How to Declutter Your Entryway in 5 Simple Steps

Does your entryway feel more like a dumping ground than a welcoming space? I used to trip over shoes, dig through piles of mail, and struggle to find my keys every morning.

It felt like chaos greeted me at the door. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

For a long time, I thought my entryway was just too small to stay organized, but the real problem was the clutter piling up.

Once I made a few simple changes, it transformed the entire vibe of my home.

Trust me, it doesn’t take much to turn that messy drop zone into a space that feels calm and inviting.

In this guide, I’ll share the easy steps I used to declutter my entryway and keep it organized.

Whether you have 15 minutes or a whole afternoon, these tips will help you create a space that feels welcoming the moment you step inside.

Why Should You Declutter Your Entryway?

Your entryway is the first thing you see when you walk into your home, and if it’s cluttered, it can create instant stress.

I used to come home to a pile of shoes, bags, and mail, and it felt like walking straight into chaos not exactly the welcome I wanted after a long day.

But the first evening after I decluttered? It felt like a breath of fresh air, and I noticed my mood instantly improved.

Decluttering your entryway also saves time and frustration. I used to spend at least 5 minutes every morning looking for my keys, which added up to over 30 hours a year wasted!

Once I added a simple key holder and a shoe rack, my mornings became smoother, and I wasn’t running around like a headless chicken trying to find my stuff.

Lastly, your entryway sets the tone for your entire home and leaves a lasting impression on guests.

After I organized mine, a friend came over and immediately said, “Wow, your place feels so welcoming!”. This proof that a clutter-free entryway doesn’t just make you feel better, it makes everyone else feel at home too.

Watch, How to Declutter Living Room Spaces and Keep Them Tidy for Good

What Makes Your Entryway Look Cluttered?

One of the biggest culprits is shoe overload. I used to have at least six pairs of shoes piled up by the door, and it made the whole space feel cramped and messy.

When I finally limited it to just the pairs we wore daily and stored the rest in the closet, it was like the floor space magically doubled.

Another sneaky clutter source is the mail and random stuff drop zone. My console table was always covered with unopened letters, receipts, and random items like sunglasses and spare change.

It only took 2-3 days of ignoring it for the mess to take over. Adding a small basket for mail and a tray for everyday essentials made a world of difference.

Lastly, coats and bags can easily overwhelm the space. I used to hang every jacket and bag on the hooks by the door, and before long, it looked like a mini closet exploded.

Now, I stick to one coat and one bag per person in the entryway, and everything else gets stored properly, keeping the area neat and inviting.

How to Declutter Your Entryway

So, let’s discuss each step you need to follow when decluttering the entryway like a pro.

1. Clear Clutter Regularly

The key to keeping your entryway neat isn’t just a one-time clean-up—it’s making decluttering a regular habit.

I set a reminder on my phone to do a quick 5-minute sweep of the entryway every evening. It’s amazing how much easier it is to maintain when you’re not letting things pile up for weeks.

I’ve learned that the longer you leave clutter sitting, the more overwhelming it feels.

There were times when I let things build up for 2 weeks, and by then, it felt like a huge project just to get it back under control.

But when I clear out shoes, mail, and random items daily, it barely feels like a chore. Plus, walking into a tidy space at the end of the day makes a world of difference.

2. Maximize Wall and Door Storage

When floor space is limited, your walls and doors can become your best friends. I installed a few simple hooks and shelves on the wall, and suddenly I had space for keys, hats, and even small bags.

It took me less than an hour to set up, but the impact was huge.

I also added an over-the-door organizer for shoes and smaller items like scarves and gloves. It freed up so much floor space, and everything was within easy reach.

Before, my shoes were always in a pile by the door, but now with vertical storage, the entryway feels open and organized—and it only took a quick afternoon to make it happen.

3. Use Catch-All Trays and Containers

Loose items like keys, sunglasses, and spare change can quickly turn your entryway into a clutter hotspot.

I added a simple tray on the console table, and suddenly all those little items had a home. It only took 5 minutes to set up, but it made a big difference in keeping things tidy.

I also use small baskets for things like mail and reusable shopping bags. Before, these items would end up scattered everywhere, but now they’re neatly tucked away.

Having designated spots for these everyday essentials has saved me so much time looking for things, and it keeps the entryway looking clean with minimal effort.

See, How to Declutter Your Porch and Create a Welcoming Space

4. Assess and Optimize Storage Furniture

Sometimes the problem isn’t the clutter itself. It’s that your storage furniture isn’t working for you. I realized my old console table didn’t have enough drawers, so everything ended up on top, making it look messy.

Swapping it out for a bench with built-in storage gave me a place to hide shoes and bags while still having a spot to sit when putting on shoes.

I also added a slim shoe cabinet that fit perfectly against the wall without taking up too much space. It holds up to 12 pairs of shoes, and now the floor stays clear.

Taking just an afternoon to rethink and adjust the furniture made the entryway feel more functional and less chaotic.

5. Keep It Simple and Well-Lit

A clutter-free entryway isn’t just about storage. It’s also about keeping things simple and bright.

I removed any unnecessary decor that made the space feel cramped and stuck to a few key pieces that made the area feel open. Less really is more when it comes to small spaces.

Lighting also plays a big role. I swapped out a dim bulb for a brighter one and added a small lamp on the console table.

It took me just 10 minutes, but it completely transformed how welcoming the space felt.

A well-lit, simple entryway feels more inviting and helps highlight all the hard work you’ve put into keeping it organized.

How Long Will It Take to Declutter an Entryway?

Decluttering your entryway doesn’t have to be a time-consuming project. If you’re doing a quick tidy-up, it can take as little as 15-20 minutes to clear shoes, mail, and everyday clutter.

I’ve done this right before guests arrived, and it made a huge difference without much effort.

For a deeper declutter—like reassessing furniture, adding storage solutions, and reorganizing—set aside about 1-2 hours.

When I did a full revamp of my entryway, it took me an afternoon, but the payoff was worth every minute. The key is to start small and tackle one thing at a time, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

So, how does your entryway feel now?

Once I tackled the clutter in mine, I noticed how much calmer and more welcoming my entire home felt and it all started with just a few simple changes.

Also watch, How to Declutter Your Dining Room in 5 Simple Steps

Are you ready to turn your entryway into a space that makes you smile when you walk through the door? Give these steps a try and see how much of a difference it can make in your daily routine!

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