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Coming Home…Heading Out. Enter…Exit…Repeat. The
entryway is the first thing you see as you arrive and
the last thing you see as you leave. You may come and
go through the front door, the side door, the back door
or even through the garage door. We work hard to keep
the entrance that guests use looking welcoming and
presentable but often neglect the entrance we use on a
daily basis. What feeling do you get as you enter the
door? Does it welcome you or are you stressed by it? Do
you trip over shoes, shove the bags out of the way or
struggle to find a place to hang your coat? Do you ever
feel like turning around and leaving again? Let’s bring
order to your entry space, so it greets you with a warm
welcome.
Entryways must meet many needs. They hold so
many things that go in and out with us on a regular
basis. Your space may house shoes, coats, hats,
backpacks, keys, briefcases, and miscellaneous items
ready to depart with you the next time you leave. So how
do you create that welcoming space ready for easy exits
and entries?
First take time to evaluate everything you
have in the space. Does it really have to be there?
Does it go in and out of the home on a regular basis or
just every so often? Have you taken it with you in the
last week? Eliminate the excess by keeping only the
things that you are presently using. Give away the shoes
and coats that no longer fit and find a different place
to store those that are out of season. Consider moving
your incoming mail station or sports equipment to
another area of your home.
Next set up areas for storing the different
items you need in your entry space. All garments in one
place and things from your pocket or purse in their own
area. Think through how each item should be contained
or housed with a focus on accessibility. These items
will be leaving and returning to this spot often, so you
want to make it simple to do. The simpler it is, the
easier it will be to maintain. Here are a few
suggestions that may help make your entryway feel
inviting and organized.
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Create a drop zone for keys, change,
wallet, or cellphone. Place a small container or
two on the counter or table to hold these smaller
items. This will prevent them from being misplaced.
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Designate a hanging area for coats.
Install a coat rack with enough hooks for each
family member. If you are using a closet, remember
that hooks are easier for children. Add a lower
rack or a few simple hooks, so they can hang their
own things.
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Use shelves, cubbies or large baskets
for shoe storage. Open storage is best as it is
easier to access. Make sure the containers are large
enough to hold the necessary amount. Don’t forget to
include a place to sit to make putting the shoes on
easier.
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Designate a small clear bin for each
person to hold their hats, gloves, ear buds, etc.
You can place a multi-compartment clear shoe
organizer over the door for this kind of storage as
well.
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Allocate a bin or basket specifically
for items that are outgoing. These maybe library
books, dry cleaning, a store return or a dish you
borrowed from a friend. Make sure you check this
“outgoing” area each time you leave to see if there
is something that you could deliver during your trip
out.
Take control of your entry by implementing
some of these tips and you will make it a space that
says, “Welcome Home!”
©Beth Giles February 2012 |
