Your entryway is the first step in and out of the home, whether everyone’s running off to school or out to activities in the evening. If you’re scrambling to find items, you could be wasting crucial moments you would otherwise spend beating traffic. Rather than fumbling in the foyer, invest in time-saving organization options.

Key Rack

image via LJB Arch, P.C.
Instead of trying to find your keys every morning, you should have a consistent place for them by the door. You can install a custom key rack to hold more than one set for cars along with other types of keys. Clearly labeling where each set goes will help everyone remember to hang them up. You can use a piece of wood or fiberboard and cut it into a rectangular shape. Stapling or nailing it into your wall, you can drill hooks in and use a marker to label each hook.

Shelving & Storage

image via Star Painting Contractors

To declutter the entryway, install shelving to hold clothing and bins. Whether you have to hang shelves or hire a carpenter to build them, you need to optimize the space on either side of the foyer. You can use it to store shoes, backpacks, briefcases and more. If you need to optimize whose items goes where, label shelves and bins with every family member’s name so they can drop items in the designated area. You can also install hooks and hangers in the shelves for coats and scarves if you don’t have a hallway closet.

Winter Clothing Space

image via Home Source Construction

For the winter months, you might need additional room for your heavy coats, scarves and gloves. Install a standing coat rack by the door or next to the shelves to hold clothing and keep other items dry. You can also avoid puddles by laying down a mat or pebble-filled tray underneath the coat rack. It allows the rain and snow to puddle in it rather than on the floor, though you’ll need to wash it out every now and again. You can also buy an umbrella stand, so they dry off without getting water on your floor.

Last, but certainly not lease, limit the clutter!

If you need additional items, just remember to keep the clutter down. Don’t add so many items you’re bumping into things. For example, you probably don’t need a table to hold your keys if you have a key rack. You can also get a professional organizer to help if it seems overwhelming. Here are some additional items that might help with the decluttering process:

● Sitting space: A short bench is good for taking layers of clothing or shoes off and additional storage. You might consider a wall-mounted bench in particular because it saves space and has understorage.
● Sorting area: A basket, tray or rack helps sort mail, though you need multiples for junk, bills and other types of mail.
● Rug: Having a rug by the front door keeps the dirt isolated to the front area and prevents slips and falls.

Andrea Davis is the editor at HomeAdvisor, which connects homeowners with home improvement professionals in their area for free. Connect with Andrea on Google+

Cover Image 9098 Tartan Fields Drive Dublin, OH