Just because you're short on storage space doesn't mean you can't be organized! Find a few quick & easy entry organization ideas here.
Today's question for the podcast:
How on earth do I keep the entryway/mudroom clean and organized? I'd appreciate any helpful ideas you can give.
Jennifer P., Facebook
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Player.fmEntry Organization Ideas
Both the front and back entryways in our home are rather small, so I've had to be creative to keep them organized. Through a few budget-friendly additions and some simple hacks, I've been able to improve the function of our small entries. Here are some of my favourite entry organization ideas (with bonus ideas from other entries I've tackled):
Hack IKEA Shoe Cabinets for Vertical Storage
My favourite small entry organization hack has got to be this IKEA Stall shoe cabinet installation. Last January, I was tired of my kids' shoes by our front door and I wanted a simple storage solution. By mounting two IKEA Stall shoe cabinets side-by-side in our narrow entry hall and trimming them out, we have both functional and beautiful shoe storage. Since the shoes are stored vertically in the cabinet drawers, the unit is thin. It doesn't take up much floor space, so it keeps our entry hall feeling open. Besides shoes, we also store scarves, gloves, mittens, umbrellas and hats in our shoe cabinets. You can find the full tutorial for this IKEA entry storage hack right here.
Create an Elevated Boot Tray in your Entry
Boot trays are an essential element for any entry in the Fall, Winter and Spring months. Since boots won't usually fit in a shoe cabinet like the above, having a waterproof tray will keep your entry more organized and your floor dry. My favourite boot trays are the more utility-looking ones made of rubber, but they can be an eyesore. One way to elevate the look of them is to fill them with smooth rocks. Not only does this create a beautiful, rustic looking tray, but the rocks help water drain from the boots and avoid puddles. Alternatively, this copper boot tray is gorgeous and would be a beautiful addition to an entryway.
Hooks to Hang & Organize Everything
I'm a huge fan of adding hooks to entryways to hang anything and everything. Create a dedicated hook wall in a mudroom, or add hidden hooks inside closets for a more streamlined look. Creating a hook wall with a board and batten trim feature or bead board paneling can give your entry character. I love the combination of character and function for an entryway! Use the hooks to hang things like purses, backpacks, jackets, bags, and more.
Small Entry Closet Organizing Ideas
Even a tiny closet can be helpful in an entryway. To make use of a small entryway closet, add a tiered shoe rack on the bottom. Then, install a clothing rod about ⅔rds up the wall, and a shelf over that. Place baskets on the shelf to store accessories and other items, and put boots and shoes on the rack. The rod is handy for jackets, coats, or even more hanging shoe storage.
Dollar Store Finds for Keys & Small Item Storage
One of my favourite things to include in any entry is a small container to hold little items like keys and sunglasses. I love finding little wooden or metal containers at the dollar store for a budget-friendly addition to an entry. When we walk through our hallway, we can easily drop our keys in the box on our shoe cabinet. This way, we always know where they are, and the box I found at Dollarama creates a clutter-free look! You can also use the same container for a mail organizer, or have a second one for this purpose.
A Family Affair
The most important element of an organized entryway is to make sure your family is committed to keeping it that way. After you've put some helpful elements in place - a shoe storage solution, a boot tray, hooks etc - make sure your family knows where everything goes. Commit to keeping things in their spots. Schedule a weekly cleaning day when the whole family can clean and organize your entry. In our home, our entryway definitely gets messy so we have to revisit it often to keep it looking good!
This week's challenge:
This week, I challenge you to take a look at your entryway and see if you can incorporate any of these entryway storage ideas. Let me know which entry organization ideas you're going to try in the comments below!
I hope you enjoyed these entry organization ideas, and... Happy DIYing!
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I absolutely LOVE your front entrance with IKEA shoe storage ! I would be interested to know the width of your hallway to see if I could incorporate something like this into our home.