The entryway is often the first impression guests have of your home—and more importantly, it’s the space that sets the tone for your day. But let’s be honest: entryways can quickly become clutter magnets, collecting everything from stray shoes to random mail. If you’re looking to simplify and declutter your home, the entryway is a great place to start.

To help you streamline this high-traffic area, I consulted organizing experts who shared six items you can confidently declutter today without a second thought. These are the things that pile up unnoticed but rarely add value to your life. Let’s dive in and clear the chaos!

1. Old or Mismatched Shoes

We all have those lone sneakers, worn-out flip-flops, or outdated styles lingering by the door. Not only do they take up valuable space, but they also create visual clutter.

Why You Can Declutter Them:

  • Mismatched Pairs: If you’ve been holding onto single shoes “just in case,” it’s time to let them go.
  • Outgrown Styles: Shoes you no longer wear (or fit into) don’t belong in your entryway—or your home.
  • Worn-Out Soles: Anything with holes, broken straps, or excessive wear should be recycled or tossed.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep only the shoes you use regularly and store them neatly in a shoe rack or basket.
  • Donate gently used pairs to local charities or shelters.

When I cleared out my entryway shoe pile, I realized how much calmer the space felt. Plus, finding my favorite boots became effortless!

2. Expired Mail and Junk Flyers

How many times have you walked in the door and dropped mail on the entryway table, only to forget about it? Over time, unopened envelopes and junk mail accumulate, creating unnecessary stress.

Why You Can Declutter Them:

  • Junk Mail: Flyers, catalogs, and coupons you never intended to read can go straight into the recycling bin.
  • Expired Mail: Bills, invitations, or notices past their due dates serve no purpose anymore.
  • Duplicates: Magazines or promotional materials you already have copies of are redundant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set up a simple mail sorting station with bins labeled “Recycle,” “Shred,” and “Action Needed.”
  • Unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists to reduce future clutter.

Tackling my mail pile freed up so much counter space—and eliminated the guilt of ignoring important letters.

3. Broken or Unused Umbrellas

That umbrella with a bent handle or missing fabric? It’s just taking up space. And if you haven’t touched certain umbrellas in over a year, chances are you don’t need them.

Why You Can Declutter Them:

  • Broken Umbrellas: They’re unlikely to magically repair themselves, so recycle what you can and toss the rest.
  • Excess Inventory: Most households only need one or two reliable umbrellas per person.
  • Seasonal Clutter: Storing bulky summer umbrellas in winter adds unnecessary bulk.

What to Do Instead:

  • Invest in a compact, durable umbrella that fits easily in your bag or coat pocket.
  • Store seasonal umbrellas in a closet or under-bed storage instead of the entryway.

After ditching three broken umbrellas, my entryway felt instantly lighter. Bonus: I now always grab the good one!

4. Out-of-Season Outerwear

Coats, scarves, and hats that aren’t appropriate for the current season don’t belong in your entryway. They make hooks look overcrowded and harder to access daily essentials.

Why You Can Declutter Them:

  • Off-Season Gear: Heavy winter coats in summer or light jackets in winter won’t get used anytime soon.
  • Unused Items: If you haven’t worn something in the last year, it’s safe to part ways.
  • Overstuffed Hooks: Too many items crammed onto hooks creates disorganization.

What to Do Instead:

  • Rotate outerwear seasonally, storing off-season items in closets or garment bags.
  • Limit entryway hooks to only the most frequently used pieces.

Switching to a seasonal rotation system made my entryway feel intentional and functional again.

5. Forgotten Bags and Totes

Reusable shopping bags, gym bags, and tote bags tend to multiply in the entryway—but if they’re not actively being used, they’re just clutter.

Why You Can Declutter Them:

  • Excess Inventory: More than a few reusable bags is overkill unless you shop daily.
  • Damaged Bags: Bags with holes, stains, or broken straps aren’t worth keeping.
  • Random Finds: Those freebie totes from events or conferences? Let them go.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep 2-3 sturdy reusable bags folded neatly in a designated basket or drawer.
  • Repurpose old totes as gift bags or donate them to food banks.

I donated a stack of unused totes and suddenly had room for actual essentials—like keys and sunglasses!

6. Decorative Items That Don’t Serve a Purpose

While decorative accents like vases, picture frames, or knick-knacks might seem charming, they often attract dust and detract from functionality in an entryway.

Why You Can Declutter Them:

  • Dust Collectors: Non-functional decor requires constant cleaning without adding practical value.
  • Clutter Creators: Small decorative items make surfaces look messy and chaotic.
  • Better Placement: Decor belongs in living spaces where it can truly shine—not in transitional areas.

What to Do Instead:

  • Opt for functional decor, like a stylish tray for keys or a mirror with built-in storage.
  • Relocate purely decorative pieces to other rooms where they’ll be appreciated more.

Removing a dusty vase from my console table transformed my entryway into a clean, welcoming space.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering your entryway doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on these six common culprits, you can instantly simplify the space and create a more organized, inviting atmosphere. As someone who has experienced the joy of a clutter-free entryway, I can tell you it’s worth every minute of effort.

So grab a trash bag, recycling bin, and donation box, and tackle these items today. Your entryway will thank you—and so will anyone who steps through your door!