Read Go Organize: Conquer Clutter in 3 Simple Steps for Free Online Page A

Searchlight, make a list in your notebook of things that you need to change in this area. Formal entryways often have a closet. If you have a closet in your entryway, this is the place to start. What do you see when you open the closet door? Are there so many coats on the rod that it's difficult to remove a coat to wear? Are there scarves, gloves, and coats tossed on the floor? Take a picture of this area for a before-and-after comparison.
 
What do you like most about the space?
     
What don't you like about the space? Identify needs by asking yourself these questions:
 
Is the space orderly?
     
Are there things here you could get rid of?
     
Does everything have a home? (Are items contained or scattered around?)
     
Are you keeping only the items you use?
     
Are items that belong somewhere else scattered around?
     
Do all of the coats, shoes, gloves, and mittens in the closet fit someone in the house?
     
     
How did the closet get in this shape?
     
Rate your wattage (see page 15). On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you feel when you're in this area?
     
    Spotlight
    You have found things you don't like, and you want to change them and make your entryway better. With the Spotlight, set goals that will make this area warm and welcoming for family and guests. Here are some possible goals for this area:
 
Make room for coats currently being worn. Donate coats you no longer use. In the future, get rid of an old coat when you buy a new one.
     
Purchase a container to hold the scarves, gloves, and hats.
     
Contain shoes left in the entryway.
     
Keep the table clutter-free.
     
Teach family members to use the “mudroom” entry so everything is in one area. Less traffic will also make the area easier to maintain.
     
    Green Light
    This is the fun part when you see your goals realized. You have written down your goals for this space and now you get to work on them. Sit down with your family and explain the goals for the formal entryway in your home. Get their ideas on how to keep it organized. Then get their commitment to help. Stick to your organizing goals.
    Some things to consider having in the front entry are:
 
A mirror. It will visually make the area appear larger, and the bonus is you can check your appearance before answering the door.
     
A small table. Don't clutter it with keys, cell phones, or other items. Keep these things near your most-used entrance. If they have to be kept here, contain them in an attractive container.
     
Keep furniture to a minimum to create the look of spaciousness.
     
A shoe rack or a basket to hold shoes.
     
An umbrella stand.
    Here are some more ideas that can help you organize the entryway:
 
In the closet, only keep the family's dress coats, leaving enough room for guests' coats.
     
Store seasonal hats, gloves, and scarves in a basket and place it on the top shelf. Or store these in the family's entry room.
     
Keep a container near the front door or in the closet for shoes that are removed when coming in the house.
     
Provide a basket elsewhere in the home for the newspaper.
     
On the small table, place a plant or family photos and inform everyone these are the only things that are to be placed on top of the table. It is not a dumping ground or catchall for the mail, books, or other items. Limit the number of framed photos on this table to three as you don't want the table to look cluttered.
     
    Wrap Up
    Inside, the front entryway is now clutter-free and visually appealing. In the family entrance, there are places for keys, everyday coats, books, shoes, newspapers and other miscellaneous items, or you have designated other places for these items. The entryways are no longer clutter magnets or dumping areas as there is a place for everything, and everything will be in its place.
    Your entryways will always be welcoming as you continue to:
 
Keep the porch clean and free of debris.
     
Keep only beautiful things on the porch.
     
Pick up newspapers and flyers on a daily