20 Things You Can Declutter from Your Entryway Right Now
Apartment Therapy’s Decluttering Cure is a free 20-day decluttering program, guaranteed to leave you with a lighter, leaner home. You can sign up here to get all 20 lessons delivered to your inbox.
Entryways are working real hard right about now. They’ve always been a barrier between you and the outside world: preparing you to leave for the day with confidence, and welcoming you home with support when you return.
Today, your entryway is also home to some new daily staples, like hand sanitizer and face masks. Meanwhile, your purses and totes might not be getting the use they used to since you stopped commuting. All of this is to say: It’s a great time to check in and make sure your entryway is set up for success—whatever that means these days.
Here’s a quick effort to help you tidy it up…
Day 7: Do a timed 20-minute declutter in your entryway area.
We did this a couple days ago in the living room, but here’s a recap of how a timed decluttering exercise works: Set a timer for 20 minutes and head to your entryway area. Be it a foyer, mudroom, counter, console, or wall area—we’re targeting whatever room or spot in your home that acts as a reception when you come home each day. You may also want to grab a laundry basket or something similar. If 20 minutes feels like way more time than you need, feel free to set your timer for 10 minutes, or whatever feels right to you.
While the clock is counting down, look for anything that’s trash, out of place, or just ready for a new home and gather it all up into your basket.
Where to Look:
- console table tops
- shelves
- drawers
- inside cubbies or baskets
- hooks and coat racks
- the coat closet
- inside your totes and bags
What to look for:
- backpacks, handbags and purses
- shoes and boots
- coats and jackets
- scarves, gloves, and hats
- umbrellas
- sunglasses and sunglass cases
- old commuter cards and other gear
- bike helmets and bike locks
- other sporting gear
- old mail
- magazines
- matches and lighters
- extra keys
- cords and phone chargers
- makeup and hair accessories
- gardening and plant supplies
- leashes and other pet supplies
- things waiting to be taken away or returned
- random things you dropped there on your way in
- any other trash or recycling
When the timer stops, return everything to its proper home, or into trash, recycling, or your “sell” and “donate” boxes from day one.
More Ways to Participate in the Decluttering Cure:
- Sign up for email updates
- Visit the 2020 Decluttering Cure page and catch up on assignments
- Save or print your own Decluttering Cure tips workbook
- Download the Decluttering Cure calendar
- Join the Apartment Therapy Cure Facebook group
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