What about setting something up in the garage?

In your case, with this layout, it definitely needs to be in garage

I think I would have a nice coat closet built with a finished back to use for the stuff you need and as a divider at that entry from the LR

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Grew up in Chicago in the 1950's with only an unheated enclosed porch. Everyday boots & coats (snow / wet) were left on the porch, then we donned our house slippers. Books etc. were taken directly to our rooms. Yes, the boots and coats were "cold" in the morning. Seldom is there a perfect solution, IMO the garage is your answer.

Thanks all.

On the garage comments, we only have 32" clearance around a car. Do you think there would still be enough room to walk and still tuck something in?

Yes, you have room. You can put up peg board or slatwall on the wall and the appropriate hooks for coats. If you want to store boots etc, then add cabinetry to the wall high enough that it clears the hood of your vehicle :) The advantage of using the slat wall design is you can change it as your needs change.

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Nobody is leaving backpacks or boots in an unconnected garage, so I'd forget that advice.

Put a big water-hog mat inside the sliding doors (larger than a runner but longer than a door mat) to contain the entry mess, and combine with a longer bench with boot tray underneath. Coats should continue on to the closet -- even backs of dining room chairs is no worse than hooks right there, where they clutter the living room visually. Bookbags are trickier: if they use them for homework, then they should go toward the bedroom hall or stairs; if they're more about carrying lunch and short-term papers, then you may have to live with them ending up around the bench, or you could set up a series of hooks by the coat closet, so that part becomes a one-two habit.

The garage is attached to the kitchen. You can see the kitchen through the door.

Try a storage bench on the wall in photo #2 for shoes. Put hooks above it for coats. Get or DIY some hooks that go over the straight stair railing to hang laptop, bags, ets.

Sadly, most tract homes have woefully undersized garages. I see an attractive "yard shed" in your future come Spring.

AMC, did you look at the picture...........its connected.....geez and rice.

I think its your best bet, the peg board and put some open shelving where the brooms are.