Organizing the entryway for the winter-to-spring transition

Step 1: Empty it out

Before reorganizing anything, it's important to first empty out everything that's taking up space in the entryway: shoes, coats, bags, orphan hats, mismatched mittens, broken umbrellas and even mysterious objects whose existence you had completely forgotten!

Once the space is empty, sort everything into three categories:

• Keep in the entryway: what will be used daily over the next few weeks (light jackets, sports shoes, rain boots)
• Store until fall: winter coats, snow boots, snowsuits, hats and mittens in good condition (find our article to help you with the sorting here!)
• Donate or toss: everything that's worn out, too small, broken or that has been lying around there for no reason since November

Step 2: Store the winter clothes

Before putting the winter clothes into boxes until next fall, first take the time to prepare them properly:

• Wash everything that will be stored.
• Repair whatever can be repaired.
• Label the boxes or bins clearly.
• Jot down on a piece of paper taped inside the bin what will need to be replaced or bought in the fall.
• Store everything in an accessible spot.

Step 3: Reorganize the entryway

Once the winter storage is taken care of, it's time for spring organization! Here is what your entryway needs to work well during the transition:

• A spot for light coats and raincoats, ideally with a hook for each family member
• A suitable shoe bin, ideally one for each type of footwear (rain boots, sneakers, sports shoes, etc.)
• A corner set aside for umbrellas
• A bin for transition items: light mittens and hats, neck warmers for the still-chilly mornings
• A space for sports equipment (if you don't have a garage or shed for this purpose): bikes, skateboards, balls of all sizes

Getting the whole family involved

An organized entryway only stays that way if every family member actually helps maintain it. Here are a few strategies to apply to make it work:

• Assign each child a hook or space marked with a color or a pictogram
• Post a visual list of the personal belongings to bring along and bring back each day
• Install the hooks at the right height so kids can put their things away on their own
• Set aside 5 minutes every day to tidy the entryway
  
• Do a quick mini-sort every Friday to prevent unwanted items from piling up

A well-organized entryway means mornings that start off on the right foot, less stress and a home that breathes easier the moment you walk through the door. And that is well worth the effort!