20 Things You Don’t Need in Your Entryway

Apartment Therapy’s September Sweep is a free 15-day decluttering program, guaranteed to leave you with a lighter, leaner home by the end of the month. Sign up here so you never miss a lesson, or go here to view all of the assignments so far.

Your entryway isn’t likely the first spot you think needs decluttering. If you live in a small space, you probably don’t have much of a proper “entryway” at all. But there’s an area of your space that welcomes you home—be it a foyer, a section of the kitchen counter, or a well-placed set of hooks—and it probably works really hard to keep your life running smoothly.

Every time you rush out in the morning, or shake the day off when you come home at night, you’re leaving behind little traces of stuff. Every once in a while, it’s good to do a deep dive declutter on your “welcome home” spot—wherever that might be.

Do a 20-minute decluttering sweep of your entryway area.

We did this last week with the living room, but here’s a recap of how a room sweep 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. When the timer stops, return everything to its proper home, or into trash, recycling, or your “sell” and “donate” boxes from day one.

• console table tops
• shelves
• drawers
• inside cubbies or baskets
• hooks and coat racks
• the coat closet
• inside your totes and bags

1. backpacks, handbags and purses
2. shoes and boots
3. coats and jackets
4. scarves, gloves, and hats
5. umbrellas
6. sunglasses and sunglass cases
7. commuter cards and other gear
8. bike helmets and bike locks
9. other sporting gear
10. old mail
11. magazines
12. matches and lighters
13. extra keys
14. cords and phone chargers
15. makeup and hair accessories
16. plant care supplies
17. leashes and other pet supplies
18. things waiting to be taken away or returned
19. things you dropped there on your way in
20. any other trash

Clear three things from your monster zone.

All month long, we invite you to share your progress here in the comments and on Instagram with the #septembersweep hashtag. Or join our Apartment Therapists Facebook group to start your own conversation.

Just joining us? It’s not too late to sign up!