3 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Entryway in Less Than 30 Minutes
Have you ever seen busy homeowners walk into their homes and instantly feel a sense of calm, with everything neatly in its place, and wondered how you could create that kind of entryway too? In this article, we’ll explore some easy ways to simplify your entryway.
It turns out there’s no real mystery to it other than a few simple, everyday habits.
Now, if the word “habits” makes you wince a little, I get it. It sounds like a lot of work.
But it’s true what they say:
If you can stick with a new habit long enough, you’ll forget it’s a habit.
Good habits can definitely help you create a tidy, welcoming entryway without taking up your whole day.
I know because I made it my mission to have a clutter-free, organized entryway that would set a calm tone as soon as I stepped through the door. At first, I got tripped up by overthinking and letting clutter pile up when life got busy.
I couldn’t keep everything in order, and my entryway felt more like a catch-all than a calm space.
So, if you’ve been struggling to keep your entryway tidy and organized, you’re not alone. Most people make the mistake of over-complicating it or waiting until things pile up to try and tackle it. The real key to success is keeping it simple and setting a routine that you can stick to, like designating a place for keys or having a spot for shoes that doesn’t feel chaotic.
Read on to discover 3 easy habits that will help you simplify your entryway in less than 30 minutes, so you can create a welcoming, organized space every time you come home.
#1. Designate a Drop Zone for Essentials
Honestly, at first it was hard to follow through with this one because I wasn’t used to it.
However, creating a specific “drop zone” for essentials like keys, mail, and bags is critical for keeping your entryway organized and stress-free.
So if you find it challenging to incorporate a drop zone into your routine, you’re not alone. Often, the first hurdle is figuring out exactly where everything should go and resisting the habit of just dropping items anywhere. Or, maybe you’ve tried a spot before, but it got cluttered too quickly.
But remember, you can’t achieve that welcoming entryway without having a consistent, clutter-free place for these essentials.
Here’s the good news:
You don’t need to spend hours or a fortune setting up a drop zone that works. Start by committing to a simple basket, tray, or small shelf to collect these items every time you walk in the door. Once you make it part of your routine, it will become second nature, and you’ll start to love the look and function of your space.
You can also set clearly defined goals to make sure you’re using this drop zone every day. Keep in mind that everyone’s entryway and daily needs look a little different, so if a bowl for keys works better than a tray, go for it. All you have to do is commit to the habit, and the rest will fall into place.
Start by putting your essentials in this spot at the same time each day, like when you walk in after work or school, then you can adjust as needed. Having a support system or family routine can make it easier to stay consistent. One of the best decisions I made while setting up my entryway was involving my family in the process so everyone knew where things went, making the routine feel natural for all of us.
Another thing that helps is to start off slow. Try designating just one item, like keys, for the drop zone. Or, start with just mail if that’s a common clutter point. You might feel a little awkward at first, but that’s actually a good sign! You’re creating a more organized space with these small steps.
And if you’re really ready to make the drop zone habit stick, use an entryway organizer, like a wall-mounted shelf with hooks, to lock it in place.
Download your free entryway organization checklist now!
Related Blog Post: The Top 10 Secrets of Decluttering Your Entire Home in 2024
#2. Create a Quick Clean-Up Routine
I underestimated the power of establishing a quick clean-up routine, but it’s crucial to keeping your entryway clutter-free and welcoming, so it’s worth paying attention to. A simple daily or weekly clean-up habit can make a huge difference in maintaining an organized space without letting clutter pile up over time.
When you don’t take a few minutes to tidy up regularly, you’re likely to find yourself overwhelmed by the clutter—shoes start to scatter, mail accumulates, and bags get tossed anywhere.
This can quickly make your entryway feel chaotic, undermining the calm, organized vibe you want as soon as you walk in. Even worse, a cluttered entryway can lead to misplaced items, causing unnecessary stress when you’re in a hurry to head out the door.
So even if you have a busy schedule, make sure you spend just 5-10 minutes each day or a little longer once a week tidying up the area. A consistent clean-up routine will help ensure that your entryway remains organized and clutter-free without major effort.
If you’re having a hard time sticking to a clean-up habit, try to:
- Set a Timer for 5 Minutes
Commit to a quick 5-minute timer every evening to do a surface-level tidy. Put away shoes, gather loose items, and straighten up any bags or jackets. It’s a small time investment with a big impact. - Use Storage Bins or Baskets
Designate a small basket or bin for each family member’s items. This makes it easy to quickly place stray items in the right spot without fuss, and it keeps everyone’s belongings organized and off the floor. - Keep a Small Trash Bin in the Entryway
Place a small wastebasket near the entry to immediately toss junk mail or unwanted papers. This simple step will prevent paper clutter from piling up and keep surfaces looking neat.
#3. Clear Out the Clutter Regularly
This one can be extra challenging, especially if you’re used to letting things pile up without a second thought. I used to keep all sorts of “just-in-case” items in the entryway—umbrellas, old shoes, and even shopping bags that I thought might come in handy later. But, instead of being helpful, these things quickly turned into clutter that blocked the flow of the space.
You may think that keeping a few extras here and there won’t hurt, but the truth is, it will eventually lead to more and more items accumulating until the space feels cramped and overwhelming. When you clear out clutter regularly, you keep your entryway feeling open, organized, and welcoming.
Even if you start with just a small step, like removing one or two unused items each week, it will begin to create more breathing room in your space.
Here are a few other ways to maintain a clutter-free entryway:
- Do a Monthly Purge
Set aside a few minutes each month to go through the entryway and remove anything that doesn’t belong there. You’ll keep the space fresh and eliminate items that might slowly add to the mess over time. - Use Multi-Purpose Storage
Consider adding a storage bench or a cabinet with hidden compartments. This provides seating while also giving you space to store shoes, bags, or seasonal items out of sight, reducing visual clutter. - Evaluate the Essentials
Make a list of what you truly need in your entryway and stick to it. If you don’t use an item regularly, find it a new home elsewhere in the house.
Wrapping it up
Whether you’re new to simplifying your entryway, have been working on it for a while, or just want a way to keep it organized without much effort, these habits will help you create a calm, clutter-free space to welcome you home. All you need to do is stick to a routine.
Remember, it takes time and dedication, and setbacks are part of the process. So if things get messy again or you go off track, that’s completely normal. Don’t spend time worrying about it—just jump right back in. You’ve got this!
Call to Action
To help you stay on track, I created a free Entryway Organization Checklist. It’s a step-by-step guide to setting up and maintaining a tidy, inviting entryway and making it a consistent part of your routine.
