Making a good first impression – Strategies for effective use of space in your front entryway!

Our entryway is the first impression that people have as they come into our home.  Some have the luxury of  lots of space and adequate closet storage.  Others of us are challenged with making best use of a small space.

Are mountains of shoes overtaking your space?  Several times each season do some evaluating.  Match up all the pairs and be sure that what is there is in decent condition and still fits its owner.  Only shoes that are worn very regularly should be stored at the main entrance.  Dress shoes and anything that is out of season should be stored elsewhere.  If space allows there should be some sort of shoe shelf or shoe cubbies so that the expectation is that when shoes are taken off they have a “home” to go to, rather than just being kicked off to become part of the mountain of footwear that can quickly collect and overwhelm this small space.

 

 

The entrance is a great place to have a basket or drawer to accumulate items on the way to someone else, to be returned to the store, or taken to work or school.  Each time you pass through the entrance to leave, scan the basket and grab the pertinent items.

I have 2 baskets sitting inside my front entry way.  My space is limited, but I definitely appreciate having that spot to tuck things that are on the way out (to be delivered or returned).  One of my baskets is for this purpose, and the other is a spot to tuck purses, scarves etc.

Here are my front entry baskets.  The pretty flower pot tucked under the chair is the ‘home’ for guest slippers!

 

In your entry, be sure to have a home for keys.  We have hooks mounted inside our front hall closet.

We have a metal front door, so because it is magnetic it gives us the option to place some clips and other magnetic accessories on the inside.  This can be a message centre or a spot to attach things such as letters to be mailed, shopping lists or other cute locker accessories that you can pick-up at the dollar store.

If space in your hall allows, I love the idea of creating this bench out of a cubby style shelf placed on its side.  This particular version is fancied up a bit with legs and cushions, but it wouldn’t have to be.  Even the baskets to insert are optional.  It gives a spot to sit to put on footwear, and gives you designated storage spots underneath.  Beware though!  It is a horizontal surface and can quickly become a junk collector if you don’t stay vigilant 🙂

Some creative ideas for the on-going dilemma of how to store shoes in a way that they are handy and accessible:

Be sure to check out our Pinterest Boards  for lots more creative ideas for your front entrance, as well as organizing ideas for All Around the House!

Food for Thought:

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

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