Before you delve into the organizing details, size up the situation. The below questions will help you decide what “entryway” means to you, and guide you in outfitting it for efficiency using the tips on the following pages.
Even if you have a grand foyer, you’ll want to incorporate ways to keep it from feeling cluttered. If not, work with what you have and get creative. Carve out an area near the main door, whether that’s in a kitchen or hallway or living room. Or consider spreading out the components (storage bench, wall hooks, umbrella stand) over multiple walls and including the often-overlooked staircase wall.
Certainly, the more people in the house, the more potential for chaos in the entry. Consider the needs of each person, including any little ones who need their stuff within reach. Is stroller parking a concern? Bikes? Pets that go outside count, too—you’ll want to be prepared for muddy paws and leashes.
Are you an avid dinner-party or weekend host with lots of guests traipsing in and out? Is your home the hub for the neighborhood kids? Besides members of the household, you’ll want to make room for visitors, even if it’s only on occasion.
The single entryway of an apartment or small house will work a lot harder than that of a home with multiple access points. For example, some people mostly use the front door for retrieving the mail and receiving visitors, relying on the mudroom, garage, or kitchen route for lugging in the groceries and sports gear. How you use each space will determine what belongs where.
If you have near-perpetual sunshine and moderate temperatures, your needs will be different (think sandy beach totes) from someone who lives where it’s cold and rainy more often than not (requiring umbrellas and boot trays), or where snow and sleet (and parkas, scarves, hats, and gloves) are inevitable during the winter months.
Do you have to hunt down your keys every day? Maybe your kids tend to drop everything right where they took it off—creating a mountain of belongings by the door—or perhaps they hog the bathroom in the morning so you end up applying your lipstick just as you’re dashing out. Even in our paperless, online-bill-paying society, the neverending stream of mail can often be the biggest burden. Designated spaces and smart furnishing choices can address all your trouble areas. Be realistic and be prepared to embrace change.