6 golden rules for a clutter-free entryway and how a 'landing pad' is crucial, say experts

It's the gateway to your home, so keeping your entryway tidy ensures a warm welcome for both you and your guests.

From selecting smart storage to sorting by season, professional organizers reveal their six golden rules for maintaining a clutter-free entryway that’s functional and stylish.

Organizing an entryway never felt so easy thanks to these top tips and product recommendations.

1. Select smart storage

A clutter-free entryway starts with the right storage solutions. Invest in coat racks, shoe organizers, and hooks to give each item a designated space. Multifunctional furniture, like benches with hidden compartments, can also maximize storage.

Jennifer Bell, founder of Bell Home Organizing, says, 'Particularly during the winter, it's so easy for coats and shoes to quietly take over the entryway of our home. For clients that do not have an entryway hall closet, I suggest a carefully-chosen shoe rack and wall-mounted coat rack that works for your space.'

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Your entryway is typically a small space, and too many items can make it feel cramped. Stick to minimal storage that takes up as little room as possible, while doing the job you need. A simple over-the-door coat rack can be a great way to maximize space, for example. This Optish Over-the-Door Coat Rack from Amazon is sturdy and has rounded edges to avoid any ripping of your coats.'

For top entryway storage tips, delve into our dedicated guide on how to hide shoe clutter in small spaces.

All prices correct at time of writing.

2. Have a landing pad

When it comes to the best entryway ideas, a 'landing pad' is essential for dropping everyday items like keys, wallets, and mail. Use a tray, small basket, or wall-mounted shelf to corral these items and keep surfaces tidy.

Bell says, 'Busy families need to get out the door quickly. Keys, wallets, mail, bills, sunglasses, school permission slips – the list goes on. So it's easy to see how clutter can quickly become a big problem in an entryway. Installing a wall-mounted organizer, like this FifthQuarter Store Key and Mail Holder from Amazon, at eye-level means you can see the items you need as you rush out of the house. For people on the go, these are a great way to keep you from forgetting important items.'

Toner also recommends a wall-mounted holder – this Dhmkfly Store 3-Slot Mail Sorter Organizer Wall Mount from Amazon. She adds, 'This pretty organizer tidily keeps your mail and keys in one place with separate compartments.'

Amanda Scott, founder of Amanda Scott Home, recommends the Wade Logan Byata Floating Wall Shelf Side Table, available from Wayfair. She explains, 'A floating shelf – especially one like this with drawers and compartments – takes up minimal room, but provides just the space you need to store keys, sunglasses and other daily essentials.'

3. Keep it minimal

Common entryway organizing mistakes. include using oversized furniture or excessive decoration.

Toner says, 'Bulky furniture in your entryway can block movement and make an already small space feel even smaller, detracting from the inviting entryway feel you want. Instead, choose slim, multipurpose pieces like a narrow console table or slim storage bench.'

When it comes to adding some life into your entryway, remember that minimalism doesn’t mean the space has to be boring. Personalize it with one or two meaningful pieces, like a small plant or a family photo. These touches add warmth without overwhelming the area. A pair of Eucalyptus Faux Plants in Ceramic Pots from Wayfair will nicely complement most styles.

4. Sort by season

Rotating seasonal items is crucial for managing clutter. Store out-of-season shoes, coats, and accessories elsewhere to make room for current necessities.

Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, says, 'Unless you review what's there regularly, your entryway can quickly turn into a dusty, cluttered museum.

'Our aim isn't to collect coats, but to use them. So review your coats and shoes regularly, and store off-season items in a separate closet.'

Scott adds, 'Your mid-seasons swap is also a great time to return library books, recycle magazines and junk mail, and anything else you don’t need to keep. Keep a donation bag or recycling bin handy to easily purge old, unused items.'

Learn more about organizing your paperwork to reduce paper clutter in your entryway.

5. Consider your pets

If you have pets, set up a dedicated area in your entryway for leashes, collars, and cleaning supplies. This keeps everything accessible while maintaining order.

Bell says, 'Though often overlooked when it comes to organizing, your furry friends also need have a lot of items that can cause clutter in your entryway. Dog leashes, harnesses, waste bags, and treats all take up a lot of space. When they do not have a home, they often end up on the floor or taking up a tabletop creating a mess and visual clutter.

'I suggest installing simple wall hooks near the door for your dog leashes, harnesses, and dog waste bags. This way when you need to take your dog out of a walk, you can head to the door and quickly put on his leash and harness.'

Toner recommends this Homode Store Wall-Mounted Entryway Shelf with Hooks from Amazon, adding, 'It both looks good, and offers added functionality.'

If you have pets, you'll want to check out these things people with nice-smelling entryways always do.

6. Make it user-friendly

An entryway should cater to everyone in the household, ensuring that each person’s items have a designated spot. For kids, install low hooks for coats and backpacks and place a bench or small stool for putting on shoes. Use labeled bins or baskets for sports gear, school supplies, or other daily necessities.

Extend the concept to other family members by creating sections for work bags, keys, and everyday essentials. Keeping each person’s belongings in the same place minimizes confusion and streamlines busy mornings.

Bell says, 'I love storage benches, particularly for families with children, such as the Walker Edison Modern Farmhouse Entryway Shoe Storage Bench from Amazon. Bins or baskets are an easy place to toss kids shoes, and benches offer a comfy spot for little ones to sit while getting ready. I suggest encouraging independence by having a storage bin for each child and labelling each with their name.'

Scott recommends Vonne Medium Square Decorative Baskets from Crate&Barrel, adding, 'These look good and are a good size too. Remember that since not all shoes should be in your entryway, you only need baskets that can fit two or three pairs of shoes.'

So there you have it – six golden rules for a clutter-free entryway. By following these, your entryway will remain clutter-free, functional, and welcoming. A little planning and regular upkeep go a long way in transforming this high-traffic space into an organized haven.

Next, check out these entryway organizing mistakes affecting the welcome to your home.