I don’t know about you, but my entryway used to be a disaster zone. No matter how hard I tried to keep it tidy, it always seemed to collect piles of shoes, forgotten packages, and random odds and ends. And the worst part? Every time I walked through the door, I felt overwhelmed before I even took my shoes off.
The entryway is supposed to be a welcoming space—both for you and for anyone who visits. But when it’s cluttered, it can feel like an obstacle course instead. If your entryway has become a dumping ground, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here are some of the worst offenders that make your space feel chaotic and how to clear them out for good.
Piles of Shoes That Multiply Overnight

Shoes are probably the biggest culprit when it comes to entryway clutter. It starts with one pair by the door, and before you know it, there’s a mountain of sneakers, boots, and sandals taking over the floor. I used to justify it by telling myself we needed easy access to our shoes, but let’s be honest—no one needs ten pairs of shoes by the door at all times.
The trick is to set a limit. I now keep just one or two pairs per person in the entryway, and everything else gets stored in the closet or a designated shoe rack. If you’re dealing with total shoe chaos, a shoe organizer or a stylish basket can make all the difference.
Stacks of Unopened Mail and Random Papers

I used to toss the mail onto the entryway table with the full intention of sorting through it later. Spoiler alert: “Later” rarely happened. Before long, I had a growing pile of unopened bills, catalogs, and takeout menus, making my entryway feel more like a post office than a home.
If you’re in the same boat, here’s what helped me—sort mail the second it comes inside. Junk mail goes straight to the recycling bin. Bills and important documents get filed away. And if something needs attention, I place it in a designated folder. A small tray or wall organizer can work wonders for keeping paper clutter in check.
A Coat Rack Buried Under Too Many Jackets

It’s so easy to walk in and toss a coat over the back of a chair or onto a hook. Then someone else does the same thing. And before you know it, your coat rack is buried under layers of jackets you’re not even wearing. I used to let every coat I owned live in the entryway, but all it did was make the space feel cramped and messy.
Now, I only keep the jackets that are in season and that I actually wear. Everything else gets stored in a bedroom closet or packed away until it’s needed. If you’re short on storage space, a wall-mounted hook system or a stylish storage bench can help keep things organized without taking up too much room.
Bags That Never Get Put Away

I’ll admit it—I used to be guilty of dropping my purse in the entryway the second I walked in the door. Then my kids would do the same with their backpacks, and before long, the whole area was filled with bags, tote bags, and gym duffels. It made getting out the door in the morning so much harder because someone was always scrambling to find their stuff.
I finally created a designated space for bags, and it was a total game-changer. Whether it’s a simple hook for my purse or a cubby for my kids’ backpacks, having a clear place for everything makes all the difference. If your entryway is drowning in bags, try assigning a specific spot for each person’s daily essentials.
The Mystery Pile of Returns and Store Bags

I used to keep bags of returns and exchanges by the door as a “reminder” to take them back to the store. Instead, they just sat there for weeks, becoming part of the furniture. The worst part? I’d forget about them until the return window had already closed.
Now, I have a simple rule: If I need to return something, I put it in the trunk of my car right away. If that’s not an option, I give myself a strict deadline—if it’s still sitting in the entryway after a week, it has to go.
Loose Keys, Sunglasses, and Pocket Clutter

Have you ever spent way too much time searching for your keys as you’re trying to run out the door? I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. And sunglasses, wallets, dog leashes—they all seem to vanish at the worst possible moments.
The easiest fix? A small tray or bowl right by the door. Now, when I walk in, my keys go in the same spot every time. It might seem like a tiny change, but it saves me so much stress in the mornings.
Seasonal Gear That’s Out of Season

There was a time when my entryway had winter boots in the middle of summer and beach towels sitting out in December. It just became a habit to leave seasonal stuff out long after we needed it. But all that does is create unnecessary clutter.
I finally started doing a seasonal swap—when the weather changes, so does my entryway storage. Scarves and mittens get packed away in bins during the warmer months, and flip-flops and pool bags get tucked away when fall rolls around. It keeps things from piling up and makes the space feel more intentional.
A Collection of Forgotten Umbrellas

I used to keep a handful of umbrellas in my entryway “just in case,” but realistically, I only ever used one. The others just took up space and made the area look messy. Now, I keep just one or two good-quality umbrellas in a designated bin, and the rest went straight to donation.
Dusty Decorative Items That Don’t Serve a Purpose

I love decorating, but at some point, I realized that my entryway was filled with random knickknacks that didn’t actually add anything to the space. A vase I didn’t love anymore, a bowl of potpourri that had lost its scent, and picture frames that no longer fit my style—none of it was making my entryway better.
I took a more minimal approach and only kept the pieces that truly make me happy. A well-placed mirror, a cozy lamp, or a piece of art that speaks to you can do so much more than a collection of dust-collecting trinkets.