Wet boots, bulky coats, scattered mittens, and backpacks on the floor—the entryway sure takes a beating in winter. It’s enough to drive any homeowner crazy!
Usually, all you need in summer to keep the entryway clutter-free are a few wall hooks and a small doormat. However, winter’s arrival calls for a different approach. That’s because the moment the weather turns cold, your needs change.
But a few well-thought-out modifications will make this space more functional… without having to hire a contractor!
Make Your Life Easier With a Bench
If space allows, bring in a bench. It serves as an ideal seat for putting on and removing boots effortlessly, and for children to wait while the adults get dressed before leaving the house. A model with built-in storage offers the added benefit of keeping certain items out of sight. Choose one with an upholstered cover for extra comfort.
- Have you heard of fold down benches? They’re brilliant because, once they’re folded up against the wall, they take up zero space.
Focus on Minor, but Extremely Practical Improvements
When the snow begins to fall, coats get thicker, boots take up more space, and winter clothing starts to pile up.
To avoid everything ending up in one heap by the front door, consider installing designated storage units for each type of garment:
- Sturdy hooks, fitted at different heights, provide a place to hang up coats for adults and children.
- A long top shelf on which to put hats and a few cold weather accessories.
- Baskets in the closet to hold mittens, scarves and tuques.
- A large storage bin on the floor (ideally with a lid and made of an opaque material to hide the clutter) in which to keep winter items you don’t use very often.
Have a Plan for Dealing With Wet Garments
The soles of shoes track in slush, salt, and water from outside, which can quickly dirty the floor and harm certain flooring materials.
- A simple boot tray (made of plastic, available in hardware stores or supermarkets) is an inexpensive way of collecting water and minimizing damage. Choose one large enough to hold all the family’s footwear.
- An absorbent mat laid by the front door also helps to trap some of the water. It must be designed for winter conditions and be easy to clean to be effective.
- Proper ventilation ensures that damp items dry. Rather than being crammed into a closed closet or container, boots and shoes should be left out to dry between uses.
- Place one or two drying devices in the entryway (electric dryers) for hats, gloves and boots—no more putting on damp (and smelly) winter clothing first thing in the morning!
- Alternatively, you can hang them on the wall with suitable clips or a boot rack. This keeps the floor clear and helps the boots dry faster, provided the rack has been designed to support their weight and shape.
- You can also install a rod, a bit like the sort used to hold up a shower curtain, to hand your winter gear.
Utilize the Walls and Forgotten Corners
Often, the most effective solution is simply to bring in a piece of storage furniture. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible in a small entryway.
The next best thing then is to use all available horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Hanging a door organizer on the back of a door makes it easy to keep certain lightweight items together. Adding dividers to an existing closet will allow you to use your space more efficiently. Each member of the family could have their own dedicated cubby to place their belongings, for example.
A storage net (looks like a hammock) mounted in a corner of the ceiling also helps maximize every inch.
No closet in the entryway? Why not install coat racks with shelves? They take up very little room!
Don’t Use It? Store It
Just before winter sets in, why not have a bit of a clear-out and get rid of any items cluttering up the entryway that you no longer need? For instance, you should store things you only use in the summer somewhere else.
Milder weather shoes as well as coats and accessories you hardly ever wear often eat up valuable real estate. Out they go!
Make It Child-Friendly
Having their own hooks and cubbies within easy reach encourages children to be independent, as well as to help mom and dad keep the entrance tidy. Some storage solutions therefore need to be at their height.
They can then hang up their coats, take off their mitts, and put away their school bags without having to ask an adult for assistance.
Finally, maintaining a clear path is essential. Boots, bags, and coats shouldn’t block the door or litter the floor. Every centimetre counts in a house where everyone leaves their things by the front door!
Don’t Forget the Decor!
A more practical entrance is possible without sacrificing style. A mirror, suitable lighting, or a few understated decorative touches can create a more inviting space without compromising its functionality.
With the right set-up, this compact space makes rushing out in the morning effortless, coming home a pleasure, and keeping the house cleaner during winter a whole lot easier.