Customize your entryway

For many, the flow of this space is the difference between getting out the door on time and absolutely losing your mind as the clock ticks toward the final school bell ringing.  Read on for our super simple tips to set this space up to serve you and your family:

• Sock storage in this space and near the door (vs individual bedrooms) is an absolute must.  Pick a simple basket that is easily accessible for kids to grab on their own before heading out the door.

• Identify a shoe storage with enough space for all shoes in rotation, overestimate what you need to avoid the shoe overflow we so often see!  We love a cubby style or hidden storage with a pull out front. Here is our current absolute favorite from Amazon!

• Even with the best systems in place, know that shoes and socks will be discarded without making it into their homes every day.  Provide a basket to catch the cast offs and when you have five minutes, put everything back where they belong.

• If there are shoes your kiddos continue to skip over in the morning and rush out the door, they need to go, either to donation or to another storage area in your home. Same goes for those lone socks, take them out of the sock basket until they find their mate.

• Take this as your sign to do an umbrella audit - don’t wait for the wet season to begin.  Have at least two per family member as these things tend to go missing and will cause stress if you don't have what you need, when you need it.  

Make the exit as simple as possible by keeping categories clear and easily accessible for all the family!