10 Fixes That Help the Entry Stop Collecting Junk
The entryway is supposed to welcome you in—not trip you, stress you out, or hide all the stuff no one knew where else to put. If yours keeps turning into a drop zone, you don’t need more space—you just need smarter fixes. These changes can keep the entry from becoming the house’s messiest corner.
Add a Real Spot for Shoes
Shoes are always the first thing to pile up. One or two turns into five pairs by the end of the week. A dedicated shoe rack or low shelf gives them a home and keeps dirt contained. Avoid baskets where shoes just get thrown in—those turn gross fast.
Install Wall Hooks—High and Low
Don’t rely on one row of hooks for everything. Kids need hooks at their level, adults need higher ones, and you’ll always wish you had more. Separate hooks for coats, bags, and hats keep things from overlapping and falling off.
Use a Cabinet, Not Just a Table
Entry tables are cute, but they don’t hide anything. If you want the space to feel cleaner, swap the table for a small cabinet or locker. Even a repurposed dresser can hold gloves, papers, cords, and chargers you’d rather not look at.
Create a Landing Zone for Small Stuff
Keys, wallets, headphones, and receipts have to go somewhere. A tray, small basket, or wall-mounted organizer keeps them from spreading all over the house. If it has a lid, even better—out of sight, out of mess.
Hang a Mirror With a Shelf
A mirror helps the space feel bigger, but one with a built-in shelf or ledge gives you a little bonus function. Perfect for sunglasses, notes, or things you need to grab last minute. Just don’t let it become another junk pile.
Label the Baskets
If you’re using baskets or bins, label them. Otherwise, people will treat them like catch-alls, and you’ll end up with random junk in every one. Use one for hats, one for mail, one for pet stuff—whatever makes sense for your house.
Add a Slim Trash Can
You wouldn’t think you’d need a trash can by the door, but junk mail, snack wrappers, and receipts add up fast. A small, tucked-away bin can help keep paper clutter from migrating deeper into the house.
Swap Out the Rug More Often
That rug by the door catches everything—mud, grass, pet hair, you name it. If it’s washable, toss it in regularly. If not, swap it for something you can shake out or clean easily. A fresh rug helps the whole space feel cleaner.
Mount a Charging Station
Loose cords and chargers on entry tables are magnets for clutter. Mount a small charging station near an outlet—bonus points if it has cubbies or shelves. Now phones and tablets have a home without spreading out across the room.
Use Vertical Storage
If you’re short on floor space, go up. Shelves, pegboards, and wall-mounted organizers keep things tidy without eating into your walking area. A few baskets or trays high up can hold seasonal items, extra keys, or backup supplies.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
