[This article originally appeared in Family Circle]
Tired of an entryway heaped with coats, boots and backpacks? “Create an area by the back door where your family’s everyday items have a designated spot,” suggests Vicki Norris, author of Restoring Order to Your Home (Harvest House). If you don’t have built-in storage, here’s her foolproof formula for cutting the clutter.
- For a personal touch, add nameplates.
- Affix heavy-duty double hooks or a pegboard directly underneath shelves for outerwear.
- Hang shelves with cubbyholes at eye level as catchalls for hats, sunglasses and lunch bags.
- A bench or chair makes taking off shoes easy and is a convenient drop-off for items like library books or grocery bags.
- Utilize the space underneath as a shoe rack or bins for school gear.
- Keep a weatherproof trunk on the back porch or in the garage to stow things like snow boots and umbrellas.
- On your highest shelf, store seasonal items and sports equipment.
- Position a key rack on the wall closest to the door.
