Spring Cleaning 10 Minute Challenge: Entryway

Spring is upon us!  Can you say, phew!  It has been a rough winter and we all deserve some true Spring-like weather before we start complaining about how hot it is! 😉

I am excited to partner with Lisa Soma, Sioux Falls organizing expert and owner of Organizing by Lisa in providing a series of 10 minute Spring cleaning challenges.  A Spring cleaning challenge will be provided, to spend 10 minutes in the designated challenge area.  Together, we will provide some guidance, support and tips.  Maybe 10 minutes is all you need, or maybe 10 minutes will provide you a great start, where you can come back and truly transform your space.  Completely up to you!  Have fun with it!  And here we are on to our first challenge!

Challenge: Spend 10 minutes in your entryway

I know that I cannot be the only one with a busy household, that feels like they are tripping over boots and shoes, fallen snow pants and random toys in the entryway.  Need I mention the constant cleaning up of "boot mess". You know, those little wet puddles that somehow only your clean, dry socks find!

Here is the big decision.  Grab the kids to help or not?  If you can include the kids, it is always great to include them in tasks that match their abilities.  Picking up items, throwing away trash, rolling up rugs, hanging up bags, etc.  Why not put the kids to work to teach them the value of being a responsible member of the home and help make your 10 minutes go further!

How to Spend 10 Minutes:
*Clear out the Entryway
Remove all items from the entryway, creating a clear space to work.  This is a great task for the kids to help with!

*Trash/File/Donate
Remove any items that are no longer of use as you clear the space.  Throw away garbage, file or prepare to display the kid's artwork from school and any items you are looking to get rid of, place in a donation box.

*Shake Rugs
Take your rugs outside and give them a good shake. Find a dry spot to let them hang outdoors for some fresh air while you work.

*Quick Wipe of the Floor
Sweep and then do a quick wipe down of the floor. A wet rag or wet paper towel provide a great option for quick washing.  You can get on your knees to wash another time. 😃

*Put Items Away
Place items in their space, putting all items away.  Don't forget the rugs that are setting outside sucking in the fresh air.

*Additional Organizing
Make a list of items that may need some additional organizing and then make a plan to finish organizing the space.

Tips for Organizing:

Photo Credit: Organizing by Lisa

*Hooks
We added a set of hooks to the entryway to encourage our kids to hang up their coats, backpacks and lunch boxes.  This allows them to complete the task of putting these items away on their own, rather than tossed on the closest chair or even the floor.  They aren't always perfect at this task, but it gives them an easy way to help out! Organizing expert, Lisa Soma suggests that hooks are not only a great option for children but for adults as well, as many adults don't like using hangers.  I think we need to add a set of hooks in our home! 😉

*Drawers/Baskets
We added a simple plastic 3-drawer container inside our entryway closet for the kids to put their extra sets of gloves, scarves, shoes, sports water bottle, umbrellas, etc.  Each kiddo has their own drawer.  Another great option, suggested by Lisa Soma, is a basket or tote for each person in the family to collect these items.  She further suggests shelving is a great option for the entryway closet.  Simply measure out the space in the closet below hanging coats and add shelves to this bottom space to place extra items that do not below in the entryway.

*Boot Trays
Boot trays in our entryway help collect those little wet puddles from the shoes as they come in from the elements.  They also provide a specific space in the area for frequently worn shoes, rather than having them spread all throughout the entryway.

*Shoe Hooks
We recently installed hooks on the wall to collect extra shoes.  We have really found this helpful for the adult shoes, as we did not have a specific location for our extra shoes.

Photo credit: Organizing by Lisa

*Over the Door Shoe Organizer
Lisa recommends an over the door shoe organizer to work well for shoes, hats, gloves, etc. All the small pockets are great for storage.

*Storing the Extras
A great reminder from Lisa, store winter gear in totes once winter is over to create a nice clean space.

Donating Items:
If you are looking for ways to donate gently used items, you will find several Sioux Falls area local ideas in my article, Organizing the Kid's Room.

Selling Items:
Don't forget that the Just Between Friends sale is coming up May 4-5!  Click here for a few other ideas for selling your extra items.

Whether you just spent just the challenge time of 10 minutes or you found yourself diving in for longer in your entryway, you will be sure to see a difference!  Turn around and take a nice look and enjoy all that you have accomplished.  Amazing what even 10 minutes can do, isn't it!  Great job!

*Like the tips that organizing expert, Lisa Soma shared?  Be sure to follow her Facebook page, as she shares more organizing tips and provides encouragement to declutter.