The entryway, an often overlooked bridge of a space that connects your home and the world outside, deserves more than just muddy boots and paper piles. When blessed with attention and gentle care, it can be the padding that cushions your take-off for the day and the soft landing at the end of it. Creating a landing strip that is both flexible and functional can transform your entryway from a clutter magnet into a space that serves you well.  

But first, what things should land here? 

The short answer is, anything that leaves and comes back with you. And that could include, among other things, keys, purses, wallets, bags, jackets, scarves, umbrellas, shoes, and mail. 

Setting Up the Strip 

The Anchor Piece 

The entryway deserves to shine! After all, it’s the first impression of your home. A statement piece that is a perfect mix of class and function might be just the thing for it. A console table or a cubbyhole bench that comes with inbuilt storage can work beautifully. It can serve as the strip where all the other systems can be organized. However, if your entryway is small and you want to save floor space, consider floating shelves or slim built-in cupboards. They can work just as fine. It doesn’t need to be grand, it just needs to feel like it belongs! 

The System 

Statement pieces or not, what your entryway really needs to serve you well, are small low-effort systems. Here are a few worth considering:  

• bowls, trays, or holders for your trinkets – keys, wallets, purses. Consider setting up separate ones for each category if that brings ease.   

• a command centre for the paper that comes in – mail, school slips, flyers. Having a small wastepaper basket, if space allows, can help prevent paper clutter from coming into the house. 

• a basket or a vase for umbrellas and sports gear that you use frequently. 

• hooks and hangers for your coats, jackets and scarfs. Don’t forget to leave a few extra hooks for your guests. 

• a shoe rack or trays to keep footwear that you use often. 

• a mirror for the last minute touch-ups before you leave home. 

The systems don’t need to be perfect. They just need to work for you! 

Sprucing It Up 

A landing strip isn’t just about functionality, it’s also about feeling. The entryway must feel inviting, not only for guests but also for yourself. Breathe a little of your home’s life into it. A family picture or a favourite poster for some charm and cheer; a potted plant or a flower vase to keep things fresh; a rug or other decorative pieces to lend a pop of colour.  

The 5 Minute Habit 

Once the landing strip is set up, it will only take five intentional minutes everyday to keep it flowing. 

Pause at the door and empty your hands before you rush in. Let each item you’ve brought back return to its home – the keys in the keyholder, the coat on the hook, the shoes back in the rack. Do a little sorting – toss wrappers, receipts or other tidbits into the bin, open an urgent mail. Reset the space – straighten the mat, adjust the trays, wipe down the surface, if need be.  

And you are done.   

Your home deserves to protect your peace. And an entryway that helps you leave the world and its demands at the front door could be the first big leap in that direction.  

Own your space!