An entryway is a space that varies quite a bit from home to home. But what we all have in common is that every one of us enters our home through a door and needs a place where we can immediately put down our things.





Before creating a system, take stock of all the items that enter and exit your house on a daily basis. This might include backpacks, coats, hats, handbags, mail, keys, etc. Then take a moment to think about where everything naturally lands when you walk in the door. For instance, do shoes pile up on the floor? Does mail end up on the kitchen counter?





Once you've figured out everything you need to account for, design a solution that will fit your needs—and your space.









THE MAKESHIFT ENTRY:













Some entryways have room for a table and not much else. The trick is to maximize the space in every possible way so that all your categories stay organized.





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Decorative objects on the tabletop preempt any pileup of coats and handbags, which belong on hooks or in a nearby closet. We like to include things like a vase of fresh florals, candles, or other unique pieces that complement the home's aesthetic









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A table with drawers designated for items such as mail, keys, and sunglasses acts as a drop spot so you'll never be searching for items when you're in a hurry. We suggest using drawer inserts to keep these items contained and categorized









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A divided and labeled basket underneath the table holds backpacks (one per child) and hanging files













THE TRADITIONAL MUDROOM:













A standard mudroom generally has three or four built-in stalls and includes hooks and cubbies, which is the equivalent of an organizational blank canvas. It's a good idea to designate a spot for each member of the family, which will hold everyone accountable for his or her own space.





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Seasonal and infrequently used items placed in baskets on harder-to-access upper shelves









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A hook for each family member









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Knit hats and mittens for the winter and hats and sunscreen for the summer stored in lower lidded bins









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Shoe baskets for each child—which should be clearly labeled!













THE MULTIPURPOSE CLOSET:

















We like to take full advantage of every square inch of storage. If you have a front hall closet or a storage closet, consider all the categories you might be able to store in it. In this case, we fit coats, shoes, rain gear, pharmacy, and utility items by creating zones for each category.





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Extra utility and household items line the top shelf









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Pharmacy, wellness, and first-aid products visibly stored in clear bins









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Two or three pairs of shoes for each member of the family









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Summer and winter items in floor baskets













You'll find more entryway tips + every space in the home in our NEW book, The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals. Pick up a copy today!





Xo, Clea + Joanna


Meal Prep Cutting Board

Our jaws dropped when we discovered this cutting board. It has containers that slide underneath, so you can chop your food and instantly store your pre-prepped items in the cute containers that come with it. We love this for prepping and storing items for kids lunches, plus it comes with graters for prepping cheese and more.

THE Rating: 10/10, our minds still are blown by this one!

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Pizza Storage Container

Another "why didn't we think of that moment" was discovering this pizza storage container via TikTok. This container has individual trays inside that each hold one slice of leftover pizza. When you're ready to reheat, pull the microwave-safe tray out and heat your pizza with ease.

THE Rating: 8/10, we love this so much but it's not an absolute must-have if your family doesn't have the local pizza place on speed dial like us.

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Ziploc & Foil Organizers

If there's anything we hate, it's a bunch of non-uniform boxes of plastics bags and aluminum foil shoved into a drawer. Enter: this amazing bag and foil organizer. We love using it with our labels to make drawer magic in 10 minutes flat.

THE Rating: 10/10, every kitchen needs this organizer. Period.

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MORE KITCHEN HACKS:

Garlic Chopper
Drink Dispenser
Vegetable Chopper
Acrylic Cutting Board
Bagel Guillotine
Water Bottle Sorter
Herb Scissors
Jar Opener

Thoughts welcome!

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