Organizing Shoes - Optimal Storage Solutions
If you love shoes, the more storage space the better. Finding good, efficient ways to keep all the different types of shoes accessible–and in the season you wear them–takes a bit of organizational effort. With every unique closet and wardrobe, our organizers find creative ways to maximize shoe storage space. Here are some suggestions:Whatever type of closet you have, maximize the space to make every inch functional. From utilizing ceiling and wall space, to the floor, nothing is off limits to ensure storing all things in the most efficient way.The best way to store shoes is on solid shelving. Not wire, not angled, just plain straight shelving. Adjustable shelves are best because you can store like-heighted shoes together. For example, boots in one large section and flats in a small section. Being able to adjust the shelves according to the height of the shoe definitely helps maximize storage space. In the summer, it's easy to fit lots of flat shoes and flip flops in a space, but then it gets tricky when having to squeeze boots into that same space.Also, if your shelf is just a bit tight to fit all the shoes facing the same way, try turning one, this will save on the width they take up.
Make use of depth. Usually the shelves are deeper than the shoes, giving some additional storage space at the back of the shelf. Placing one shoe behind the other will allow more shoes to fit on the shelf.Here are some tips for organizing shoes by type:Fancy Shoes: Labeled plastic shoe boxes are best for out of reach storage of infrequently worn shoes. You want to be able to look at the label and know what shoes are up there without having to pull out the step ladder. A plastic shoe box looks more clean and organized than the original boxes, but it's your personal preference.Flip Flops: Depending on how many flip flops you own, we've seen everything from stacking them on the shelf to stacking them in baskets or hanging them on an over the door shoe rack. Whatever you decide, flip flops are easy to stack and store.Boot Storage: Boots are much trickier to store. The size and height of boots causes them to take up lots of space in the closet. Having adjustable shelving to accommodate boots during the season you're wearing them is a must if you are a boot person. Using boot stays (or even an inexpensive hack like the pool noodles I use) is a great way to keep boots standing properly and lasting longer.Slippers: If you wear slippers often, keeping them on the floor of the closet is best so you can take them on and off easily (especially in the winter). Keeping a pair near a doorway to slip on as you walk in will not only keep your feet cozy, they'll help keep the floors clean.Shoes are expensive and investing in good organization and storage solutions for your shoe and boot collection is the price you pay for being a shoe collector!