Say Goodbye To Cluttered Entryways With A $4 Find From IKEA

Entryways just have a way of getting cluttered. They're a weird in-between spot in the home where people come in and out, never really settling down. That's where we fill our pockets on the way out and empty them out on our way in. And without a well-designed system for clutter management, they often end up looking like a mess. But making your entryway more functional and aesthetically pleasing doesn't have to mean installing a new entryway shelf or cabinets. You can do it with a simple $4 find from IKEA.

The FODERTRÅG organizer is a brilliant little plastic organizer that can be attached to the wall with two screws. While it can be used anywhere in the home, it's absolutely perfect as an entryway clutter organizer. It's 7 inches deep and about 10 inches wide, so it works for small stuff like keys and wallets, but can also hold bulkier items like the book you're reading on the subway, mail, and tiny packages, or over-the-head headphones. Plus, it comes in three colors to match your interior: blue, light gray, and yellow. It's designed with a slanted opening, which allows you to stack several on top of each other and still easily access what's inside.

The benefit of this type of product is its versatility. You can use just one, stack a few on top of each other, or attach them side by side on the wall. You can start small with just one or two, and if you feel like you need more to keep your entryway clean and organized, add them later. 

There are tons of ways to make this wall organizer work for you and your home. For example, you can write the names of different household members on the plastic with a Sharpie or a label maker. Then, each person can have their own box by the door to store essentials. For example, parents might enjoy keeping their car keys and wallet separate from their kids' toys and gadgets, instead of everything turning into one pile of clutter by the door. Roommates can also take this approach, and even use it to split mail, dropping different envelopes in each person's box as they walk in.

You can also split these boxes by item type. For example, dedicate one bin to electrical stuff, such as chargers and power banks. Having a dedicated spot for such items is a much-needed upgrade from scattering them across the entryway table, the easy solution used in many households. Dedicate another one to dog stuff (poop bags, treats) and another one to sunglasses. 

And, if you're the type of person who's always checking their hair and makeup at the last moment before stepping out, turn one of these bins into an entryway beauty station. Leave a hairbrush, some makeup, and sunscreen in the bin, and pair it with a wall-attached mirror. Now, you'll never have to run back to your bathroom mirror with your shoes on and car keys in hand while sending that "on my way!" text.