Tackling the Entryway

With a snowfall warning underway, I figured it was a good day to tackle the entryway. This is the space you first come home too and for me if its cluttered and messy, it isn't very inviting. So I wanted to change that. On top of diminishing the clutter, I also plan to add a few decor touches to make the area more appealing.

With the kids outside in the backyard playing in the snow, I got started ( checking on them frequently of course). First, I focused on items that didn't belong there. There was an unopened amazon package, a backpack from swimming, some donation bags etc. Once, I had put misplaced items in their true home, I sorted through the toque and mitt bin, placing to small items in the donate pile. Armed with a trash bag, I took down the two storage bins of random expired dog items at the top of the closet. There was a new Frisbee up there to that went outside with the dogs and kids. Husband stores his snow pants at the top of the closet, so I just left those there. 

Living in Northern Alberta, means there are lots of coats for all the seasons. I sorted through what no longer fit the kids and decided to pass on a snowsuit to a friend and try my hand at selling a coat and boots in great condition. The thing I find with selling items on Facebook or Kijiji is that it takes up some of your time to post, respond to messages and then set up pick ups.... only to have someone no show. So I tend to only post items now and then. Another great option for outgrown children's items is, Once Upon a Child (link at the bottom). 

Now usually, when you clean other closets in your home you come across sentimental items. I didn't think I would find any sentimental items in my coat closet. But, low and behold, there were two coats I wore out to see my horse and they brought back fond memories. Knowing I wouldn't need these items for a long time, I decided to pass them along to a friend.

Next, I started on the shoes. Again, our climate means we have sandals, shoes, rubber boots and snow boots all in one closet. And at times these are worn in the same month. I found out the shoe rack in the entryway space would fit perfect alongside the plastic drawers in the closet. So I moved the larger shoe rack into the entryway space and tucked the smaller shoe rack and storage drawers into the closet. The plastic drawers hold mitts and toques for all four of us and the large bottom drawer is dedicated to extra dog harnesses and leashes.

The shoe rack in the closet now housed sandals, swim shoes, dress shoes and other footwear that was out of season or only worn occasionally. The larger shoe rack held rubber boots, running shoes and winter boots. After vacuuming the rug and washing the floor, the entryway was done! All that is left is to add some decor to the walls.

The dog leash holder is from Crafty Things for Crafty Homes.
The over the door hat holder and coat hooks on the wall are off of Amazon.

Once Upon a Child is a consignment store in Grande Prairie for used baby/children items, toys and clothing.
https://www.facebook.com/onceuponachildgp/