Great Ideas to Declutter Your Home’s Small Entryway

The best way to keep your entryway clear is to declutter on a regular basis. As Chee explains, “The entryway is a space with storage, not just a storage space. Big difference.” Keep only what you need. Even then, a small entryway will still feel cluttered if you have everything out in the open. Hide things in containers that feel beautiful and unique to you. “Small spaces are a fun opportunity to be a little bit more wild and experimental than you would be in the primary living space,” said Singer, the editor-in-chief of Sight Unseen.

Cheerful tins: Dusen Dusen Striped Canisters

Small objects that would otherwise waste space and ruin your aesthetic lying flat can be held upright in these adorable lidded mix-and-match canisters from Dusen Dusen. Each powder-coated steel canister has the same 4.2-inch diameter (allowing their colorful, knobbed lids to be swapped) but comes in varying heights (5.25 inches, 6.25 inches, and 7.25 inches). I use the medium one to hold my spare glasses, cleaner spray, and sunscreen. And the smaller canister is perfect for storing dog treats or poop bags. The biggest option is great for other vertical objects you’d like to conceal, such as pencils, pens, scissors, hair combs, and flashlights. They look equally cute perched on a shelf or stashed under a low storage bench.

Stackable baskets: Muji Rattan Rectangular Storage

The Muji Rattan Rectangular Storage boxes have stiff sides and a lip around the base, which makes them stackable. Editor Daniela Gorny has been using hers since 2017 and says the smooth 100% rattan weave has stayed intact and rarely catches on anything. They may look delicate, but actually feel sturdy and substantial. For small entryways, we especially like the tall (but still narrow) sizes. (Muji also sells baskets with handles and separate lids.

A knickknack bowl: Coming Soon Bathing Lady

A bowl for dropping your keys, earbuds, and any other small knickknacks is an entryway essential. Almost any bowl will do, but we like ones that have a wide mouth or open edge, to make finding things easier. I first received this pretty glass dish several years ago; and across several moves (geographically and professionally), she has proven herself valuable to me time and time again — as everything from a soap dish to a snack bowl. But these days, I plop my rings into her when I come home for the evening. She’d also be great for keys, hair elastics, chapstick — whatever little objects you want to drop off and then pick up again later. In all of her uses, this little lady always receives flattery, making her especially great in an entryway where she gives guests a very chic first impression of your home.

Handy wire-mesh baskets: IKEA Risatorp

IKEA’s Risatorp Basket is sweet-looking but serious in its work; the breathable metal mesh prevents snow-dampened gloves from getting mildew-y, and you can also see through it to know whatever else you’ve got stored. The tall basket with compartments is only 9.5 inches deep, which means it should fit tucked under a slim bench. The smaller square baskets are about 10 by 10 inches, and for around $13 you can get several to manage all kinds of entryway clutter — at the moment, mine is tucked under a storage bench and holding fuzzy socks.

A tall, slim box: HAY Tin Container

Not everything in your entryway should be on display; these lidded vessels from Hay come in a variety of shapes and sizes to perfectly harbor your non-aesthetic essentials. And the tins look cute mixed and matched — if you put dog treats in the small tin, writing implements in the narrow one, and electronics cables in the round tin; well now you’ve got a little triptych display instead of a messy pile. And because most of them are quite slim (between 3 and 4.5 inches deep, depending on the size you choose), you can easily fit them on a narrow shelf or credenza. We’ve been using ours (in different colors, from a past release) since 2021 and have noticed no dents or unusual wear; the lids are secure, but not too tight that they’re difficult to remove.

A compact mail system: Poppin Fin File Sorter

The Poppin Fin File Sorter is the cutest, most colorful mail organizer we found. Made from smooth plastic, it comes in five hues — with neutrals and brights — so you’re bound to find something you like. Roughly 6.5 inches deep and 6.5 inches long, it easily accommodates letters as well as notebooks, large envelopes, and magazines yet takes up less space than others we considered. Its three compartments make it great for households with multiple mail recipients, or just for a single person in need of more organizing.

This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen.