Removing your shoes when you enter the house is a good way to cut down on dirt and allergens that are tracked into the house.  Having a pile of shoes by the door is not the best way to greet guests or family into your home. Corralling clutter in an entry, foyer or mudroom will make the small space feel bigger and create a warm, inviting entry into your home.

Getting shoes and bags off the mudroom or entry floor is a good idea both for traffic and the shoes and bags.  A shoe cabinet or well organized coat closet can clear off the floor.  A built-in bench or coat rack will add storage that keeps the floor clutter free. Even a simple row of pegs can be hung up to manage coats and bags. Being able to see the floor means you can put down a pretty runner or small area rug to give the space a polished look.

Other storage options include a cabinet converted to shoe storage that can also be a place to organize keys and mail.  A console with storage underneath and a place for a small lamp will give the space a well designed look.  You could hang a mirror above the cabinet or bench. The mirror will expand the feeling of the space, and give you a place to touch up your hair and lipstick.

Corralling clutter is a good idea in every room of the home. It is especially important in small rooms and rooms that get a lot of traffic.

Do you find that choosing clothes out of your cluttered closet is a source of anxiety? Did you buy some of those hangars that are supposed to save space only to find that your clutter just moved down a few feet? If so, it’s time for drastic measures. Follow these few steps to closet control.

1. Empty your closet completely. Yes, all of it! Now promise yourself that nothing but the best will go back in your closet. In other words, if you wouldn’t buy it – full price – today, it’s leaving your life forever.
2. Sort your clothes and accessories into three piles: keep, lose, or maybe. Take the lose items off the good hangers and put them in trash bags for donating. If you want to take a tax deduction, write down every item as you go (no details, 3 skirts, 5 blouses, etc. is fine). Put the lose bags outside your bedroom door and promise yourself you will not open them again.
3. Take your keep items and check for any washing or repair needs before you put them back in the closet (on your good hangers). As you refill the closet, determine an organizational system that you think might work for you. For example, by season or by purpose (such as work vs. play).
4. Now it’s time to address your maybes. The best way to evaluate them is by trying everything on in front of a full-length mirror. If you really don’t want to try something on, then it’s a goner. If you look at yourself and realize you don’t want to be seen in it, put it in discard. Keep only those things that you would buy again. Put the rest in bags with the other donations.
5. Finally, take a look at your newly-arranged closet. And remember our fundamental rule as flooring people – always keep your clothes hung up, not covering your beautiful floor!