Make Your Entryway Winter-Ready
Winter weather can turn even the most organized entryway into a slushy, cluttered mess. Between wet boots, piles of outerwear and never-ending accessories like mitts and scarves, it’s easy for this small but busy space to spiral out of control. But with a few smart tweaks, your entryway can stay tidy, functional and even a little inviting—all winter long.
Start with a good clean. Before adding anything new, clear everything out of the space. Mop the floor, wipe down baseboards and check for salt stains or water damage. This gives you a fresh foundation and helps you figure out what you actually need to store.
Boot trays are a must. A quality boot tray is the easiest way to keep snow, slush and mud from tracking through the house. Look for one with a raised edge to trap moisture. You can even add small river rocks or absorbent mats inside to help boots dry faster and keep things looking neat.
If you’ve got a larger family or a narrow space, consider a double-layer shoe rack with a tray underneath, so boots can drip without ruining the floor. Encourage everyone to remove footwear as soon as they come in—it makes a big difference.
Use baskets to contain the chaos Baskets are your best friend in the entryway. They keep smaller items like mitts, toques and scarves from scattering everywhere. Give each family member their own labelled basket or bin to stash their winter gear.
That way, it’s easy to find what you need on busy mornings. For larger households, try a cubby system with open bins or wall-mounted baskets to save floor space. And don’t forget a separate basket for reusable shopping bags, ice cleats or pet leashes.
Add hooks where you can. Wall hooks are perfect for hanging coats, backpacks, umbrellas and keys. If space is tight, install staggered hooks at multiple heights so both kids and adults can reach their own.
Consider a dedicated hook for everyday essentials like your favourite coat, purse or dog leash to make heading out the door quicker. Just be careful not to overload the space. Keep only what you use regularly and store off-season items elsewhere.
Create a drop zone. Designate a small tray or bowl for keys, wallets and sunglasses. It helps avoid the daily scramble and keeps surfaces clear. A wall-mounted mail holder can also help keep papers from piling up.
Maximize vertical storage. Use the height of your walls to your advantage. Tall shelving units or over-the-door organizers are great for small spaces. Top shelves can store extra hats, off-season gear or winter tools like handwarmers and sidewalk salt.
If you have a bench in your entryway, choose one with storage underneath. Bonus points if it’s sturdy enough for sitting while putting on boots.
Keep it simple and seasonal. A winter-ready entryway doesn’t need to be fancy—just functional. Stick to the essentials, keep things off the floor and build habits that make tidying easy.
With a little effort now, you’ll have a cleaner, calmer welcome home all winter long.