How to Store Shoes

Whether you are moving or just looking to organize your closet, knowing how to properly store your shoes is incredibly important. Shoes are arguably the most important article of clothing, and the most expensive, too. Despite this, many people mistreat their shoes by just tossing them into a pile or storing them incorrectly. Knowing how to properly store your shoes can help keep them in good condition, which will, in turn, make them last longer. Whether you need long term shoe storage or short term shoe storage, these tips will help keep your shoes good as new.

Sort shoes into categories

Season – One option for sorting your shoes is to sort by season. If you are using long-term shoe storage, sorting your shoes by season may your best option. This will allow you to quickly and easily switch out your shoes as the seasons change. Plus, it will make it easy to find a specific pair of shoes if you know the season with which they correspond.

Purpose – Another option for sorting shoes is to sort by purpose. With this method, you would sort shoes into categories such as work shoes, athletic shoes, and special occasion. This method also makes it easy to find the shoes you are looking for.

Frequency of Use – The last way to sort shoes is by frequency of use. This is especially convenient for short-term storage. By identifying which shoes you wear most frequently, you can identify which shoes to unpack first while moving, or which shoes to make easily accessible if organizing your closet.

Clean shoes and dry them completely

Before storing your shoes, you will want to thoroughly clean them. Shoes that are not cleaned may become discolored or attract pests. After cleaning your shoes, make sure they are completely dry before storing them. Residual moisture will lead to mold and mildew and will ruin your shoes.

Stuff shoes to avoid creasing

To avoid creasing and to help shoes keep their shape, stuff them with acid-free tissue paper. It’s important to opt for acid-free stuffing, as the alternative can cause discoloration. You can also use a shoe form to keep shoes from creasing. 

Use clear plastic bins with lids

There are a few reasons why you should use clear bins when storing shoes. First and foremost, being able to see into the bins allows you to quickly find the shoes you want. If you are storing shoes long-term, it is essential to use plastic bins. Plastic bins protect against moisture, humidity, and pests, while standard cardboard shoe boxes will not.

Store boots upright

To make sure your boots keep their shape and don’t crease, you will want to store them upright. There are a few ways to do this. You can buy a set of boot forms to place inside of your boots. Or, for a cheaper alternative, you can buy a pool noodle and cut it to size. Just make sure to stuff the toes of the boots with acid-free tissue paper if you use this method. You can also place rolled cardboard into your boots to help them hold their shape.

Add silica packets

For shoes that are especially susceptible to moisture damage like leather shoes, place silica packs in the bins with them. Silica packets help absorb moisture and avoid mold or warping.

Add cedar chips

Cedar chips are an eco-friendly (and better smelling) alternative to mothballs. You can buy a pack of cedar chips from Amazon. Placing a few cedar chips with your shoes is an effective way to detract pests.

Store your shoes in a climate-controlled environment

 When storing your shoes, you will want to keep them in a dark, climate-controlled environment. Direct light can cause color in your shoes to fade. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can ruin the fabric of your shoes and cause mold. Avoid storing shoes long-term in places like your garage or attic. The best place for shoe storage is a climate-controlled storage unit. These storage units stay generally dark and are always kept at a consistent temperature and humidity year-round.

Do not stack shoes

While it is suggested to use small, clear plastic bins for your shoes for storage, there are plenty of other shoe organizers that you may want to try. There are shoe storage boxes, shoe racks, and shoe trees. All of these shoe organizers are great options if you are storing your shoes short-term or in your closet. What is most important is that you do not stack your shoes on top of each other. Piling your shoes will cause scuffing, creasing, and make it incredibly difficult to find a pair of shoes.

While these tips are all recommended, it is important to keep in mind what is right for your specific situation. Consider whether you will need short or long-term shoe storage. Plus, consider the type of shoes you will be storing. Plastic flip flops will need less care and attention than an expensive pair of high heels. Whatever your circumstance, we hope these tips will help you when the time comes to store your shoes. For more storage tips, sign up for our monthly blog update.