7 Items to Keep Out of Your Entryway (Plus, Where to Store Them)
Edmund Barr
There's no reason to keep that bulky parka hanging by the front door in July. Instead, stash out-of-season items in a coat closet or in bins under a bed. This way you'll have less clutter in your entryway, plus it will be easier to quickly find the items you need.
Multiple Pairs of Shoes
There's nothing wrong with stashing a pair of sneakers by the front door that you can slip on to get the mail or take out the trash -- but don't let your entryway double as a shoe closet. Let each family member keep only one pair of shoes in the entryway at a time. Keep other pairs in individual closets, drawers, or shoe racks.
More Simple Shoe-Organizing Tricks
A Bike
Wall art is one thing, but an actual bike is too bulky for most entryways. Keep your other set of wheels in the garage (if you have one), or locked to a sturdy, covered structure outside. If you must bring a bike in, hang it on a wall rack instead of stuffing it inside your door to save floor space.
Linens
An entryway is not the right place to stash linens or fresh laundry. When people walk through the door, germs and grime enter, too, meaning your freshly laundered towels just got dirty again. Stick to a linen closet or bathroom closet instead.
Valuable Documents
An entryway is a prime spot to keep mail, but be careful what you leave out and what you hide away. Don't leave tax returns, bank receipts, or any other documents with personal information by the front door. Instead, store them in a safe under your bed or in a home office.
How to Organize Important Documents
Luggage
We know that the last thing you want to do after a trip is unpack, but avoid keeping luggage in the entryway. It's bulky and often unsightly. Keep extra suitcases and duffel bags under a bed or in the basement (if you have one). The only exception is if you have vintage suitcases. Feel free to stack them under a bench or table for storage-savvy style.
Breakables
If the wind catches your front door and slams it open, the last thing you want is a favorite family heirloom standing in the way. Preserve the longevity of breakable items, like vases or glassware, by storing them elsewhere. Aim for a safe spot in the living room, like on a mantel or tucked inside a china cabinet.
