As the first thing you see when you approach your home and walk through the front door, a porch should feel calm and organised, setting the tone for a home you can return to and relax in at the end of the day.
However, as it's usually the place where we chaotically dump shoes, coats and bags, you might not think the words porch and organised belong in the same sentence. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever solutions that can help keep this space neat, tidy and functional.
To find out how to get your porch in tip-top shape, keep reading. We spoke to professional organisers to discover the products and storage solutions they swear by for creating an immaculate porch where everything has its place.
1. Shoe storage
No matter how big or small your porch is, shoe storage should be at the top of your priority list, says Kelly Moore, founder of Cleaning With Meaning. If space allows, we recommend choosing a storage bench which doubles as a seat, or investing in a mounted holder for airing out wellies (like this boot rack from Amazon).
While closed storage has the benefit of looking tidier, Heather Tingle, founder of Untangled by Tingle, says cabinet doors can sometimes become a barrier to putting things away and create a bottleneck at entrances. With that in mind, you may want to consider open storage instead.
Store shoes in style with these shopping picks
Our assistant editor, Sarah Harley, swears by this ottoman for keeping shoes and dog-walking essentials tidy. Measures 38x76x38cm.
Costing under £20, this budget-friendly rack offers easy access to shoes and boots, featuring three wooden tiers.
According to our editor Beth Murton, this affordable cabinet has been a "game changer for keeping shoes tidy" in her own home.
Kelly Moore is the Founder of Cleaning With Meaning, a Kent-based eco-cleaning business committed to delivering exceptional cleaning services without toxic chemicals or single-use plastics.
Heather Tingle is a professional organiser and decluttering expert based in Sheffield, member of APDO, founder of Untangled by Tingle and creator of the trademarked PAVES® System. Since 2017 she has worked with clients across the UK, specialising in supporting people who feel overwhelmed at home, particularly those that identify as neurodivergent.
2. A washable rug
No matter how often you ask people to take their shoes off before coming inside, there will always be a few who slip through the door in dusty shoes and track dirt across the carpet. That's why a washable rug and/or doormat is an absolute must.
"A washable indoor-outdoor runner rug is one of the best investments you can make," says Kelly Moore. "It catches dirt before it travels through the house and can be easily cleaned when needed."
Don't worry if your porch is awkwardly shaped – many rug companies, such as Ruggable, offer custom-made options to help you get the perfect size.
Washable rugs we love
This washable rug is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and features a pretty diamond print that helps mask stains.
This flat-woven rug is made-to-measure for the perfect fit and is kid- and pet-friendly.
If you're after something simple, this non-slip runner’s subtle design will blend into any porch.
3. A strong lighting design
There’s nothing worse than scrambling around trying to find your things (especially when you’re in a rush in the morning), so investing in good porch lighting is key. My porch features LED spotlights that offer the best visibility and brightness and sit flush to the wall.
For outside porches, you may want to install a wall lantern that doubles as a security feature, or place floor lights along steps to avoid any falls.
Lighting shopping picks
This rust-coloured wall light will add warmth and character to your front porch.
These adjustable spotlights are perfect for brightening a porch while adding an industrial touch.
4. A mail organiser and bin
I don't know about you, but I have an ever-growing stack of junk mail and leaflets piling up in my porch that I always forget to throw away. As a solution, Heather Tingle suggests buying a small paper recycling bin to keep by your door – something I'm definitely going to look into!
If family members are in at different times, you may also want to install a shelf or delivery organiser for parcels and letters to ensure that important mail doesn't get misplaced.
Shop these mail organisers
This wicker basket is perfect for storing letters or for use as a stylish recycling bin.
This handy letter box will stop mail from cluttering your porch.
5. Wall-mounted storage for coats and bags
"Wall-mounted hooks are another must-have," says Kelly Moore. "They free up floor space and make it easy for the whole family to develop good habits."
Whether it's a shelf lined with baskets of bags or a hooks for hanging coats, the best thing about wall-mounted storage is that it works well for the smallest of porches, as it doesn't take up too much room.
Shop wall-mounted storage
These stainless-steel hooks are dust-proof, rust-proof and can hold up to 30kg.
These dispensers will ensure you never forget to bring a carrier bag to the shops again. I love them!
Never lose your keys again with this wall-mounted rack made from sturdy metal.
With a few clever systems in place, you won’t have to run around tidying up your porch every couple of days – the right storage and design will do the hard work for you.
For more organisation tips, read how to organise a shed and how to organise a utility room.
