Let’s set the scene: it’s raining, you’re juggling groceries, and you open the door—only to be met with a sad, chaotic entryway closet that hasn’t seen daylight (or organization) since 2019. Yeah, that was me last winter.
I used to think my entryway closet was too small to be useful. Spoiler: I was wrong. After way too many trips to The Container Store (and a few Pinterest fails), I found setups that actually work in tight spaces—and I haven’t tripped over a rogue boot since.
Here’s how to make that tiny closet pull its weight.
1.Add a Second Rod
Double up that hanging space! One for coats, one for shorter stuff like jackets or umbrellas. Tension rods = your best friend.
2. Use Over-the-Door Organizers
Think beyond shoes. I use mine for scarves, hats, gloves—even extra dog leashes. It’s like extra shelving without the shelf.
3. Slim Shoe Drawers
Skip the big shoe rack. Slim pull-out drawers or stackable bins give you vertical shoe storage without hogging floor space.
4. Hanging Baskets for Small Stuff
I hung wire baskets from hooks for keys, masks, and even mail. Keeps the chaos off the floor and out of sight.
5. Install Hooks (Everywhere)
Hooks on the side walls. Hooks on the inside of the door. Hooks below the shelf. Basically, if it can hold a bag, it gets a hook.
6. Use Clear Bins Up High
Top shelves usually turn into the land of forgotten things. Clear bins keep everything visible and grouped (I labeled mine: “Winter,” “Pet Stuff,” “Random Crap”).
7. Add a Slim Rolling Cart
If your closet has even a sliver of floor space, a narrow rolling cart = MVP. I stash extra shoes, cleaning wipes, and reusable totes.
8. Wall-Mounted Shoe Rack
A vertical shoe rack screwed into the inside wall = space-saving sorcery. Plus it keeps dirty soles off the closet floor.
9. Rotate Seasonally
I keep only current-season stuff in there. Winter coats in winter, rain jackets in spring. Off-season gear goes in bins up top or under the bed.
10. Label Everything
I know, it sounds extra. But labeling bins and baskets keeps things from becoming a junk abyss. Even a Sharpie on masking tape works.
11. Use a Lazy Susan (Yep, in the Closet)
A turntable on the shelf holds sunscreen, bug spray, lint rollers—all the tiny “what do I do with this” items. No more digging.
12. Add a Tiny Light
No light in there? Same. I stuck a battery-powered LED puck light on the ceiling and instantly upgraded my entire vibe.
13. Store Shoes Sideways
Game changer. Turn your shoes heel-to-toe and line them up sideways. It’s weirdly satisfying and saves so much space.
14. Use Tension Rods as Dividers
I added tension rods vertically to split the closet into “his & hers” zones. You could also use them horizontally for hanging scarves or spray bottles.
15. Hang a Bag Organizer
One of those hanging purse organizers meant for closets? Surprisingly useful in an entry closet. I stash canvas totes, crossbodies, and even reusable grocery bags.