If you’re guilty of throwing your shoes in a heap in the hallway or at the bottom of the wardrobe, it’s time to get organised. Not storing your shoes correctly can damage them, meaning they won’t last as long as they should – and it can also make it impossible to find that one pair that you’re sure was at the bottom of the pile…
Read on to find a shoe storage solution that best suits your living space and shoe collection, plus our top tips on how to protect your shoes from damage.
Shoe racks
Shoe racks are ideal for storing shoes that you wear often and they are usually easy to assemble. Depending on how many shoes you have, you can choose a shoe rack with three, four or even five shelves. Put your shoe rack in a convenient place, such as a hallway or porch, and make sure it’s not in direct sunlight, since this could damage your shoes.
Shoe boxes
It’s a good idea to keep the boxes your shoes originally came in, since you can use them for storage. Shoe boxes will protect your shoes from dust and sun damage and they are easy to stack on top of each other. Using the original boxes should also make it easy for you to identify which shoes are in each box.
Plastic boxes
Plastic boxes are a great option for shoe storage and organisation. We recommend using a clear box for each pair of shoes, so that you can easily see what’s inside. Make sure your shoes are clean and dry before putting them in boxes, since moisture or dirt can cause mould to develop.
Shoe trees
Shoe trees replicate the shape of a foot and can be placed inside shoes to help them maintain their shape. They are usually made of wood or plastic and they are a great way to prevent creases and stop moisture from building in your shoes. Make sure you use a shoe tree of the correct size, since you don’t want to stretch your shoes out of shape.
Tips for storing shoes
Storing your shoes correctly will increase their lifespan and keep them in great condition. Here are a few of our top tips for shoe storage:
Temperature control
Extreme temperatures can cause leather to crack or warp, glues to loosen and fabrics to weaken. Keeping your shoes in direct sunlight can also cause the colour to fade. To protect your shoes from damage, keep them in a cool and dark (but not damp!) place that doesn’t get very hot or cold.
Moisture control
If you store your shoes somewhere that is damp, moisture is likely to damage them. Shoes can become mouldy, leaving them unwearable. Make sure you store your shoes in a dry place and consider adding silica gel packets to shoe boxes to soak up any moisture.
Acid-free paper
If you are not going to be wearing a pair of shoes for a while, we recommend stuffing them with acid-free paper before storing them. This will help to maintain the shape of the shoe, while absorbing any moisture. We don’t recommend using newspaper, as it isn’t as absorbent and the ink may leave marks on the shoes.
How to store shoes in a small space
Storage can be more challenging in smaller spaces, but there are lots of creative solutions to experiment with. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Buy a shoe organiser that fits under the bed to maximise your storage potential. You could also store shoes in plastic boxes or shoeboxes under the bed.
- A wall-mounted cabinet is also ideal for shoe storage, and will free up floor space in a small room.
- A multi-functional shoe rack is a great idea for a narrow hallway or a small room. Some double as benches, whereas others have extra space on top for you to keep bags, keys and other everyday items.
How to store shoes in a wardrobe or cupboard
If you want to store shoes in a cupboard or wardrobe, check out our advice below:
- Hanging shoe organisers which have a compartment for each pair of shoes can be attached to your wardrobe rail quickly and easily.
- Alternatively, over-the-door hanging shoe racks are a great option for a cupboard.
- If you have some vertical space, stack your shoes in shoe boxes or plastic boxes.
Hopefully you’re now feeling motivated to sort out your shoe storage, once and for all! Need some help with decluttering or furniture assembly? Find a Tasker near you today.
