Sort your shoes into simple categories—everyday wear (sneakers, flats), work shoes (heels, loafers), special occasion shoes (wedding shoes, dress boots), seasonal wear (winter boots, summer sandals), and children's shoes. This will help you organize them according to your needs.
Then, look at your space to see where the shoes can go. Plan where to put them. With that in mind, you can start experimenting with specific storage solutions that work for your space.
Assess Your Shoe Collection
Before diving into organization, take a step back and evaluate your current shoe collection. We often accumulate shoes over time without considering how often we wear them or what condition they’re in. This initial step can help you decide which shoes to keep, donate, or discard, making your storage solutions more effective and streamlined.
How to Assess:
Sort by Usage: Start by sorting your shoes into categories: daily wear, seasonal, formal, and occasional. Do you wear your high heels every week? What about those boots that only come out in winter?
Evaluate Condition: If a pair is worn out, damaged beyond repair, or no longer fits, it might be time to let them go.
Declutter: If you're really struggling with space, try the "one in, one out" rule—whenever you buy a new pair, let go of an old one.
Once you've sorted through your collection, you'll have a better idea of how much space you actually need for storage.
Choose the Right Storage Solutions
The type of storage you choose will depend on your available space and how often you wear each pair of shoes. Let's break down some of the best options available, from space-saving solutions to larger, more accessible setups.
Space-Saving Ideas
-
Over-the-Door Organizers: These are perfect for small spaces like apartments or bedrooms. Over-the-door racks use otherwise unused vertical space and keep shoes visible and easy to access.
-
Under-Bed Storage: Consider using flat storage boxes or clear shoe bins under your bed. This is ideal for seasonal shoes or pairs that aren’t used as often.
-
Hanging Shoe Organizers: For those with closet space, hanging organizers that utilize the closet rod can provide quick access to shoes without taking up too much space.
For Larger Spaces
-
Shoe Racks & Shelving Units: If you have a larger closet or mudroom, invest in a shoe rack that can store multiple pairs, or even a shelving unit that doubles as a display for your favorite shoes.
-
Cubby Storage: A cubby system offers separate spaces for each pair of shoes and is particularly useful for families or households with a lot of shoes.
Here’s a simple table summarizing some of the best options:
|
Storage Solution |
Ideal For |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Over-the-Door Racks |
Small spaces, apartments |
Maximizes vertical space, accessible shoes |
Limited capacity, may not fit large shoes |
|
Under-Bed Storage |
Seasonal or less frequently used shoes |
Hidden away, dust-free, maximizes space |
Not as easily accessible, requires bending |
|
Hanging Shoe Organizers |
Closets with a rod, limited closet space |
Keeps shoes visible, accessible |
Only works in certain closets, limited capacity |
|
Shoe Racks & Shelves |
Larger closets or entryways |
Holds multiple pairs, keeps shoes tidy |
Takes up more floor space |
|
Cubby Storage |
Family homes, households with lots of shoes |
Organizes by category, keeps shoes separated |
Can be bulky, may require custom fitting |
Sort by Category or Frequency of Use
Once you've chosen your storage solution, it’s time to figure out how you want to categorize your shoes. Sorting shoes by type or frequency of use not only helps you find what you need more easily, but it also keeps your space organized.
Sorting by Category
-
Casual Shoes: Sneakers, flats, sandals, and slip-ons.
-
Formal Shoes: Heels, dress shoes, and loafers.
- Boots: Tall boots, ankle boots, and rain boots.
-
Seasonal Shoes: Snow boots, flip-flops, or shoes that are worn only in certain months.
Sorting by Frequency
- Daily Wear: Keep your go-to shoes—those you wear most often—near the door or in an easily accessible spot.
-
Occasional Shoes: Store special occasion shoes, like fancy heels or dress shoes, in higher shelves or bins.
-
Seasonal Storage: Use bins or under-bed storage for off-season shoes.
Maximize Space
No matter how many shoes you have, maximizing your available space is key. Here are some ways to get the most out of your shoe storage without making your space feel crowded:
Vertical Storage
-
Stackable Bins: Use stackable clear bins to store shoes vertically. Label the bins for easy identification.
-
Tall Shoe Racks or Shelves: If you have a closet with extra height, use tall racks to take advantage of that unused vertical space.
Double-Duty Furniture
-
Shoe Cabinets: These sleek cabinets are great for keeping shoes hidden but still accessible. Some designs even have seats, so you can sit while you put on your shoes.
- Entryway Benches with Storage: A bench with built-in shoe storage can help keep shoes organized while offering a place to sit when putting them on.
Prevent Shoe Damage
Improper shoe storage can lead to scuffs, creases, and even loss of shape. To ensure your shoes last longer and stay in great condition, follow these storage practices:
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can cause leather or fabric to fade or dry out. Store shoes in a cool, dry place.
Use Shoe Trees or Inserts: For leather or dress shoes, shoe trees can help maintain their shape. Inserts are especially useful for boots to prevent them from slouching.
Keep Shoes Off the Floor: Store shoes on racks or shelves to avoid dust and dirt accumulation. Shoes on the floor are also more likely to get scuffed or damaged.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
A well-organized shoe collection doesn’t just mean neat storage—it also involves keeping your shoes clean and maintained. Regular care will ensure your shoes last longer and stay in top shape.
Leather Shoes: Clean with a soft cloth and leather cleaner, followed by a protective conditioner to keep them supple.
Canvas Shoes: Machine wash or wipe them down with a damp cloth, then air dry.
Boots: After wearing boots in wet weather, make sure to dry them out completely and treat them with a waterproofing spray to keep them protected.
Make shoe cleaning a routine part of your organization process. It will keep your shoes looking fresh and ready to wear whenever you need them.
Aesthetic Organization
Finally, consider how your shoe storage looks in the context of your home’s decor. If you're someone who loves shoes and treats them as a part of your style, you may want your storage to look visually appealing, not just functional.
Open Shelving for Display: For shoes you’re particularly proud of, consider open shelving or racks where they can be displayed as part of your room’s aesthetic.
Color Coordination: Organize your shoes by color or style to create a visually satisfying look.
Minimalist Storage: If you prefer a sleek, modern look, choose storage solutions that hide your shoes completely, like a closed cabinet or drawer system.
FAQ
How Do You Keep Shoes From Getting Moldy in Storage?
To prevent shoes from getting moldy during storage, ensuring they are completely dry is the first step. Moisture is a major cause of mold growth, so make sure they are completely dry before storing them. Using silicone pads inside shoes can help absorb moisture and prevent them from being damaged by dampness. You can also wrap shoes in acid-free paper, which absorbs moisture and protects them from environmental factors. Finally, the place to store shoes should be dry and well-ventilated; avoid storing them in damp basements or places with poor air circulation.
How to Organize Shoes in a Closet?
Organizing shoes in a closet can maximize space and keep them organized in several ways. First, use shoe racks or adjustable shelves to easily categorize shoes by type for easy access. For closets with limited space, hanging shoe racks are a great option, effectively utilizing the space behind doors. If you have a hanging rod, consider using shoe hangers to suspend shoes, which not only saves space but also makes them more accessible. If you prefer a neater approach, use transparent storage boxes. This not only protects your shoes but also allows for quick identification of each pair.
How to Organize Shoes with Shoe Boxes?
Organizing shoes with shoe boxes is a simple and effective method. First, ensure the shoe boxes are clearly labeled with the brand, color, or style of the shoes for easy identification. Shoe boxes can be stacked to utilize vertical space, but remember to place heavier boxes at the bottom to avoid crushing the shoes. Choosing transparent shoe boxes allows you to see the shoes inside without opening the box, increasing convenience and protecting them from dust and moisture.
Is It Better to Stack or Shelve Shoes?
Stacking and shelve shoes each have their advantages and disadvantages. Stacking shoe boxes saves space, especially suitable for limited spaces, but it's less convenient to access shoes, and shoes at the bottom may be compressed. In contrast, shoe racks make shoes easier to access, especially suitable for shoes that are used frequently. However, shoe racks usually require more space to display shoes. Therefore, the ideal approach might be to place frequently used shoes on shelves, while less frequently used shoes are stacked and stored in shoe boxes to maximize space utilization.
15 Smart Shoe Storage Ideas to Tidy Up Small Spaces
Top 6 Shoe Storage Ideas for Maximizing Space
Ending
Ready to say goodbye to shoe clutter? Tribesigns is here to help. Our shoe racks and cabinets combine smart design with practicality, whether you need a slim cabinet for a small entryway or a large rack that can store more than 40 pairs of shoes. Say goodbye to the pain of searching for sneakers and goodbye to the shaky high heels. Let Tribesigns turn "shoe clutter" into "organization".
