Your entryway is the first spot you see when you come home, but it can easily become cluttered with stuff that doesn’t really belong there. This space should feel welcoming and organized, not crowded or messy.
Knowing what items don’t belong in your entryway can help you keep it tidy and functional. By clearing out unnecessary things, you make it easier to find what you need and create a better flow in your home.
Piled-up junk mail
You might find a stack of mail piling up near your door. It can quickly take over the space and look messy.
Sort your mail as soon as you bring it in. Toss junk mail right away to keep things clear. If you keep important mail, find a designated spot away from the entryway. This helps you stay organized and your entryway tidy.
Oversized shoe collection
If you have a lot of shoes piled up in your entryway, it can quickly become messy. Shoes don’t need to take over this space.
Try keeping only the pairs you wear most often near the door. Store the rest somewhere else, like a closet or a shoe rack. This makes your entryway look cleaner and gives you more room to move around.
Wet or dirty shoes
You don’t want muddy or wet shoes sitting in your entryway. They make a mess and can damage your floor.
Try to remove shoes right when you come in. Use a mat or boot tray to keep dirt and water contained. This keeps your entry cleaner and easier to manage every day.
Large bulky rugs
You might think a big rug makes your entryway cozy, but oversized rugs can actually make the space feel cramped. When a rug is too large, it can overwhelm the area and block the door from opening smoothly.
Choose a rug that fits well and leaves some floor space visible. This keeps your entryway welcoming and easy to walk through.
Excessive seasonal decorations
You don’t need to keep all your holiday decorations in the entryway. It can make the space feel crowded and cluttered.
Try to store most seasonal items elsewhere, like in the garage or a closet. Keep only a few simple pieces out to avoid overwhelm. This way, your entry stays welcoming without being too busy or messy.
Big console tables
Big console tables can take up too much room in an entryway. If your space is small, a large table might make it feel crowded and harder to move around.
They often don’t offer much storage, so you might end up with clutter on top. A smaller, narrow table or a storage trunk can work better for keeping things tidy.
Family photo walls
You might think family photo walls add warmth, but the entryway isn’t always the best spot. It can feel cluttered or overwhelming right when guests walk in.
If you want to show photos, try a smaller area like a hallway or stairwell instead. That way, your entry stays open and welcoming without too much on the walls.
Mail sorting bins
You might think a pile of mail in your entryway is normal, but it can quickly become clutter. Using mail sorting bins helps keep your mail organized and off surfaces.
Bins give you a spot for bills, letters, and junk mail, so you don’t lose important papers. Choose a small, simple bin that fits your space without looking bulky or messy.
Off-season outerwear
You don’t need to keep coats and jackets that aren’t in season in your entryway. It just creates clutter and takes up space you could use for things you need right now.
Move off-season outerwear to a different closet or storage spot. This way, your entry stays neat and only has what you actually wear.
Packages left unpacked
You might think leaving packages in your entryway is convenient. But letting them pile up just clutters the space.
Try to bring packages inside and put them away quickly. This keeps your entryway clear and less chaotic. If you get lots of deliveries, consider a designated spot away from the door to avoid blocking the way.
Bulky artwork
Big, heavy artwork can make your entryway feel crowded and cramped. You want people to feel welcome, not like they need to squeeze past a huge frame.
Choose smaller, lighter pieces that fit the space. This keeps your entryway open and easy to move through. Bulky art is better saved for larger rooms where it won’t block pathways.
Excessive decor knickknacks
You might think small items make your entryway cozy, but too many knickknacks can create clutter. When your space is packed with little things, it feels crowded and messy.
Focus on a few larger decor pieces instead. This keeps things simple and makes your entryway easier to clean and enjoy.