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6 Expert Tips for Creating a Neat and Efficient Drop Zone in Your House

entryway drop zone

Design by Priscilla Frost / Styled by Emily Henderson / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

We all have that one spot in our house that tends to accumulate random clutter every single day. Normally, that’s the spot near the front door—but really anywhere can become a dumping ground, including the garage, kitchen drawer (aka the junk drawer), dining table, and living room sofa. 

If your current drop-spot looks like the aftermath of a tornado, it may be time to do some re-organizing and pick up some new household habits.

If you don’t have an “official” drop zone in your house, this is your cue to make one. You can thank us later when your daily routine becomes more streamlined than ever.

Follow these six golden rules from professional organizers to create the ultimate drop zone and keep the space in tip-top order.

What Is a Drop Zone

A drop zone is basically wherever you “drop” incoming items—think: mail, packages, dirty shoes—and store on-the-go essentials like your keys, coat, and dog leashes.

Consider it a catch-all for those odds and ends that you don’t want to keep elsewhere, whether because you want these items to be readily accessible or because you have nowhere else to stash them.

How To Create a Drop Zone That Works for You

Believe it or not, having a designated drop zone comes with its benefits. One: there’s the perk of having all your daily items in one easy-to-access place, saving you time and stress headaches when you’re rushing out the door. And two: it reduces the spread of clutter in other areas of the home. 

The catch is that a drop zone can quickly go from useful to chaotic without a proper organizational system in place. Before you know it, your keys are lost in a pile of mail and you’re tripping over backpacks on the floor. 

Here’s what you should do:

vertical shelf with storage baskets

@afreshspace / Instagram

Invest in Storage Solutions That Maximize the Space

For Jamilah Lang, the face behind Style and Order, the first step to creating a highly functional and clutter-free drop zone is to choose storage options that cater to your specific needs.

“Wall-mounted shelves, cubbies, cabinets, or even a stylish storage bench can all be effective,” she says.

This may also mean adding a narrow console with drawers in the entryway to store frequently used items, while large woven baskets hold backpacks and conceal shoes.

Group Items by Their Intended Purpose

No matter how many storage solutions you have, it’s practically impossible to maintain a tidy drop zone if everyone’s just going to dump their stuff haphazardly.

Aaron Christensen, the resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow, tackles this dilemma by planning different sections for “items you bring in” (e.g. lunch boxes), “items you must remember to take out” (e.g.mail to post), and “items to deal with” (e.g. bills to pay).

This organizational hack reduces the chance of a messy drop zone panic of looking for your keys, he assures.

Or, Give Every Member of the Household Their Own Box

Another great hack is to give each family member their own box, basket, or tray.

“That way, when they come through the door, they can just drop all their belongings in one place without having to think,” explains Laura Price, the owner of The Home Organisation.

Go ahead and label each container so everyone will have to take ownership of their belongings and do their part to keep their box tidy.

White entryway with staircase near window with gray bench and hooks with bags hanging

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Work Your Walls With Hooks and Racks

This organizing technique is pretty self-explanatory: “Install hooks for coats, bags, and hats at varying heights to accommodate different family members,” Lang says.

Not only are they invaluable and inexpensive tools for maintaining order in your drop, but they also save floor space—a win-win! 

Another wall accessory that Lang swears by is a key rack. Hang one by the entry or in the kitchen and you’ll never waste time searching for misplaced keys again.

Make It Pretty, but Clever

Christensen said it best, “You want to want to use it”.

And what better way to encourage everyone to actually use the drop zone than by giving it some clever personality? 

He suggests putting in lighting that’s equal parts functional and beautiful.

“This way, if you’re coming home late, things don’t get dumped in a pile for ‘tomorrow morning’ when you’re in a rush,” he shares. 

Lang also agrees that every drop zone needs a touch of styling.

“Using a pretty decorative bowl can double as art and it’s a stylish way to create a key drop zone,” Lang says.

“In an entryway, incorporating a mirror serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It provides a last-minute check before heading out and also reflects light—making the space feel brighter and more open.”

Modern Mudroom Ideas

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Establish a Weekly Drop Zone Reset

“It’s great having storage near your entryway to drop off items as you come through the door, but it’s easy for the area to become overcrowded and cluttered when the whole household is using it as a daily drop zone,” says Price.

Her tip: have a once-a-week cleanup where you return clothes, shoes, and accessories back to their original homes so the area is as clear as possible for the upcoming week.

Along the same vein as putting away items that have accumulated, dedicate a few minutes each week to wipe down surfaces and ensure hooks and racks are clear for easy use, Lang adds.