Step-by-Step Declutter
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Tips for Creating an Organized Entry


An organized entry serves a number of important functions. 
  • It provides crucial storage space.  
  • It serves as a transition space between the inside and outside.  
  • It introduces the look and feel of the home, and 
  • it welcomes all who enter. 

Whether your home has a grand entry or no definable entry at all, you can create an organized entry space with a little effort and creativity.  I've put together some tips to help make the task a little easier, along with some images to inspire and motivate.  ​
Picture
This gorgeous example of a mud room from Better Homes and Gardens represents the ideal in entries: it's stylish, functional, and comfortable.  While most of us may not have the space to recreate this masterpiece mudroom in our own homes, we can still achieve a similar outcome on a smaller scale.

Assess Your Needs


The first step in creating an organized entry is to determine how you’d like the space to work.  Some typical functions of an entryway include:
  • Seating (for putting on or taking off shoes)
  • Shoe storage
  • Coat storage for family and/or visitors
  • Accessory storage (hats, gloves, scarves, umbrellas)
  • Bag storage (handbags and backpacks)
  • Storage of everyday personal items (keys, wallet, sunglasses, ID badge, phone, etc.)
  • Charging station for personal electronic devices
  • Mail sorting
  • Personal grooming (i.e. mirror)
  • Sports equipment storage
  • Broom closet/vacuum cleaner storage
Picture
This beautiful entry by Crisp Architects has it all -- storage, seating and style!

Assess Your Space


The size and configuration of the space will play a major role in determining its functionality.  Here are some things to consider when assessing your entryway space:
  •  Is your entryway spacious or confined? 
  • Does the door open into the middle of a room or does it occupy a distinct space? 
  • Is there a set of stairs directly across from the entrance? 
  • Does your entry have a closet?  If so, how big is the closet? 
  • Is there any available wall space adjacent to the home’s entrance? 
  • Are there any nearby nooks into which you might place built-ins or free-standing furniture pieces?

​The answers to these questions will provide you with the information you need to create a functional, organized entry designed specifically for your space and needs.  Each situation presents challenges as well as possibilities.  Identify the challenges associated with your particular space and brainstorm the possibilities. 

Picture
Picture
Don't have a designated entryway?  No problem.  Try creating the illusion of one using freestanding furniture (instructions for this project available at Better Homes and Gardens).  This solution adds storage to both the entry and the adjoining room.  I love that they used the exposed back of the middle unit as additional wall space in the living room.  They even painted it to match the walls.  

Characteristics of an Awesome Entry


Once you've determined your needs and the potential/limitations of your space, you’re ready to design a functional, welcoming entry for your home.  Strive for the following characteristics for guaranteed success when designing your entryway. ​

ORDERLY


The entry is the first thing you and your guests see upon entering your home. Order is calming and welcoming; clutter tends to create a sense of burden that leads to tension.  You don’t want clutter to be the thing that greets people.   To keep your entry orderly store only what you need in order to achieve the space’s desired function.  ​
Picture
A single, utilitarian piece of furniture can turn a tight corner into a functional entryway.  The combination of drawers and basket-filled cubbies in this lovely cabinet give this entry a neat, orderly appearance (not to mention tons of hidden storage).  Plus, I love the eye patch!  {Source}

STREAMLINED


An organized entry should be comfortable and uncluttered.  To achieve this, it’s useful to examine the scale of the furniture.  Unless you are blessed with a spacious foyer or other form of grand entrance, look for pieces with a narrow footprint.  A good guideline is no more than 18 inches in depth when choosing console tables, bookcases, and other freestanding furniture pieces for an entryway.  Look for pieces that are functional yet unobtrusive. ​
Picture
Here is an excellent example of a streamlined entryway.  The storage benches were actually created by cutting a coffee table in half down the center and refinishing it.  Clever!  {Source}

FUNCTIONAL


When outfitting your entry, look for storage solutions that are versatile.  Choose pieces that offer a variety of different types of storage: shelves, drawers, closed cabinets, cubbies, etc.  Also look for ways to expand the existing storage by adding hooks, pegs, baskets or bins.  In addition to providing versatile storage, look for pieces that can serve more than one function such as a bench with storage underneath or inside.    
Picture
Here we see a coffee table being used as a storage bench.  Simply add cushions for comfortable seating and a big, shallow basket for hidden storage.  Suddenly you've got a lot of storage in a small amount of space.  {Source}

STYLISH


While form and function are key to an organized entry, style should play a role as well.  Paint the walls a warm, welcoming color.  Tie the color and décor of your entryway to surrounding rooms so that it feels like a natural extension of the space.  Choose storage containers that complement your home’s décor.  Set the tone for your entire home in your entryway.    
Picture
From the paint technique on the wall to the skillful mix of patterned fabrics, this entry shows off the homeowner's style.  From the aptly named blog Honey We're Home.

PERSONAL


Let visitors see who you are the moment they walk through the door.  Display family photos or other personally meaningful items that invite guests to come on in and get acquainted.  Images and items that remind you of the people and places you love the moment you walk in the door will help to make your home inviting to you and interesting to others.    ​
Picture
What this charming entry lacks in storage, it makes up for in personality (not to mention style). {Source}

Putting It All Together


Whatever the size, shape or layout of your entryway, you can have an organized entry that reflects your personality and welcomes all who enter.  ​
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  • Home
  • About Sheri
    • Contact
    • Services >
      • FAQ
      • The Organization Process
      • Packages & Plans
      • Presentations
      • Results
      • Why Hire an Organizer?
  • Organization Basics
    • Declutter Your Home >
      • Basics of Home Organization
      • Household Cleaning Schedule
      • Tips for a Quick Declutter
    • Basics of Decluttering >
      • 4 T's of Decluttering
      • Clutter vs Decor
      • Coming to Terms with Your Clutter Personality
      • Conquer Clutter
      • Principles of Organization
      • The Proven Process for Organizing Everything
      • Purge Like a Pro
      • Rules for Decluttering
      • Steps to Declutter
      • Systems for Decluttering
    • Organizing by Room >
      • Bathroom >
        • Bathroom Storage Solutions
        • DIY Bathroom Wall Storage
        • Declutter Hair Accessories
        • Declutter Your Makeup
        • Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
      • Bedroom >
        • Bedroom Storage Solutions
        • How to Declutter Clothing
        • How to Organize Your Closet
      • Entry
      • Home Office >
        • Declutter Your Files
      • Kids' Rooms >
        • Toy Storage Tips
        • Toy Storage Options
        • Maintaining Kids' Rooms
      • Kitchen >
        • Primary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Secondary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Movable Kitchen Storage
        • How to Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
        • How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
        • Kitchen Cabinet Space Savers
        • How to Declutter a Refrigerator
        • Tips for Organizing a Refrigerator
        • Meal Planning
        • How to Organize Recipes
      • Pantry >
        • Pantry Inspiration
    • Storage Solutions >
      • Assessing Your Storage Needs
      • How to Create a Whole House Storage Plan
      • Storage Kits
      • Storage Unit Dos and Don'ts: An Organizer's Perspective
    • Information Management >
      • How to Establish an Information Management System
      • How to Organize with Lists
      • Declutter Papers
      • Deciding What Paperwork to Keep
    • Family >
      • How to Raise an Organized Child
      • Teaching Kids to Work
    • Productivity >
      • Stop Procrastinating and Declutter
      • The Myths of Multitasking
      • 7 Strategies for Single Tasking
    • Lifestyle >
      • College Prep >
        • College Packing List
        • Dorm Room Essentials
        • What Not to Take to College
      • Holiday Planning >
        • Declutter Your Holidays
        • Clutter-free Gift Giving
        • Give the Best Gifts
        • Organize Your Gift Giving
      • Preparing for Transition >
        • Aging with Grace and Purpose >
          • Estate Planning
          • Organizing for Alzheimer's Disease
        • Adult Children
      • Travel Planning >
        • Air Travel with Kids
        • Sightseeing with Kids
        • Tips for Care-free Travel
        • Traveling with Kids
    • Moving >
      • Creating a Household Inventory
      • Organize Your Move
      • Planning for a Move
      • Moving Options
      • Prepare for Movers
      • Working with Movers
      • Tips for Packing
      • Tips for Unpacking
  • Resources
    • Books >
      • Moving Made Easy
    • Challenges >
      • Get Rid of 100 Things in 100 Days
    • Newsletter
    • Product Recommendations >
      • Organization Gems Every Girl Needs
      • 12 Amazing Organization Products for Men
      • Fabulous Farmhouse Storage Solutions
      • Crazy Cool Products That Will Make You Want to Clean
      • Best Board Games for Beating Boredom
    • Donate Your Stuff >
      • Donate Books
      • Donate Clothes
      • Donate Craft Supplies
      • Donate DVDs & More
      • Donate or Recycle Electronics
      • Donate Furniture
      • Donate Musical Instruments
      • Donate School Supplies
      • Donate Sports Equipment
      • Donate Used Toys
    • Recycling Resources
    • Sell Your Stuff >
      • Garage Sale Organization
    • Swap Your Stuff
    • Setting Goals
    • Tools for Organizing >
      • Furniture >
        • Organize with Dressers
      • Wall Storage >
        • Organize with Pegboards
        • Personalized Pegboards
  • Blog