Week Six: Organize Your Entryway for the Holidays

juliagoldberg10
Oct 30
2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

[3 Weeks Before Christmas]

The entryway is the first impression your guests have of your home, yet it often becomes a chaotic catchall for mail, packages, shoes, jackets, and more. With the holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to tidy up and create a warm, inviting space. Here are some practical tips to declutter your entryway and make it more functional for the busy season.

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Elegant hallway with a patterned rug, cushioned bench, and wooden cabinet. Soft lighting from glass pendant lamps.

Tackle the Jackets

Start by going through your jackets. Donate any that no longer fit, are worn or damaged, or that you no longer love. This helps free up space and makes your entryway look more organized. Make sure there's a designated spot for your guests to hang their coats, whether inside the closet or on a coat rack. If you have extra or out-of-season jackets, consider moving them to a guest closet temporarily to keep the area tidy.

While you are going through jackets, you can also take a quick pass through winter hats and gloves. Make sure the gloves all have a mate. Donate extras or things that don't fit anymore.

Streamline Your Shoes

Next, look at your shoes. Keep only the pairs you wear most frequently in this space, and store less-used shoes in your bedroom closet. For families with kids, check their shoe sizes and set aside or donate pairs that are too small or worn out. Kids' out of season shoes can also go up to their rooms. To keep your entryway orderly, establish a designated spot for guests to leave their shoes. Baskets can be great for this!

Wooden cubbies with wicker baskets and hooks holding coats and backpacks. A window lets in light, creating an organized, cozy mood.

Clear the Clutter

Finally, tackle the incoming mail and miscellaneous items that may have accumulated. Sort through your mail (more help here), open packages, and put the boxes in recycling.

Often a pile of things that need to be returned or donated ends up living in the entryway. Give yourself a deadline to deal with these items. Sometimes just putting them in the front seat of your car will remind you to check those tasks off your list.