Is your closet overflowing with shoes?
You might feel like your hands are tied when it comes to storage space or maybe you’re on a shoestring budget. Either way, organizing your shoes becomes a daunting task. Extras end up in piles on the closet floor or lined up underneath the hanging clothes where they’re impossible to see and difficult to reach. Tap into a more organized lifestyle by considering these options for shoe storage. Mix and match them for your perfect solution.
MORE: Angi Guide to Closet Organization
Over-the-door hanging pockets
These allow for easy access, especially if bending or reaching is difficult. They're best for storing shoes that aren't too bulky or heavy. Using the door for additional storage maximizes limited space. Plus, they're inexpensive and easy to use.
Floor-based shoe racks
This is probably the most versatile option. You can choose one with single or multiple levels depending on your available space, or even buy one that expands and contracts in length. Some have angled surfaces; others are flat. You can decide on a solid or mesh surface, and choose wood, metal or plastic to suit your taste. One type of rack consists of two bars at different levels, designed for hanging women's heels. Personally, I prefer level surfaces because they accommodate all types of shoes, regardless of whether they're heels, flats or wedges.
Particle board cubbies
If you're comfortable with some moderate assembly, then this option could be right for you. Since the compartments tend to be small, you may have to store one shoe in each. Determine beforehand how many pairs this method will accommodate.
Built-in shelving
Built-in shelving is great because of the visibility it offers. Using the most accessible shelves for the most frequently worn shoes will save you from excessive bending and reaching. Sometimes one pair of shoes won't maximize the height of the shelf. In that case the ideal solution may be to stack two shoeboxes together. Beware of stacking more than two boxes per shelf because it may be too awkward and clumsy to balance them when trying to reach the pair you want. Or, you may use the built-ins exclusively for shoes and boots that fill the space.
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See-through stacking drawers
This option combines the benefits of stacking multiple pairs without having to move boxes around, the ability to see what's inside each box, protection from dust and dirt, and they can be used on the floor, the shelves above your hanging clothes or stacked in your built-ins. They come in different sizes so you can choose which is best for the shoes you have. This option tends to be a little more expensive, but the benefits may outweigh the cost in the long run.
Under-the-bed storage
If you’re seriously challenged for space, under-the-bed storage can be a lifesaver. This option is best for shoes that are infrequently worn. Just be sure you're physically able to reach them. Also, beware the old adage "out of sight, out of mind."
Freestanding shoe trees
These racks maximize vertical space that might otherwise go to waste and allow you to see all of your shoes at a glance. Shoes are hung by the toe portion from a wire projection, so this method is probably not ideal for delicate shoes or those that might be misshapen by extended hanging. Space your shoes evenly to avoid tipping.
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Shoe storage advice
Separate your shoes by season. There’s no need to have your winter boots cluttering your closet in the dog days of summer. Keep shoes worn regularly in the most convenient location. Store dressy and special occasion shoes in seldom-accessed areas, and keep them in their original boxes or other containers to protect them from dust and dirt. Label shoeboxes, or take pictures of the shoes and attach them to the box
I often store flip-flops and other flat sandals back to back, then line them up on their sides, almost resembling books on a shelf. Placing the heel of one shoe against the toe of the other is another way to fit more pairs per shelf.
Toes facing in or out? Whichever you prefer. When lining up high heels or wedges, sometimes you can fit more per shelf by alternating each half of the pair.
Try stacking shoes on top of each other if they're fairly flat and won't fall over easily. To avoid getting shoes dirty, stack them with the tops against each other, heel to toe.
Floppy boots can be stored flat in a box, or kept rigid using a variety of boot shapers currently available
Before implementing any of these suggestions, discard your worn out shoes and donate the pairs you never wear. Hint: They are the ones covered in dust!
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