We could be talking mainly to the ladies here, but if you have a truly massive collection of shoes, then there is a lot to be said for finding a proper way of storing and organizing them all. And doing so doesn’t just make it easier for you to find your favorite pair when rushing out the door. It can also improve the general cleanliness of your home, keep the shoes themselves in better condition, and prevent an unsightly clutter whether in your room or the hallway.
Shoes are clunky, they smell, and there are a lot of them. And regarding the foul smell, proper organization and storage can be very helpful (more on that below) but there is really no substitute for treating your shoes with a good deodorizer before putting them away. The best of these, such as Shoe Fresh, can even have your shoes smelling fresh for three whole months. Before you even think about proper organization, it is a good idea to stop your shoes smelling in the first place.
The Benefits of Proper Shoe Storage
But after that’s done, it’s time to start thinking about organizing your shoes. There are actually many benefits to doing this properly, beyond the aforementioned ease of finding shoes when you need them. Proper shoe organization can actually be a pretty attractive sight – especially if you have a range of fabulous kicks to show off. It can also extend the life of your shoes, as shoes being constantly shuffled around in a heap are more likely to become scuffed and dented. Finally, knowing where each pair is will allow you to wash or deodorize them in a timely manner.
Tips For Shoe Storage
So, if you have been convinced into investing some time and effort into a proper shoe storage solution, then here are some of the top tips to follow:
Keep Your Shoes of the Floor
If you are prone to simply throwing your shoes on the floor, then it is only inevitable that they will accumulate and eventually form an unnavigable pile of footwear at the bottom of your closet. A far better plan is to invest in a shoe rack. This will make your shoes easier to locate and keep them in good condition for longer.
Avoid Wire Racks
However, avoid using wire racks. Wire racks can be too easily shoved to the back of the closet, making shoes once more difficult to locate. Any shoes with a heel will also not be properly supported by a wire rack.
Categorize Your Shoes
If you have a large collection of shoes, then categorizing them properly is near essential. Failing to do so could mean not only that you are forever hunting for the pair you need but it can also lead to neglected pairs beginning to smell. Nevertheless, categorizing by type of shoe is not the best way to proceed. Instead, categorize your shoes by frequency of use, placing those least frequently used higher up and further away. This will aid you in a creating a deodorizing schedule as well as helping you find the pair you need as quickly as possible.
Make Use of Over-the-Door Organizers and Shoe Hangers
These two products can be especially useful if you have a large collection of shoes and are beginning to run out of space. Storing flats, sandals, and slip-ons (i.e., frequently used indoor shoes) in over-the-door organizers and hangers can make them easier to access and free up space in your closet.
Ultimately, proper shoe organization is about turning a potential mess and a safety hazard into something attractive and useful.