions as you go.
- Reflection question: What’s one word you want your entryway to feel like when you walk through the door?
- What items are necessary in this space to help it function well for your family’s current needs?
- Get inspired to design a space that works with, not against, your vision!
2. Remove Everything
My go-to motto for entryway organization? Simple is best, and less truly is more – because motherhood is full enough without clutter greeting you at the door.
Start by clearing everything out so that you are aware of what that you own and so that nothing is missed. Once the space is empty, give your closet or storage area a good, thorough clean.
3. Sort Into Categories
Next, sort by category: jackets, shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, and anything else that lives in your entryway. For all of the items, either:
- Donate, sell, or discard: include items that have been outgrown + discard items that have served their time.
- Keep: only the best items or favourites when you have multiples (except for kids gloves, you always need a few pairs of those in the winter!)
- Be intentional: only put back the items your family actually uses, loves, or truly needs for the current season. Let go of the extras that are just taking up space.
4. Store Away Out Of Season Items
One of my top organizing tips to keep an entryway clutter free is to remove and store seasonal outerwear and shoes in a tote. For example, if it is summertime, you don’t need winter coats and boots cluttering up your closet space.
Place the tote in storage (in your garage or a storage room), until the season changes. This trick saves you time when trying to find items during the morning rush and adds precious space in your closet!
5. Put Remaining Items Back with Intention
Now it’s time to organize what you have remaining – in season and good quality items you and your family will wear daily. Here are my top tips for organizing your entryway:
- Group by family member: hang jackets grouped by family member
- Use hooks: designate 1 or 2 hooks per family member to place a backpack or purse and favorite jacket – hooks can be placed on a wall near the entry or even inside a closet
- Use baskets: baskets are perfect in a low spot for kids to be able to reach their outdoor accessories on their own – this little trick will allow your kids to also put away their own items!
6. Consider Adding Functional Elements
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to breathe new life into your entryway by adding a few thoughtful touches that make everyday routines easier.
Think beyond pretty baskets and hooks—ask yourself what would actually help your family stay organized. Here are my favorites:
- A small bench (bonus points if it has hidden storage) or stool: perfect for quick shoe changes and helps anchor the space.
- Labeled baskets or bins: one for each family member can hold gloves, hats, or even library books.
- A stylish mirror: great for last-minute outfit or hair checks before heading out the door.
- Extra shoe storage: whether it’s a shoe bench, cubbies, or a simple mat, having a designated spot keeps floors clear.
7. Keep Your Entryway Clutter-Free For Good
It’s completely normal for a well-used space to get messy—especially when you’re living life with kids, backpacks, groceries, and all the day-to-day things. But let’s remember: our homes are meant to be lived in! The key isn’t perfection—it’s having simple routines that make it easy to reset your space quickly. These easy daily and weekly habits will help you keep your entryway tidy without the overwhelm.
- Teach your kiddos (by example!): help them get into the habit of hanging their jacket on a hook and putting their shoes in a cubby or closet right away
- Create a routine: encourage them to hang backpacks right after school and pack necessary items for the next day the night before
- Try a 10-minute pick-up: Turn on a timer and some fun music and get the whole family involved in a 10-minute entryway clean up at the end of each day.
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I hope these 7 simple decluttering tips will give you the confidence to banish clutter and create a functional and inviting entryway in your home!
Free Printable Checklist:
CLICK HERE >>> 5 -Step Process To Declutter Your Entryway Printable
More Decluttering Ideas for Everyday Family Life:
How to Declutter Your Bedroom *Free Printable Checklist*
50 Things to Declutter Right Now!
How to Organize a Craft Station for Kids Like a Pro!