5 Surprising Secrets to a Functional, Clutter-Free Entryway (Get Out the Door Faster!)

Apartment Therapy

by Shifrah Combiths

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Organizing your entryway can significantly improve daily efficiency, especially for families managing multiple transitions throughout the day. According to organizing expert Jessica Litman, creating zones within your entryway is key to minimizing chaos and ensuring a smooth exit every time. By grouping similar items together, such as work supplies in one bin or kids' gear in another, you reduce stress and save valuable time during rushed mornings or afternoons. Litman emphasizes the importance of designating specific areas for frequently used items like car keys, sunglasses, and wallets. Using bins or hooks helps keep these essentials accessible while maintaining a tidy appearance. For children's school items—backpacks, lunch boxes, and sports gear—she recommends using laundry baskets to corral everything in one place, eliminating the need for kids to search through multiple locations. Another essential tip is setting up a refill spot near your entryway for small but necessary items like hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, or Kleenex. This ensures that parents can quickly restock their bags without disrupting the flow of leaving or arriving. By implementing these strategies, you create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that supports daily routines. From a design perspective, an optimized entryway balances practicality with style, making it easier to manage transitions while keeping clutter at bay. Litman's approach not only saves time but also fosters calmness in what can often be a stressful part of the day. By organizing your entryway thoughtfully, you create a welcoming and orderly space that benefits both your family and any guests who visit.

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Originally published on Apartment Therapy on 2/19/2026