Tame the Chaos: 9 Drop Zone Tips from Our Team
The drop zone – it’s arguably one of the most-used (and most-abused) spaces in the home. Located near your most common entrance, it catches everything from shoes and school bags to mystery crumbs and 14 unmatched socks. There’s never been a better time to take back control.
We asked our team of decluttering pros to spill their secrets. Here’s what they shared:
Location, location, location
Your drop zone should be near the door you use the most – garage, front or back. Don’t overthink it. If your kids barge in like a cyclone through the garage every day, that’s where the drop zone goes.
Contain the clutter
Use baskets, trays or tubs for each person. Bonus points for labelling them – and no, “stuff” is not a valid label.
Go vertical
Install hooks for bags, hats and coats. Wall space is often wasted real estate – give it a job and make it earn its keep.
A seat is not a luxury
A bench gives you somewhere to perch while wrestling on shoes. It also doubles as extra storage if it opens or has baskets underneath. Genius.
Corral the shoes
Use a shoe rack, tray or cubbies. Unless you love tripping over sneakers at 7am, this one’s essential.
Set up a charging station
Corral cords and chargers in one spot so no one “forgets” their phone again. Tech tidy = less morning chaos.
Use a family calendar or whiteboard
Keep schedules and notes here. Think of it as your family’s mission control. (Also one less excuse for forgetting school photo day.)
Keep it kid-friendly
Hooks at kid height, low baskets and a visual routine chart can help the little ones to use the space independently.
Regularly reset
Once a week, do a quick tidy up. Put rogue items back where they belong (no, the umbrella does not live on the floor).
