Do you have an established drop zone in your home?  It’s one of those quasi-tidy spaces, generally near the front door, that seems to magically be able to take on everything that is dropped there, from shoes and keys to coats and purses.  Those of you with children in school already know the importance of a drop zone, in-house but they are so handy for anyone.  Because if you don’t have one that you have created, one will generally be created for you – a chaotic mess where everything gets left and nothing ever gets put away.  Here are a few tips to turn the chaos into chic functionality:

Tip 1: Select your Space

A drop space is only useful if it is conveniently located.  Adjacent to the front door is a logical spot, but you may also designate drop zones at the bottom of the stairs, in particular rooms, or even in the garage.  Think about how you and your family members enter your home, and what they are generally carrying.  This will help select a space, which may be a closet, a convenient corner, or even the wall space for hooks and shelving.  PRO TIP: As you think about items that are carried in (backpacks, coats, etc) get general measurements of those items.  That will make it easier to decide how much space your drop zone in-house will require.

Tip 2: If you Can’t Beat Them, Join Them

Chances are good, you already HAVE drop zones (however disorganized they may be).  Change is hard for some people, so creating your drop zone where things are already being dropped can be half the battle.  (Although perhaps your family members are more trainable than some, you fortunate soul!)  Just look for ways to make the space more functional as opposed to looking for a whole new space that your family may be reluctant to use.  PRO TIP: Although those complete systems where everything has a place in one unit look awesome in magazines, they may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.  Don’t be afraid to break it up – coat hooks in one area, shoes in another, pretty bowl nearby for keys.  No matter how organized, it won’t work if your family doesn’t use it.

Tip 3: Organize It

Once you have chosen your area(s), now comes the fun part!  There are so many choices for organizing a functional drop zone, from pre-made units to DIY closet systems.  You can make them as elaborate or as simple as you like, based on what works for your home, family, and lifestyle.  Some of my favorites are the vintage hall-tree style, where you can have cubbies above, hooks in the middle, and a bench for sitting over the top of shoe storage.  They are easy to DIY, too – wall hooks, hanging cubby shelves, and a standard bench.  PRO TIP: If you have an appropriate nook (or closet with the doors removed!) you can give the flavor of a built-in.  Just fill out your system with extra molding to cover any gaps.  There are loads of online inspiration ideas, too!

BONUS TIP:  I’m not really sure the psychological reasons, but statistically your drop zone will see significantly more use if it is open and not hidden behind closet doors (sad, but true).  So don’t overlook pretty boxes and bins to keep as organized and attractive as possible.   This helps corral everything from pet supplies to gloves, without everything looking too messy.