As seasonal changes approach, households across the Northern Hemisphere are preparing for the shift to colder, wetter weather. This transition often involves a reorganization of living spaces, but a frequently overlooked area is the entryway. Professional organizers and design experts say that a streamlined, functional entryway is essential for managing the increased traffic and potential for clutter that the fall and winter seasons bring. Getting ahead of the chaos now can prevent a buildup of mud, coats, and miscellaneous items later.
“The entryway is the gateway to your home; it sets the tone for both your arrival and departure,” said Ashley La Fond, founder of the professional organizing firm Of Space and Mind, in an interview. “A cluttered entryway can cause stress before you even leave the house. Fall means back-to-school, holiday preparations, and a lot more activity, so having good systems in place is critical.” La Fond and other experts point to six specific items that should be removed or re-evaluated from a home’s entrance before the season officially begins.
Removing Unnecessary Items to Prepare for Cooler Weather
The primary goal of fall decluttering is to swap out summer-specific items for their autumn and winter counterparts. This is not just about aesthetics; it is about functionality. By removing objects that are no longer in use, you create space for the items you will need daily, such as heavier jackets, boots, and school backpacks.
The first and most important step, according to professional organizer Lauren Saltman of Living.Simplified, is a full clear-out. “Pull out all the items, categorize them, and remove as much as possible from the space,” she stated. “We need to be thoughtful about what we keep there. During the fall, your summer sandals and beach gear should be stored elsewhere.”
The 6 Items to Eliminate from Your Entryway
- That Entryway Rug: While a welcome mat or rug may seem functional, many experts recommend removing a traditional rug for the wetter, messier months. Professional organizer Emily Maiocco, owner of Next Level Organizing, notes that fall weather means “lots of rain and muddy boots, which will destroy carpets.” To protect floors while maintaining a functional space, Maiocco suggests replacing traditional rugs with a durable rubber or plastic shoe mat that can be easily cleaned. These mats are designed to contain water, mud, and debris, preventing it from tracking into the rest of the home.
- Summer-Specific Footwear and Outerwear: Flip-flops, sandals, and lightweight jackets should be relocated from the entryway to long-term storage. According to Maiocco, assessing and storing out-of-season items frees up valuable space for the bulkier items required in colder months. This seasonal rotation is a cornerstone of effective home organization and helps prevent the “piles of shoes” phenomenon that often clogs entryways.
- Wicker and Decorative Baskets: While aesthetically pleasing, not all storage solutions are equally practical for high-traffic areas. La Fond advises against using wicker baskets for entryway organization because they tend to shed and do not hold up well against daily use. Instead, she recommends opting for more durable, easy-to-clean alternatives like plastic bins or sturdy cubbies.
- Bulky Sports and Outdoor Gear: Items such as beach chairs, gardening tools, or sports equipment that have found their way into the entryway should be returned to their proper storage location. They consume significant space and are rarely needed for day-to-day use during the fall. This is a common issue, as the entryway often serves as an unintentional “drop zone.”
- Expired Mail, Coupons, and Paper Clutter: The entryway is a magnet for miscellaneous paper. Old mail, expired coupons, and unneeded flyers can accumulate rapidly, creating visual and physical clutter. Di Ter Avest, a professional organizer and author, notes that digital decluttering is a key trend in modern organization, but physical paper remains a significant issue. She advises establishing a system to immediately sort, shred, or discard papers as they enter the home.
- Miscellaneous Decorative Items: While fall decorations like pumpkins and wreaths can be welcoming, La Fond suggests evaluating purely decorative objects that have no functional purpose. She recommends replacing them with items that serve a dual purpose, such as a large mirror that can make a small space feel larger or a family “command center” with a calendar and pinboard to manage the busy fall schedule.
Benefits of an Organized Entryway
The benefits of a well-organized entryway extend beyond simple aesthetics. They contribute to a more efficient and less stressful daily routine. A study from the National Institute of Organization indicates that a tidy, functional entryway can save an average of five to ten minutes per day by eliminating the frantic search for keys, wallets, or school items.
Furthermore, a tidy entrance prevents clutter from spreading to other areas of the home, helping to maintain a sense of calm and order throughout the living space. Gretchen Rubin, author of Outer Order, Inner Calm, writes that “outer order contributes to inner calm.” This principle is particularly applicable to the entryway, which is often the first space a person experiences when returning home.
By proactively addressing these six common sources of clutter, homeowners can create a more functional, welcoming, and stress-free environment, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.
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