strategize the storage

The entry has to accommodate many different items of all shapes, sizes, and storage abilities. That said, it’s not a full-time repository—aim to keep only the everyday essentials here, each in its own place, plus a few objects (plants, postcards) that are purely for enjoyment.

pare down to the basics

• Keys, umbrellas, totes, outerwear—these and a few other necessities are what entryways are intended for. Find other homes for most everything else.
• Bulky coats take up room, and too many hanging on hooks can look messy. Follow a one-coat-per-person rule in the entryway.
• Keep any scarves, sweaters, or jackets that are in season but not part of your regular rotation in your bedroom closet.
• Mail builds up fast. Make a habit of recycling catalogs and junk mail immediately (keep a bin by the front door), and sorting the rest within a week (page 159).

Give all items a home

• Use hooks to keep bags, scarves, and leashes from being strewn on the floor—double hooks offer double the storage. Leave one or two free for drop-in company; you can always wheel in a temporary coat rack for parties.
• Baskets and bins are helpful for rounding up different items—keeping like with like (so gloves in one, sports gear in another). Color-coordinated ones provide a streamlined look.
• A table provides a resting spot for sundries, and you can tuck baskets underneath. Console tables or sofa tables fit into slender spaces—those with divided drawers help hide clutter (keep a container inside for loose change).
• Use attractive bowls, trays, or caddies to catch odds and ends.
• Keys should be put in the same place every day—hung on hooks or tossed into a small bowl or dish designated for this purpose. Identify each key by color or label.
• Keep rain and snow boots in trays to catch any drips. Tuck frequently worn shoes into bins or cubbies where they won’t be seen but are still easy to access.
• Hang umbrellas on hooks or place in a stand; a unit with dividers will also keep tennis rackets, baseball bats, and lacrosse sticks upright.
• Incorporate a letter tray or other small slot to drop the mail before sorting. Shelves can hold current periodicals—easy to grab and read on your commute.
• A chalkboard or whiteboard is handy for prominent reminders and quick notes to family members.

make the most of every inch

• A cubbyhole bench is a space-saving alternative to a table, doing triple duty as seating, surface, and storage.
• If you don’t have room for a table or bench, mount wall shelves. Look for open shelves with built-in hooks or peg rails underneath—or install a small rod and hang coats and bags with S hooks.
• If wall space is lacking or you can’t drill into the wall (such as in a rental), use a freestanding coat rack. Bonus: You can move it to another location (such as a guest room) during the summer.

Keep it—and your home—clean

• Place a doormat outside the entrance for brushing off shoes, and another one inside, if space allows, to catch what the first one missed.
• On especially rainy days, put a dark towel on your indoor doormat for wiping off muddy shoes so you can simply toss it into the wash. Also for those messy days, keep a stash of old towels in a pretty basket for drying off wet kids and cleaning pets’ muddy paws.
• Institute a no-shoe policy inside the home—easier to enforce if you provide a basket of guest slippers.