Practical things kept near the front door

Soles meant for wood floors or driveways

Footwear separates by where you walk. A plush chenille slipper has a soft sole that stays quiet on wood floors and keeps feet warm indoors, but wet concrete will ruin it fast. An open toe edema slipper adjusts over swollen feet and stays inside the bedroom or hall. When you need to step outside to fetch the morning paper from the damp driveway, a pair of clogs with a sturdy sole handles the trip without soaking through the bottom.

Canopies that show the pavement ahead

A flat umbrella catches the breeze from underneath and flips inside out when a gust comes down the street. A clear dome umbrella drops down over the shoulders instead, holding its curve against the wind. Because the canopy is clear plastic on metal ribs, you can pull it low against driving rain and still watch the curb you are stepping off. For quick dashes to the car, a clear rain hat of nylon and netting folds flat in a pocket.

Bags that wash and pouches for glasses

Most houses have two pairs of glasses and spend half the morning hunting for one of them. A quilted double eyeglass pouch holds two pairs side by side so the readers and the wrap around sunglasses stay together on the hall table. When everyday bags collect dirt from floorboards and counters, a machine washable shoulder handbag goes into the washing machine instead of needing careful sponge cleaning, while a dual clasp leather coin purse separates small change inside.