The entryway is the first room that guests will walk into when visiting your home. A cluttered entryway can make a bad first impression on guests who may assume that the rest of your home is just as messy. But, a neat and tidy entryway can welcome guests and make them feel right at home. Follow these tips to declutter the entryway in your home:

Lay Mats Down

Mud and moisture from outside can easily end up on the floors in your entryway as guests travel in and out of your home. Dirty floors can make the entire space seem more messy and cluttered, which is why it’s important to keep them clean. Place a doormat in front of the door on both the inside and outside of your home. This will remind guests to wipe their feet and keep your floors clean!

Invest in Organizers

People often get in the habit of unloading whatever they are carrying or taking off whatever they are wearing as soon as they step into their entryway. Because of this, it’s common for clothes, mail, keys, and other items to clutter entryways. A good way to deal with this problem is to invest in organizers. Purchase coat racks, key hooks, mail bins, and any other items that will help organize this space. These items are inexpensive, so this is is a small investment that will pay off in a major way.

Use Hidden Storage

Take advantage of opportunities to hide storage space within your entryway. For example, many people place a bench in their entryway to create a small seating area. If you love this look, choose a bench that is designed with storage space underneath the cushion. You can use this space to store backpacks, umbrellas, and other items that typically clutter the inside of your home.

Do Seasonal Sweeps

It’s important to do a seasonal sweep of your entryway to remove items that are no longer needed. For example, there’s no need to keep every family member’s favorite jacket hanging in the entryway during the summer. Remove seasonal items like these and put them in long-term storage so they don’t clutter your entryway for months.

Choose the Right Rug

Many homeowners place a decorative rug in the entryway of their home. Rugs can protect the flooring from the dirt and debris that people bring in from outside and also add a splash of color to the inside of your home. But, the wrong rug can make the entryway seem more cluttered. Start by looking for a rug that is durable enough to withstand repeated exposure to environmental elements. Wool is a tough material that is highly resistant to dirt, so this is a great choice for an entryway rug.

Rugs can also make the room look more cluttered if they are slipping and sliding all over the floor. Prevent this from happening by securing the rug in place with either carpet tape or a non-skid pad. Now, the rug will brighten the entryway of your home without contributing to the clutter.

You should be happy to finally go home at the end of a long day. But, the sight of a cluttered entryway can instantly alter your mood. Follow these steps to declutter the entryway so you can walk into your home–and welcome guests in, too–with a smile and a sigh of relief!