How to Keep your Entrance Way Clean and Organized
During the winter months families spend more time at home. It is nice to be home, but the traffic going in and out of the house all day can leave entrance ways in disarray and in constant need of cleaning.
Here are some ideas on how to keep your entrance way tidy, clean, and organized.
Baskets make for a neat place to hide mitts, hats and gloves.
Provide a cubby, hook, or basket for each person. It will give them a dedicated place to organize their personal items when they come home from work, school or play.
Keep your pet essentials handy at the door. Dedicate a shelf, box, or basket for items you and your four-legged friend may need, such as a leash, harness, treat jar, and doggy bag. A hook is ideal for placing a towel close by the door that can be used to wipe off your pet’s paws when they come inside and then hang up to dry. In the winter months, drying off your dog’s feet will remove any salt that could cause them harm, as well as keep your floors clean.
Place a mat right at the door to keep from slipping and capturing initial salt and snow from ruining entranceway floors.
Plastic trays can be used to place wet boots and shoes to dry.
With three seasons in Canada that require coats, it is essential to have a closet or hooks enough for everyone’s coats, including guests. If you have off-season clothes put them in a second closet to make space for everyday outerwear.
Place hooks, hangers and baskets at the right height, so even the kids will be able to put away their own items.
Leave a broom, dust mop or small vacuum close to the door for a quick sweep of sand, salt and dirt.
A towel or micro-fiber cloth on a hook hidden out of the way is handy when you need to mop up the snow melting on the floor after everyone comes in from outside.
Use a spray bottle with an aromatherapy solution to give a quick squirt a couple of times a day. The essential oils will leave the air smelling fresh and clean from the mustiness that can come from wet clothes and drying mats.
Leave a bowl or container on a shelf or side table just inside the door where you can place small items. It will help to keep them contained and give a decorative flair to the entranceway.
A small side table has multiple functions, to help keep an entranceway neat, keep it tidy and provide an excellent visual design. Tuck away small items in a drawer, place a plant or add the mail. Tuck a small stool or bench underneath the table to provide a place to sit when putting on shoes.
Plants are beautiful, and they clean the air! If you can find space on a small table or shelf, it will only add to the feel, design and cleanliness of your entrance way.
