I don’t know about you, but entry way clutter is a disease we all seem to have.  As we run in the door and dash here or there, belongings get dropped and left by the entrance as a result.  This visual clutter seems to scream at me personally.  As I prepared a selection board today for a client with this very problem, it made me think about the five essential elements for an Entry Way Command Center.  These 5 elements will definitely help quiet your clutter.

Use the “SSSHH”  Acronym to Quiet Your Clutter

1. Sort it. When you walk in the door with mail and papers take a minute to sort through it and put it in it’s proper place. An Entry Way Command Center must have a drop zone designated for mail and other papers.

{Via World Market}

 

{via Target)

2. Store it. Effective storage is another essential component.  Make sure to choose storage baskets or drawers large enough to accommodate whatever you need to put in it.  Seems logical, but not everyone measures their shoes and briefcase before they head out to purchase baskets.

{Via World Market}

3. Schedule it. Command centers need a place to display activities and schedules so that everyone remains on the same page.  A chalkboard, a calendar, or whatever you choose has to be easy to read, easy to change, and easy to display.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen calendars hanging by one tiny nail and swinging so vigorously that writing on it would make you look illiterate. Don’t be that person!  Fix it.  You can do better than that. 🙂

{via Pottery Barn}

4. Hang it. This definitely works in small spaces…and larger ones too.  Think vertically and get that clutter off the floor!  A nice row of hooks like these on this clever rake hook below will keep jackets, purses, and bags from ending up in piles by the door.

{via West Elm}

You can even consider labeling each hook for each family member – this keeps everyone’s stuff separate.

{via Etsy}

5. Home for it. If it isn’t obvious already, it should be…everything needs a “Home” and effective clear labels make all the difference.  If something isn’t labeled the likelihood of getting it back in the same location is like playing organizational roulette…Maybe it will; maybe it won’t…Make it fool-proof and obvious to everyone that THIS is where THAT belongs. The family will thank you, eventually, because their stuff won’t get lost anymore!  What a miracle.  Organizers should have a song: “…if you liked it, then you shoulda put a label on it”.  Maybe not, but you get the point and they will too.

{via Target}

And just for fun here are some wonderful entry way furniture options!  These all offer storage and shelving for baskets or bins, drawers that can be labeled for the small stuff like wallets and sunglasses, and a flat surface for sorting items.  Hang a few hooks, a calendar, and a message board and you will have a stylish and functional family entry way command center.

{via World Market}

This one from Pottery Barn has a built in plug strip for easy charging.

{via Pottery Barn}

The last is simple, but effective with 3 drawers for sorting and a shelf for baskets.

{via World Market}

 So remember, to incorporate SSSHH to effectively quiet the clutter in your entry way.

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