When you enter your home, where do you place your stuff? Do you throw your coat over a chair? How about your bag? Do you place it on a nearby table? And, your shoes, do they end up near the front door in a pile? Well, this week I will be breaking down the process of foyer organization AKA entryway organization. You probably knew it was bound to happen.
But, why should you do foyer organization?
Well, I'm glad you asked. Here are three reasons you should get your foyer organized:
- By organizing this space, you will save time in the morning because everything you need is in one area and is right near the door.
- You will save money because all your small items will be in one area, like your cellphone, hat, glove, etc...
- You will feel more relaxed when you enter your home because it will be neat and tidy. You may not even realize that the clutter affects you until you clear out the space and have a home for everything.
Now that you know why, here's easy instructions on how to make this process functional and quick.
First, walk outside with all the items that you would normally take with you in the morning. Then, come back in. Ask yourself this question: Where can I place these items? Then, really look around the room. Look for places that are available. It could be a wall where you could hang a shelf and some hooks. It could be place to add a table. Any area will work as long as it is close to the door you enter often.
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- If you have an area in your foyer, measure the width, depth, and height of the space. This will give you the maximum area (width, height, and depth) to place your storage unit whatever it may be.
- If you have a closet as well, organize it by answering the questions below.
Here's where it gets a little tricky. You need to decide what type of unit or a closet you want to use and what you want to store in it. To help with this, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want a table in the foyer for storage?
- Will I use my closet for storage?
- Will I use a table or surface and a closet?
- How many pairs of shoes do I need to have in this area?
- How many jackets/coats/gloves/hats do I need here?
- What other items like keys, sunglasses, handbag, water bottle, reusable shopping bags do I want to store in this area?
- Do I want to hang my purse or sit it on a shelf? Where should it go?
- Do I want a charging station so I can charge my devices? Where are the outlets?
- Do the kids' backpacks, coats, shoes need to be in this area too? If yes, how many of them should be stored here?
- What area would work best for me in my foyer?
- Do I need to store packages or mail that need to go out temporarily in this area?
- Do I have to store my pet's leashes/supplies in this area?
Write down the answers to these questions on this free checklist:
By answering these questions, you should have a clearing idea of what you are looking for. Now it's time to take action. Here are some items that I found on Amazon for inspiration.
Look for a storage unit with a drawer. It will help hide the clutter.
While this one is to be used as an entertainment center under a wall mount TV, you can easily use it for a narrow entryway. The open back are great for running cables through to make a charging station.
This is great for a closet. Place it on the floor and add baskets to it to hold gloves and hats.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn an affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
I hope this gives you some inspiration on what to do with your entryway. Is your entryway organized? What tips can you give? Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Nancy Haworth
These are wonderful tips! Your list of questions to ask will really help to make sure people have considered everything when setting up their foyer.
Olive Wagar
Your list is such a useful tool because it makes people think about their own particular needs. We tend to underestimate what we really use!
Kim
This is a problem area for so many clients as well as for myself. Most people have small entranceways so it really can pay to be creative. Also, it can mean the difference between a stressful day and a stressfree day for sure. Thanks for the post
Sabrina
I totally agree, Kim. No one wants to enter their home and be sad because of clutter in their entryway. Thanks for commenting.
Hilda Rodgers
These are great tips Sabrina! I love the checklist. Those are great product ideas too. I recently added small wooden cubby unit with small baskets in the cubbies and hooks underneath. It's really helped keep our entry less cluttered!
Sabrina
That's great, Hilda! It always amazes me how small changes, transforms a space. Thanks for commenting.
Jill Robson
Great questions Sabrina, everyone has different styles of organizing.
Sabrina
I totally agree, Jill. Thanks for commenting.
Jamie Steele
This post made me think back to when I was organizing my entry way. We had been in the house for about three years. I couldn't figure out why everything was getting piled on the entry bench and not put in the closet. I finally realized that my child is an every thing out type of person and he could not see past the closed door to put his backpack and coat on the hooks mounted at his level. I Installed some hook on the wall that he can see upon walking in the house and now he hangs his coat and backpack every time. Thanks for the great post!
Sabrina
Great idea. It's great you understood how your child dealt with his things instead of trying to change him. Thanks for commenting.
Janet Barclay
I have a very small entryway, but you've given me some ideas as to how I can make better use of the space and make it more inviting. Thank you!
Sabrina
Glad to hear it, Janet. Thanks for commenting.
Sarah Soboleski
Love this detailed post, Sabrina! Your checklist of questions is so helpful and comprehensive. Thanks for compiling this!