6 Things You Should Clear Out of Your Entryway Before Fall Starts, Organizers Say

Fall is often packed with activities, including back-to-school, holiday preparations, and celebrations, and sports games. To start the season off right, freshen up your entryway with a decluttering exercise so you can leave and enter your home on the right note. 

“Mudrooms and entryways are one of the most important areas to organize before a busy season like the fall,” says Ashley La Fond, founder of Of Space and Mind. “Not only do you need good systems for storage, you also need to establish consistent habits to help maintain the space through such a busy time of year.”

We asked La Fond and other organizing experts about the most important things to remove from the entryway before fall, and their answers surprised us. Read on to learn more. 

Rugs

While a rug looks good near an entryway, La Fond recommends removing it in preparation for fall weather.

“Fall means lots of rain and muddy boots, which will destroy carpets,” she says. “Preserve your rugs by temporarily removing them during wetter months.” 

If you prefer to protect your floors from becoming messy, try swapping a rug for a rubber shoe mat that can hold up against wet and muddy shoes. 

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Outdoor Gear 

Emily Maiocco, owner of Next Level Organizing, recommends removing outdoor, gardening, or sports gear that’s stored in the entryway with the change of the seasons.

Put summer-specific items away in storage, and consider keeping in-season bulky items in a room with more space, such as a garage.

Old and Unused Items

Anytime you undergo a decluttering project, it’s a good idea to remove all items that aren’t frequently used, have another home, or can be thrown away, such as old mail, expired coupons, or the forgotten pair of shoes in the corner. 

Once your initial decluttering is complete, Maiocco suggests doing a quick assessment of unused items frequently to prevent the entryway from becoming too full and cluttered.

“Taking a few minutes in the evening or in the morning to put things back where they belong adds an immediate sense of relief to this hard-working space,” she says.

Beach Items

As summer comes to an end, it’s time to put away beach bags, flip flops, sunscreen, and other beach or pool items that no longer belong in the entryway. Removing these items will make space for fall items, such as backpacks, homework, boots, and jackets. 

Wicker Baskets

La Fond says to skip wicker baskets for your entryway’s organizational needs since they tend to shed and don’t hold up well in high-traffic areas. Instead, opt for more heavy-duty organizers, such as plastic bins or cubbies.  

Seasonal Decor and Clothing 

Experts recommend removing all seasonal decor and clothing from the entryway as summer comes to an end.

“At the start of any new season, I always recommend assessing and potentially decluttering each family member’s shoes, accessories, outerwear…,” Maiocco says.

Move summer clothing and shoes to storage to make room for fall items. 

Additional Decluttering Tips

• Designate a space for each family member. Having a designated space for each family gives everything its own space and makes finding what you need much easier.
• Use vertical storage. “Utilizing the inside of closet doors for over-the-door organizers that hold small accessories helps to maximize space and keep surfaces clear,” Maiocco says.
• Remove any unnecessary items from the entry. If it’s not something you use frequently, chances are you won’t need to grab it on the way out.
• Avoid storing bulky items. “Don’t store bulky sports gear, equipment, and one-off items that don’t really need to be inside,” La Fond says.