As the New Year begins, decluttering experts emphasize the importance of tidying up your hallway, the first space you encounter upon entering your home. A cluttered hallway can create feelings of chaos and discomfort, impacting how you experience your living environment. With the holiday season bringing in guests and seasonal clutter, now is the perfect time to address this often-overlooked area.
Experts Julian Thomas, a partner at Command Brand, and Kaylie Hill, a cleaning influencer and ambassador for Scotch-Brite, provide valuable insights on five essential items to remove from your hallway for a more organized and welcoming entrance.
1. Remove Excess Shoes
Shoes can quickly pile up in hallways, creating tripping hazards and visual clutter. Thomas suggests keeping just one or two pairs of everyday shoes by the door while relocating the rest to a dedicated shoe closet. Hill recommends implementing a storage solution, such as a bench or baskets, to hold a select few pairs.
She emphasizes the importance of leaving empty space to prevent a footwear avalanche. A raised shoe tray can also help contain any mud or dirt, making it easier to maintain a clean entryway.
2. Sort Mail and Packages
Mail and packages often accumulate in hallways, especially during busy times like the holidays. Hill advises sorting through unopened mail, discarding junk, and filing important documents promptly. She recommends breaking down boxes and putting items away immediately to avoid clutter.
Thomas adds a proactive step for reducing paper clutter: contacting your local post office to remove your name from unsolicited mailing lists. This simple action can significantly decrease the amount of mail entering your home.
3. Limit Bags and Coats
Bags and coats frequently gather in hallways, leading to a cluttered appearance. Thomas recommends keeping only in-season essentials on hallway hooks, while off-season items should be stored in closets. Hill encourages adopting a “one coat, one bag” rule for each household member, making it easier to manage outerwear.
Donating items that are no longer used can also free up space and streamline your hallway.
4. Declutter Decorative Items
While it’s tempting to adorn your hallway with decorative pieces, too much decor can create a chaotic environment. Hill suggests removing any oversized or non-functional items that disrupt the flow of the space.
Instead, focus on retaining only functional decor that enhances the hallway’s purpose, such as a simple mirror or a small, curated art display. This approach fosters a calm and inviting entryway.
5. Reassess Storage Solutions
Although storage solutions are often seen as useful, Thomas points out that they can sometimes contribute to clutter. Bulky bins or containers can take up valuable walking space and become catch-alls for miscellaneous items.
He recommends switching to minimal, vertical storage options like wall hooks to keep the area tidy. If existing storage solutions are not effective, revisiting the previous four suggestions may help reduce overall clutter.
In summary, a well-organized hallway not only enhances the visual appeal of your home but also sets a positive tone for your daily life. By following these expert tips, you can create a welcoming environment as you step into the New Year.
