Shoe Racks and Shoe Storage

So Many Shoes, So Many Storage Options

Are shoes taking over your home? The key to better organization is knowing your storage options. Here are some tips to corral and contain all types of shoes, from high tops to high heels!

Pare down and think seasonally: Cull your collection, and toss or donate shoes that no longer fit, are out of style, or are past their prime. Then, pull out shoes that are not currently in season (you won't need flip flops or sandals in winter, nor boots in the summer) and move those shoes into so the don't take up space in your shoe organizer. You might store them in under-bed boxes or another out-of-the-way area, such as the basement or guest room closet. Then, move on to finding the best storage options for the shoes you currently wear...

Think inside the box: Within your closet, store shoes on shelves in either their original boxes (with a photo of the shoe glued to the outside of each box) or in clear shoeboxes (for easy visibility).

Think outside the box: Ditch the boxes, and instead store multiple pairs of shoes in hanging "sweater bags." These have 6-10 slots to stash one pair each and allow you to get shoes up and off the floors. This works well in bedroom closets as well as entryway closets. Yes, they take up some closet space, but it is well worth the sacrifice! This limits how many pairs each person can have, so it helps control the "shoe population" and allows you to assign specific spaces per family member. You could also try an over-door shoe organizer to capture any unused space behind doors.

On the floor: If you have room underneath the hanging clothing in your closets or a little extra floor space in the entryway, opt for a 2- or 3-tiered wooden shoe racks. These make great use of that unused floor space. In fact getting a tall shoe rack will greatly increase your organizational capabilities and your space at the same time. Wooden shoe racks are fantastic because they blend with so many different styles and the soft neutral colors that come with wood will help make your shoes look even better while they're in the rack.

And here's a quick tip to keep tall fashion boots upright: Cut down foam "pool noodles" to match the height of your floppy boots and insert to keep them standing tall that way they can easily fit into your tall shoe rack.

Messy but quick: Stash a wicker basket or two by each entryway door to catch shoes as you come in the door. Another great option near the doorway is a boot tray, which protects floors from drippy footwear: Fill a tray (available in many colors, sizes, and styles at any home-goods store or even a jelly-rool pan from your kitchen) with pretty pebbles or stones for boots to rest upon. This allows snow, ice, and water to drain to the bottom, ensuring dry boots and floors. And of course makes your cool, new green sneakers a talking point with friends and makes them easy to grab as you're running out the door to get to work or your soccer game!

Maintain daily: Make it a habit to put away shoes as you enter your home each evening. It takes just a moment to put them in the correct spot rather than allowing them to little the floor.