I think entryway organization is the key to less hectic mornings. If you can know, without a doubt, that the everyday things you need are right by the door, you can save the scrambling and just stroll out. That being said, we apartment dwellers, usually don’t get a defined entry space to create a command center. In fact, in the three apartments I’ve lived in, you open the front door and you’re right in the living room. So, for a long time, it’s been a struggle to actually define and organize a command center. But finally we’ve tackled it. With the help of our super cool multi-level IKEA IVAR bookcase, we’ve made ourselves a mighty fine command center for not a lot of dough.
First, we defined the functions of the space. What did we need to organize? It came down to mail (incoming and outgoing), organizing actions items like bills and events to add to our shared calendar, and a place to stow the everyday essentials we can’t leave the house without (keys, wallets, sunglasses, etc.)
The last time we were at IKEA, we decided to swing by the Container Store to look for solutions that wouldn’t be super expensive. I know you’re probably shouting that The Container Store isn’t necessarily known for it’s outstanding value, but if you’re looking for organizing ideas that’s definitely the place to go.
We ended up purchasing this Magnetic Bulletin Board Strip by Umbra! At about $17.00 it was pretty inexpensive and the size was perfect for filling the space underneath our clock. Here we pin up return receipts, pending bills, and other action items. Positioning them right by the door, means we see them several times a day and it’s harder to miss deadlines. Plus, the smaller board makes us prioritize the space. Once the board starts getting kind of crowded, it’s time to take a few minutes and go through everything up there. What can be done right now and removed?
Since our cute little bulletin board is also magnetic, we purchased a tiny magnetic ‘cup’ to put extra thumbtacks and a note pad in case we need to leave notes to each other.
Two thumb tacks placed near the bottom serve as inconspicuous key hooks.
We also snagged this green Stockholm Letter Sorter. It was even on sale for about 40% off so we paid $6.00 instead of $10.00. We use this to store envelopes, stamps, and our checkbooks for bills. In the back compartment, I keep any birthday/holiday cards that are waiting to go out. This way, it’s easy to grab them on the way to the mail box and they’re more likely to go out on time!
I also found this tiny square wooden tray at a thrift shop for $0.50! It’s the perfect size to wrangle our sunglasses and Josh’s wallet. Right now, it kind of blends into the bookcase, but I’d like to do a little paint makeover soon to help it pop.
And with that, we created our very own command center from thin air for less than $25.00! It sits on our bookcase right beside the door making it easy access for those early early mornings.
How do you organize your entryway? Do you have a command center of sorts? Any tips from other apartment dwellers out there? Share below!