Create an Entryway
Create the perfect mud space/entryway with no built-ins! Having an entryway set up helps keep clutter out of other areas and it also helps you get out of the door faster. Have you ever wasted 10 precious morning minutes looking for your keys? Having an entryway will solve that. What you'll need: hooks, a mirror, a bench, a basket, and a rug!
When looking for hooks think of what you'll be hanging on them: jackets, coats, backpacks, purses, hats, keys, etc. Make sure you select hooks made in a shape that accommodates what you'll be hanging up. Hooks with an end too wide to get keys over usually also don't hold jackets well-they just slip off. You can pick individual hooks that you can screw in yourself or you can pick a piece of wood with hooks already attached. These can usually be put up with command strips if you don't want to put holes in the wall; just keep the weight limit in mind.
Next you'll need a mirror for your last minute check before you walk out of the door. Make sure it's big enough and make sure it's something that represents you.
When searching for a bench consider that you may put dirty shoes on it so make sure it's something you can clean easily. Some benches open up and you can hide the shoes inside. Think about what you would prefer and choose something that will suit your needs.
A basket can be for umbrellas, backpacks, bags, etc. Think about what you'll want to put in your basket before selecting one. An umbrella won't stay upright in a short basket, so you'll need to pick something tall. If you'd rather put your backpack in a basket than hanging it up (or if your backpack is too heavy to hang), measure the backpack before you pick your basket to ensure it will fit comfortably.
Now you'll pick your rug. Pick something durable and fun; it's the last and the first thing you'll see when coming in and out of your residence. Try to find something that will keep a grip on the floor when you wipe your shoes on it. As always, make sure to pick something that reflects you!
The fun part is hanging everything up and getting everything just as you like it. You'll be able to make tweaks to get everything just right-enjoy your entryway!
How To Create Categories
A huge part of getting organized is creating categories. To create a category, you must understand the categories in your life. What do you do frequently? What do you accumulate based on your interests? For example, let’s start with coffee. If you are someone that enjoys coffee in the morning, this is a great category to start with.
Gather all of your items related to your morning coffee: cups, coffee maker, coffee beans, k-cups, filters, etc. Now, select a designated area for all of these items to be stored in. This keeps your category together rather than spread throughout your kitchen which helps with feeling organized. If you can’t find a designated space for all of these items to live within arms reach of each other, create one! Check out our instagram for an easy to follow coffee station creation for every budget.
Once you have your location set for all of the items in your category, the fun part can begin; decorating! Find baskets to place like items in, maybe a fun sign that declares what this space is for, placemats to put underneath your baskets, whatever makes you happy and feel ownership of this category. Place all of your coffee beans in fun jars or find a cute basket for your k-cups. Make sure everything is functional and the items you need easy access to are not blocked. Place your favorite coffee cups front and center, really make the space your own and show off your prized items.
Now that you have one category down, start to think about your daily life and what other categories you may have. Do you have pets? Now you can repeat the process for all of your pet items. Pretty soon, you will have a functional space for every category in your life. This process will also help you understand what you interact with and what fills your day. You’ll begin to understand yourself better through categorizing your items.