Entryway closets can get messy really easily because most people keep a lot of stuff stored in them. In our entryway closet, not only do I have coats, I also have my vacuum, steam mop and 5 table leaves! It’s crazy! Last spring I had a little extra time before picking up the kids from school, so I pulled out everything in our closet, purged and organized. You can see the full post HERE but today I’m just going to share one picture to go with my tips.
#1 Take everything out
I know I say this a lot, but that’s because it’s the only way to get truly organized. If you want to organize a space you have to start by taking everything out, so you know exactly what’s in there. When you’re taking things out, if you find something you don’t use anymore (or that just shouldn’t be in there) put them in a donation or a relocate pile. When it’s time to put things back in, make sure you’re only putting back what should be in there!
#2 Utilizing the space
Once you’ve cleaned out the closet, figure out exactly how you want to use the space. I when I emptied out our closet, I realized I wasn’t using a very valuable space, the back of the door. I purchases a utility rack for my cleaning tools and instead of having them shoved in the corner, I hung them on the door.
If you don’t store your cleaning tools in the closet, you could add some Command hooks to the door and use the space for storing purses, or backpacks.
Baskets are also very important for utilizing the space on the shelves. Group similar items together, whether it’s gloves, scarves, more cleaning tools, etc. and put them in cute baskets to maximize the shelf space.
#3 Think outside the box
We often think that if a space was designed a certain way, then that’s the way you have to use it. Not true! To maintain a clean and organized home it’s important to use each space the way YOU need it to function. For example closets always come with a rod for hangers, but if that doesn’t work for you then take it down and add some hooks (and even some polka dots!).
A lot of families store shoes in their entryway closets, and since I’ve never seen a closet that comes with shoe shelves, don’t be afraid to add some. It’s a super easy DIY project that shouldn’t take more than a handful of minutes, especially if you buy shelves that are already painted the color you want them. 🙂
You could also change up the closet entirely by installing a closet system. You can purchase similar ones at any large hardware store. I think the design of this entryway closet is fabulous, I’m thinking I should do this in mine!
#4 Homes without an entryway closet
If you’re in a home that doesn’t have an entryway closet, don’t worry, you have options too! You’ll have to think outside the box a little but if you have a blank wall near the entry, it’s easy to create a space that functions the same as a closet.
By adding hooks for coats, purses, etc., something for storing shoes, and baskets for additional items your space will function just as a closet would (if not better), and it will looks super cute! The entryway above was in our old house and I really miss it!
With these tips you’ll be able to have your entryway closet cleaned out and organized in no time! Stop using the excuse that you don’t need to organize it because it’s “just an extra closet”, and take 30 minutes of your day to tackle it. I promise you, when it’s cleaned out, organized and cute, you will be thankful!
Let us see your before and after pictures, post them on Instagram and tag me @askannamoseley, or you can use the hashtag for this series – #organizedinlessthan30min.
If you missed one of the posts in this series, here’s a list of what we’ve organized so far –
- Intro
- How to organize your health
- How to organize kitchen utensils
- How to organize kids dishes and utensils
- How to organize a Kitchen without a pantry
- How to organize Legos
- How to organize your purse
- How to organize paper clutter
- How to organize the Master Bedroom closet
Disclosure: I have included affiliate links in this post but if you purchase through them you will not pay a cent more than you would otherwise. Thank you for supporting Ask Anna!
How far apart should the coat hooks be?
That’s up to your preference. I would do them at least 8inches apart though, so you have room to hang larger things too. 🙂