Why You Should Leave Your Shoes at the Door
Do you leave your shoes at the door when you enter? Maybe you know someone who does.
“Asian households have always traditionally taken their shoes off before entering their living spaces, but that custom never quite caught on in most American dwellings. In fact, some guests may find it rude or uncomfortable when they’re asked to take off their shoes. (Case in point: the plastic booties some real estate agents hand out before showing an open house.)”
There are incredible benefits to the practice of removing your shoes when you enter your home. You will reduce the amount of dust and dirt that you bring into the home. Your house will be cleaner!
Another benefit will be that your shoes now have a home. They won’t get lost under the couch, therefore keeping the clutter down inside the home. Doing this can save you time too because you won’t be hunting throughout your house looking for them when it’s time to leave for work, school, or anything else.
But the biggest benefit can be all in your mind. This simple act can create a sense of sanctuary within your home. It’s almost magical.
Have a storage area at the door for your shoes, so you don’t create a chaotic situation by having them scattered as you enter. The Container Store offers many different storage options. If you are looking for more creative alternatives to store your shoes, I found this great source of 19 She Storage Ideas to Keep Your Entryway Tidy at Happy DIY Home. Keep a pair of slippers to change into, if that would make you more comfortable.
Take this one step to create a welcoming feeling at your door.
Subscribe by email
Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Janet Schiesl
Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.
She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.
Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
Janet Schiesl
Janet has been organizing since 2005. She is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Basic Organization.
She loves using her background as a space planner to challenge her clients to look at their space differently. She leads the team in large projects and works one-on-one with clients to help the process move quickly and comfortably. Call her crazy, but she loves to work with paper, to purge what is not needed and to create filing systems that work for each individual client.
Janet is a Past Board Member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and a Past President of the Washington DC Chapter of NAPO were she has been named Organizer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
I have to laugh. I went to my cousin’s house yesterday for a memorial celebration for my Aunt Ruthy. It was a rainy day. All of the guests were asked to enter through the side door (into the mudroom) and remove their shoes. I’m SURE that they didn’t want several dozen people tracking in mud and rain into their house.
The mudroom was dark. No lights were on. So when it came time to leave, it took me a moment to find my shoes. My sister and I started laughing because she had the same problem too and accidentally put on my shoes, only to realize that something wasn’t quite right.
I agree that shoe removal is a great way to keep the house clean. Not all guests like leaving their shoes at the front. So for those instances, it can be a nice thing to have some slippers or socks that people can wear if they choose.
Linda. We take our shoes off at the door, but don’t ask guests to do the same. I can understand why you were asked to do so, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking. For me, leaving your shoes at the door is more about clutter.
I like Linda’s suggestion to offer guests slippers or socks to wear. I bring them along if I know the house is likely to be cold but I don’t always think of it.
Janet, I should keep socks in my car. That’s a great idea. My feet are always cold. I don’t like to be in stocking feet or using the shoe covers when working though. I had an employee fall down a flight of stairs once when she had stocking feet. Don’t want to do that again!
Scary! I never thought of leaving socks in the car. They’d get really cold in the winter!
I know this is a custom in many cultures, as well as for many families. I do tend to remove and leave my most commonly worn shoes in my mudroom. Dress shoes, such as those I wear to church, I don’t leave downstairs. I remove those and take them right up to my closet. Having those “daily” shoes at the door is a huge time (and mess) saver for sure!
It’s so true, less dirt for sure. My boys always take their shoes off but, where to put them is the problem. My entryway is so small, I need a system!!
Suzanne, you can find lots of ideas on Pinterest. My advice is make it simple. The fewer steps the more likely your boys will do it.
Seana, I agree. Having a home near the door for you daily shoes is a great for clutter control.
I SO wish I could get everyone on board with this idea. When we lived in Santa Fe, NM years ago, it was always customary to leave shoes at the door when visiting guests, and I hoped that the custom would follow us wherever we lived. Alas. The shoes in our house usually come off – just not always at the door! A great reason to share this post. 😉
Thanks Sara. You can always try.