We let a lot of things get out of hand in quarantine.
Hair was left uncut for too long, and faces went unshaved. This also extended to our clothing, as work attire was abandoned to the back of wardrobes, and sweatpants took pride of place in our closets.
In fact, closets may have become increasingly disorganized, as unworn items piled up for a future where we would be able to wear them out again. This is particularly true for your beloved shoe collection, which didn’t see a lot of action and shoe closets are full.
If you’ve let your shoe collection become a disorganized pile in the bottom of your closet, fear not! We’re here to help you shoe lovers put the right foot forward with our in-depth guide on how you should be storing your shoes.
Why Should I Organize my Shoe Closet?
This one is pretty simple to answer. Being able to peruse your shoe collection to find the right pair for your outfit should be an easy task. The only way to make it an easy task is to sort your shoes into categories and then store them so that you know where each pair is. But finding the right pair of shoes with ease is only one reason you should be organizing your shoe collection.
Research shows that mess and clutter can make it difficult to relax, and increase feelings of stress and anxiety. Even on a subconscious level, clutter can affect your mental health.
Our shoe collections take up the bulk of space in our wardrobes and are prime culprits when it comes to clutter. Because you’ve got enough to worry about as it is, you should organize your shoe closet and cross one worry off of your list.
Organizing your shoe closet also helps keep your shoes cleaner and fresher. Think about it – if you pile your shoes up on top of one another, odor and dirt will spread between pairs. A solid storage solution separates shoes, keeping them cleaner and adding to their longevity.
Shoe Storage Tips for Shoe Lovers
Now that you’re convinced that your beloved shoe collection is in dire need of some organization, we’ve got a few tips and considerations for sorting out shoe storage. We’ll cover how to begin the shoe-sorting process, as well as the best storage solutions for your space and collection.
First, a couple of tips. Shoes should always be kept clean and dry before storing, particularly if they’re going into a storage container.
Try not to store shoes on top of each other, but slot pairs in next to one another to keep them clean. Any boots or shoes that might lose shape should be stuffed with paper or something similar to prevent them from getting creased and damaged in storage.
Kick Out the Outdated Kicks
We know how difficult it is to get rid of things that you no longer wear, but this tip is essential. The first step in organizing your shoe collection is to go through every single pair and decide what to keep and what to toss.
Be brutal – if you want to save space, you can’t hold on to shoes that you no longer wear or even like. Try not to hold onto more than one “special pair”. These are shoes that you keep just in case, for some hypothetical occasion.
Try and narrow your collection down to your favorites and shoes that you absolutely cannot part with. Once you’ve sorted down your collection, it’s time to think about storage.
Choose the Right Storage Solution
The organization system you opt for will depend on two things. The first is the size of your collection.
The second is the size of the space you’re working with. We’ve got a few popular shoe storage options to think about. Deciding on the right one is all about your shoe to space ratio.
Over the Door Storage
Hanging shoes up is a great option for those living in smaller spaces. Simply buy yourself a hanging shoe organizer and figure out where it works best for you! These keep your shoes in sorted pairs and easily accessible.
Hang them on the inside of your closet door, or even behind your bedroom door, to save space. This solution works best for sandals and slides, as they are lighter and can easily slide into the allotted spaces. Also, make sure to regularly clean your storage container to avoid any dirt or dust building up in the compartments.
Under the Bed Storage
Another excellent storage solution for small spaces is to keep shoes under your bed. This keeps them neat, tidy, and out of the way.
Don’t just toss the shoes under the bed, and hope for the best though.
Successful bed storage requires boxes and bonus points if your boxes have shoe-sized compartments for each pair. Another excellent way to store shoes under your bed is to attach wheels to the bottom of your box so that your storage can slide in and out with ease.
Again, make sure shoes are clean and dry before tucking them away in their bedroom storage container. A storage container under your bed should also be wiped down and dusted at least once a month to avoid any odors or dust build-up.
On Display Storage
If you’re really proud of your shoe collection, you might want to put your shoes on display. This is where a shoe rack comes in. Shoe racks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the type you go for really just depends on your taste and the size of your collection.
If you can’t find anything in stores, shoe racks also make for a pretty fun DIY project. This allows you to customize color and size to perfectly suit your needs.
Putting shoes on display in your room also encourages you to take care of your shoes and keep them spick and span. After all, you wouldn’t want to put dirty, smelly, or scuffed shoes out in the open.
If the Shoe Fits: The Very Best Storage Solution
For shoe lovers with a large collection, organizing your shoes might seem like a stressful task. If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed, it might be best to hire a professional organization service, to advise on and provide the best custom shoe closet solutions for your space.
If you live in the Sacramento area and are in dire need of some home organizing, we offer consultations and customized storage solutions. Most of our installations can even be completed in one day!
For help organizing your closets, garages, bedrooms, and more, reach out to The Closet Doctor for a consultation.
