I often get asked by my clients what’s the best shoe storage solution. Well the thing is… there’s no best solution. Simply because what works for someone may not work for someone else. With all that’s said, let me give a few pointers for you to consider when examining your options.
Learn how to organise your shoes
Three Fundamental Rules
1 | If, like me, you live in a hot and humid climate, it’s best to store your shoes in a dark and cool area so that they’re not exposed to too much sunlight and dampness and as a result get damaged.
2 | Also, with the exception of flip flops, avoid stacking your shoes on top of one another, otherwise they’ll lose their shape over time.
3 | Your shoes should be kept off the floor so that they don’t clutter up your space, making it a sore sight and increasing your housekeeping time.
Whether inside or outside your wardrobe, options are plenty.
Shoe cabinet or rack, shelves and slide-out racks are the most common shoe storage options.
Some people like to keep their shoes in a separate shoe storage unit away from their clothes. Others prefer to keep them inside their wardrobe, typically at the bottom, so that they can see their clothes and shoes at a glance and easily style an outfit. If you opt for the latter, I highly encourage you to give your shoes a quick clean after wearing them so as not to bring too much dirt near your clothes.
Box or no box?
It first depends on your willingness and ability to cope with the extra steps, 4 to be precise, needed to retrieve your shoes:
(1) take the box out
(2) take the lid off
(3) take the shoes out
(4) put the lid back and
(5) put the box back.
Same when you put away your shoes after you’ve worn them. So make sure you’re prepared to handle these extra steps. Otherwise, your shoes will quickly end up on the floor or in a pile in your cabinet and before you know it, clutter will be back!
It also depends on the number of shoes you have vs. the configuration of your shoe storage unit. If the height between two shelves allows you to stack two boxes or more, then keeping the box will allow you to fit in more pairs of shoes. Otherwise, you’ll probably be able to fit more pairs if you don’t keep the box, especially if you alternate the shoes’ facing.
If you decide to keep your shoes in their original box, write a description of the shoes on the box or paste a picture of the shoes so you can easily identify them. Alternatively, invest in clear shoe storage boxes.
Not Much Space?
Make use of the vertical space by using an over-the-door shoe organiser or a wall-mounted shoe rack if you’re comfortable displaying your shoes. Store your shoes in pairs though, so that you don’t waste time finding the second shoe when you need it.
Or make use of hidden space, such as the space under your bed. Reserve this option for your least worn shoes, your winter boots, for example. Consider stuffing shoes with paper to help them retain their shape. Make sure the paper is acid-free so that it won’t damage the material.
For the procrastinators out there…
You can place a basket near the entrance to “dump” the shoes that you most frequently use, provided they won’t risk getting damaged, e.g. flip flops, trainers, school shoes, etc. This option is also good for young children so that they can start the habit of putting things back where they belong without much effort. If you have the space, you can place a basket for each family member.
From inspiration to action
It’s wonderful to have new ideas for storing your shoes, but sometimes the sheer thought of organising them—or the rest of your wardrobe, for that matter—can still feel like a mountain to climb, right?
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the entire task, the best place to start is with one simple, confident step: decluttering. By making space, you build momentum and create the clarity needed to decide on the best storage solutions for everything you own, from your shoes to your shirts.
That’s exactly what my free Quick Wardrobe Fix guide is for. It’s a no-pressure way to tackle your wardrobe and build the confidence you need to sort out your shoes, clothes, etc.
Ready to start feeling the peace and confidence of a truly organised wardrobe? Download your free Quick Wardrobe Fix guide here!
Join the conversation
I’d love to know which of these shoe storage solutions works best for you! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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