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How to Organize Shoes: 8 Practical Tips for Neat and Tidy Footwear Storage



Your beloved shoes and all types of footwear deserve the right storage and care. Let's whip up a system to neatly arrange them. A disorganized rack? Not on our watch! Let's transform it into something truly eye-catching. Plus, it'll be a breeze to find your perfect pair in a jiffy. A tidy space not only spruces up your aesthetics but also keeps things hygienic. Trust me, organizing your shoes in a small space truly does wonders for streamlining your daily routine. Let's get to it!

Storing shoes can sometimes feel like a tricky puzzle, especially in cozy, compact spaces. But don't worry, a neat and tidy shoe rack is just a fun exercise in organization that not only keeps your space looking great but also helps your beloved shoes last longer. Remember, a jumble of shoes can lead to a bit of a mess, so let's steer clear of letting those seldom-worn shoes pile up.


 


1. Declutter the collection



Before embarking on the organizing shoes project get rid of those footwear that are not in use for a long time. They are an unnecessary accumulation and utilize our limited space.

Tidying up your shoe collection can really spruce up your storage space. You might stumble upon a few old, worn-out pairs, or shoes that the kids have outgrown—perhaps they've been gathering dust for a while because they're just not comfortable. Let's clear out the pairs scattered on the closet floor, tucked away in garage boxes, or causing a bit of a shoe storm in the entryway. It's a great idea to say goodbye to this clutter. If you find shoes that are still in good shape, why not brighten someone's day by donating them, or even sell them online? Let's keep only the pairs that are still looking good and feeling great.


2. Store in clear boxes after cleaning



The shoes should be properly cleaned and dried before storing them. It avoids mildew growth. Keep a shoe deodorizer baggie to keep it fresh.  Apply leather conditioner to keep the leather shoe's material supple and free from cracks. There are specialized brushes to remove stains for suede and nubuck shoes.  Apply a protective spray to repel water and maintain its texture. Canvas and fabric shoes can be washed with detergent and dried. Remove insoles and laces of athletic shoes wash and dry them afterwards.

Store these clean shoes in transparent plastic boxes with ventilation holes or clear front-lidded bins. They do not disturb the entire stack to grab any pair of choice. They protect them from dust, are easy to identify, and get access to. These boxes can be placed on a shelf or closet floor.


3. Sort and arrange



Sort the shoes in groups and arrange them accordingly.  There can be shoes for short-term storage. Some of the shoes are for long-term storage. There can be shoes of different types and varieties. They can be heels, sandals, sneakers, leather shoes, athletic shoes, suede, canvas shoes, hiking boots, combat boots, ankle boots, or chelsea boots.

There should be a strategy to sort and arrange these shoes. Arrange them in an order that is convenient to you in sorted order. It saves space and prevents them from getting damaged. It is convenient to find them when we are in need and hurry. They will not get squished in the pile of shoes. Arranging them by season allows access to weather-appropriate shoes. They can be arranged by occasion, style, purpose, color, or collection.


4. Clean and deodorize shoe rack



Don't forget that your shoe rack needs some love too - regular cleaning is really important! Whether it's made from wood, stainless steel, or plastic, we've got you covered. For those cozy wooden or medium-density fiberboard racks, a simple mixture of olive oil and vinegar does the trick and even tackles those stubborn stains. And the good news? Stainless steel and plastic racks are even easier to clean. So, let's get cleaning!

These racks should be deodorized to remove odor. The wooden and MDF racks get smelly very quickly. When the door is opened you get a bad odor. They can be deodorized by scented oils and the excess moisture can be absorbed by naphthalene balls. Stuff the footwear with acid-proof tissues to keep moisture at bay for long-term shoe rack maintenance.


5. Mudroom shoe storage



Mudrooms are typically found at the back of the house. They're like a friendly gatekeeper, helping to prevent any dirt or mud from sneaking further into your home. It's the perfect spot to store those trusty galoshes for a rainy day. Why not designate a special place for shoe storage and slippers? And remember to provide enough storage to keep all those shoes organized and the floor of the mudroom nice and tidy.

You can place a freestanding rack in the corner. An entryway bench with shoe storage keeps the shoes organized. It provides a place to sit and put on or remove the shoes. The benches with shelves and drawers are good storage options. The cubby benches are the perfect choice for the mudroom, garage, and forays. They store everything including boots.

The hall tree with boot trays is another option. Shoe bins and baskets can be a good solution if there is enough space. Shoes can be stored in the garage along with the sports equipment. It is easier to grab the coordinating shoes.


6. Organise shoes in a closet



Organizing shoes in a closet is a good idea for tidy storage. It is a good idea to protect the shoes from dirt and moisture. The shoes of smaller sizes can be stored in the entryway closet which occupies less space.

The location of the storage is important. Hallway shoes should be stored in the hallway closet. The shoes which are not frequently worn should be placed in the primary closet or bedroom closet. The formal should be placed in one location for dressing up for special occasions.

There are several options and choices that you can select. Open and closed shelves provide the choice to accommodate various types of shoes and accessories. The shoes in frequent use can be placed on the open shelves for easy access. The designer heels can be kept above the closet. You can hang your boots on the boot hooks. Put an over-the-door caddy to hang on the inside of the closet door. The hanging breathable fabric pocket caddy for individual shoes is better. This keeps the shoes organized and clutter-free.


7. Store shoes under the bed



Shoes can be stored under the bed. This space can be utilized very well. The shoes are not visible but they are easily accessible. The room is clear and uncluttered. It is an excellent storage spot for shoes that are not needed for several months.

The shoes can be organized with various under-the-bed ideas. There are several options for selecting gliding shelves and rolling racks.  Some hard case boxes or plastic shoe storage bags can be placed for not-in-current-use shoes. These boxes can be stacked under the bed.  Place a photograph of the shoes to locate the particular footwear conveniently.


8. Vertical or multitier shoe racks



These are a good choice for storage in a limited space. There are numerous choices for storing the shoes vertically. These stands can be placed anywhere in the house and occupy less floor area. It maximizes space and is ideal for small living areas.

Similarly, there are multitire lightweight shoe racks that can store a large number of shoes. They are available in adjustable rack variants also. These racks fit everyone's favorite pairs. The shoes can be stored here category-wise.


 

Oh, how our shoe collection keeps growing and growing! It's essential to have a good strategy for storing all these beauties properly. Not only will it make our shoes last longer, but it'll also make our lives a whole lot easier. There are so many different ways to store our shoes, depending on the type of shoe and the space we have available. Keeping our footwear neat and tidy is truly an art. But don't worry, the ideas we've mentioned above will help us take good care of our treasured shoe collections.

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