Write the closet's job list first
Front closets become catch-alls for vacuums, wrapping paper and things no one wants to decide on. Before you reorganize, decide the three to five things this closet is for.
A typical list: current-season outerwear, guest coats, everyday bags, a small shoe area and dog-walk supplies. Anything outside that list needs a better home, such as a utility closet for the vacuum or a gift-wrap station for paper and bows.
Use each part of the closet for one kind of item
An entry closet has four distinct storage areas, and each works best for different things. Treat them separately and the closet fits more without feeling crowded.
Matching slim hangers save several inches of rod space and look tidy when guests open the door. Put kids' items on a lower rod or hooks if there is room.
| Area | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Upper shelf | Hats, gloves, sunglasses, reusable bags | Labeled bins so items don't topple |
| Rod | Coats and jackets for the current season | Leave three or four empty hangers for guests |
| Floor | Two pairs of shoes per person, umbrella | A boot tray or a low two-tier rack |
| Door back | Leashes, totes, a lint roller | Over-door rack with pockets or hooks |
Step by step
- Empty it
Take everything out, including what's on the floor and the door.
- Check the job list
Keep only items that match the closet's jobs and relocate the rest.
- Edit coats
Keep current-season outerwear here and store heavy coats elsewhere.
- Load by zone
Shelf bins up top, coats on matching hangers, shoes on a tray, small items on the door.
- Leave room for guests
Reserve a few empty hangers and some shelf space.
Plan for Las Vegas weather
Valley winters are mild, with chilly mornings and evenings, so most households need a light jacket and one warmer coat per person rather than a closet full of parkas. That frees space on the rod for the rest of the year.
Store true winter gear, such as heavy coats and snow clothes for mountain trips, in a bedroom closet or a labeled bin on a high shelf. Our guide to storing winter clothes in a hot climate covers how to keep wool and down in good shape through summer.
Keep the floor clear and dust down
A clear floor makes a closet feel larger and stops shoes from piling. Limit shoes at the entry and move extras to bedroom closets.
Fine dust drifts into entry closets whenever the front door opens. A lidded bin for seasonal accessories and a washable mat on the closet floor make cleaning quick.
Small closet, big household: tips that help
When the front closet is tiny, choose by priority: guests and the current season. Daily-use items like backpacks are better on hooks in a drop zone near the garage door, which our mudroom organization guide explains.
Add a second rod if the closet is tall enough, or a shelf above the existing one for rarely used items. Bring in a handyman for heavy mounting work.
