We all have that one closet that serves as our go-to station for the flurry of activity that inevitably happens as we rush out of the house. It’s where we store our shoes, coats, umbrellas, toys, cold weather accessories in the winter, and warm weather items in the summer.
It’s almost time to pull out the sunscreen, scooters, and blankets for days outside at the park. But, let’s face it, it can take just as much time to get out the door as it does to get settled at the park and enjoy actually being out and about. Especially with little ones in tow! You have to make sure you have all your necessities with you: sunscreen, snacks, water, toys, helmets, hand sanitizer, diaper bags, the list goes on.
Now, for a second, imagine if you had a stellar system in place and everything you needed was set up functionally and efficiently. How much more time would you get to spend outside enjoying the sun instead of preparing for it?
Well, here are a few tips on how to convert your entryway closet into a well-organized grab-and-go stop for all your summer activities!
First of all, WHY should you give this multipurpose closet a revamp?
In NYC, space is at a premium with limited access to garages or mudrooms. As warm weather approaches, seasonal items like puffer coats and snow boots take up valuable space in closets. By clearing out these bulky items, you can create room for summer essentials and activities. Reorganizing your closet will maximize your limited prime real estate for easy access to items needed in sunny weather. I promise it'll be worth it!
Don’t know where to hide those out-of-season items?
Getting those bulky items out of prime real estate zones can be easier than you think!
Find a lesser-used closet to store these off-season items, such as a guest room or office closet. We suggest using space bags to store coats and accessories in the most efficient way possible. Either place them up high in a closet or under a bed if you don’t have additional closet space to spare.
If you have off-site storage, toss those out-of-season items onto a covered rolling rack or in weathertight bins and send them to a storage unit until you need them. This will get those coats, accessories, and other winter-weather extras out of the way, allowing you to utilize all the spaces in your home most effectively.
There are a few practices we organizers swear by! Here are a few hot tips for ya ;)
Get things off the floor! Adding hooks to doors and walls can maximize vertical space and keep items easily accessible.
Utilize labeled bins and baskets to contain various items, making it simpler to find what you need.
Consider creating an “out the door” bin stocked with essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and other on-the-go items for convenience.
Create zones within the closet to help maintain order and efficiency. Keep outdoor toys together, store picnic blankets and utensils in one designated area, and allocate space for dog walking supplies. Ensuring everything has a “home” makes it easy to maintain a tidy and functional multi-purpose closet.
Let’s Talk Product!
If you’re looking to take your entry closet to a new level, there are a handful of products we swear by that will help this space become as functional (and aesthetically pleasing) as possible:
Using Command Hooks to maximize vertical areas can be a huge space-saver. Hang bike helmets, bags, and other gear to clear off floor space. Utilize Broom Holders for bats, rackets, and hockey sticks. You can even use 3M cord bundlers to hold things in place if you’re worried about items damaging your door or walls.
Plastic storage bins with handles are a favorite of ours. They are light, durable, and affordable. A very kid-friendly option that comes in different sizes, these bins are perfect for small grab-and-go items or larger blankets and outdoor activities. They come in a variety of colors and can easily elevate your space!
A Round barrel is an easy way to store unruly balls and larger gadgets that don’t otherwise fit into a bin or basket. These are the items that would otherwise clutter up your floor space. Using a barrel to contain things will help keep your space from feeling chaotic and overwhelmed.
Elfa over-the-door organizer systems are one of THE BEST ways to efficiently use the existing and otherwise overlooked spaces in your home. These systems are highly customizable and can be used for anything from sunscreen to pet supplies. They’re fantastic for creating a grab-and-go zone for you to stop by before leaving for your next activity.
Sage Wisdom: If an Elfa system isn’t quite in your budget, use an over-the-door shoe organizer instead! These are durable, versatile, and can serve the same purpose as an Elfa organizer at a much cheaper price point
Extra tip: Place 3M strips on the back of the organizer and adhere it to the door so that it doesn't swing! It’s like having a built-in, without paying the price for one. I’m so here for that! ;)
Reorganizing this multipurpose closet is a must-do before school is out and summer begins! Make space for the new activities and adventures that are just around the corner. Summer is all about enjoying yourself, having fun, and spending time outside so utilize these tips to make it easy on yourself to get out the door and on with your day!