Hosting guests is always a delight, but the little details—like making sure your coat closet is ready for use—can make a big difference in how welcoming your home feels. After all, when people arrive at your doorstep, the first impression isn’t just the entryway but often the space where they hang their coats, scarves, and bags. A well-organized coat closet makes guests feel welcome. So, how do you prepare your coat closet for the influx of outerwear that’s coming into your home? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you there.
1) Declutter the Space
Before you can organize or beautify your coat closet, it’s time to take a good, hard look at what’s in there. If your closet is overflowing with jackets, scarves, hats, and other miscellaneous items, now’s the time to declutter.
- Sort through the coats: Remove anything that doesn’t fit, or you no longer wear or need. Donate or sell jackets that are in good condition but have outlasted their usefulness in your wardrobe.
- Clear out seasonal items: When preparing for fall and winter guests, make sure the closet isn’t full of sandals, beach bags, and sunscreen. Swap out seasonal gear to ensure there’s space for guests’ coats.
- Consider removing your own jackets: Entertaining over the holiday’s tends to be a matter of a few days to a week or so. Temporarily removing your family’s outerwear can significantly increase storage space for your guests.
2) Maximize Hanging Space
Now that the clutter is gone, it’s time to ensure your coat closet has enough hanging space for your guests’ outerwear. If the closet doesn’t already have a coat rack or hooks, this is a good opportunity to add them.
- Use slimline hangers: Invest in thin, non-slip hangers to maximize the space for hanging coats. These can make a surprisingly big difference in how much room is available.
- Add extra hooks: Hooks or pegs on the inside of the closet door or along the wall are great for guests who need a place to hang scarves, hats, or bags.
- Use over-the-door hangers: If you have limited hanging space, consider an over-the-door hook rack. These racks are perfect for when you need to create space for a larger group of guests and still want to keep things tidy. When not in use, place it in the corner of the closet so it can easily be found for your next entertaining function.
3) Ensure Sufficient Shoe Storage
If your home has a “no shoes indoors” policy, make sure there’s a designated spot for shoes in the coat closet.
- Shoe racks or trays: A simple shoe rack or a few trays can keep footwear in order. If you don’t have a lot of floor space, consider over-the-door shoe organizers.
4) Offer Extra Accessories
When guests come over, they might not have everything they need to stay warm or comfortable, especially if the weather catches them by surprise. Consider keeping a few extra items in the coat closet to show them that you’re prepared.
- Spare scarves, gloves, or hats: Having a couple of extra scarves or pairs of gloves on hand can make your guests feel extra welcome. You don’t need to buy expensive items—just some basic, inexpensive pieces will do the trick.
- Umbrellas: For rainy or snowy days, keep a couple of extra umbrellas in the coat closet. These can be especially helpful when you’re hosting out-of-town visitors who may not have planned for unexpected weather.
5) Freshen Up the Closet
When guests come over, they’re likely to spend a bit of time in the coat closet, even if only for a few moments. Make sure the space is fresh and inviting.
- Cleanliness matters: Sweep or vacuum the floor, dust any shelves or hangers, and wipe down surfaces. A clean closet will make a big difference when guests are hanging up their coats.
- Add a pleasant scent: Consider placing a subtle air freshener or a sachet of lavender in the closet. You want the space to feel fresh and welcoming. Just avoid overpowering scents—nothing too strong or artificial.
- Consider lighting: If your coat closet is a little dark, adding a small light or even a battery-operated motion sensor light can make the space more functional and inviting.
A Welcoming First Impression
Preparing your coat closet for guests is one of those often-overlooked tasks that can leave a lasting impression. With a little decluttering, a few thoughtful organizational tweaks, and a touch of hospitality, your entryway will not only look great, but it’ll also function seamlessly. After all, a well-organized coat closet is just one more way to make your guests feel right at home. So, take the time to spruce up this space, and you’ll be all set for your next gathering—whether it’s an impromptu get-together or a carefully planned celebration.
Considering a coat closet overhaul? Call Victory Closets. We can instantly expand your storage space and give it a polished look that will impress any guest that walks into your home!
