Living in a small space can make storing belongings like shoes challenging. With some creativity and organization, there are many solutions to keep shoes tidy and accessible in a compact area. Using the right storage methods and decluttering unused pairs is key.
Do you really need so many shoes?
Before exploring storage solutions, take an inventory of your shoe collection. Experts recommend having no more than 12 to 15 pairs of shoes at a time. Less is often better in small spaces.
Be brutally honest about which shoes you actually wear. If you have not worn a pair more than once or twice over the past year, strongly consider donating or selling them. The same goes for uncomfortable shoes that mostly sit in your closet.
For shoes you wear regularly, keep them. For shoes you only wear occasionally, ask yourself if you can live without them or easily rent or borrow something similar for the handful of times per year you need that type of footwear.
If you have an emotional attachment to shoes you rarely or never wear, take photos of them and then let them go. The photos preserve the memories without the bulk.
Use vertical space
In small homes and apartments, make use of vertical storage space. Floor space is limited, so go vertical wherever possible. Store shoes on shelves, hanging canvas organizers, wall-mounted racks, over-the-door holders and more.
Install floating shelves above floor level to hold shoes. Stagger the shelves at different heights for the most storage. Leave at least 12 inches of space above the tallest pair of shoes for them to fit comfortably.
Hanging storage is another good option. Hang canvas shoe holders, mesh bags or shoe racks on the back of closet doors to store shoes vertically.
Entryway walls also provide vertical storage space. Wall-mounted racks and floating shelves can instantly add shoe storage next to the door.
Under-bed and under-furniture storage
Look under furniture for wasted space where you can stash shoes. Under-bed storage works great for shoes you do not wear often or are out of season. Slide under-bed bins and organizers to easily access them when needed.
If you have furniture like ottomans and benches, store shoes inside. Look for storage ottomans and benches with lift-up lids ideal for hiding shoes.
For open space beneath furniture, use fabric cube storage bins. They slide right under couches, chairs, beds and tables to maximize every inch.
Creative shoe storage hacks
With some creativity, many everyday household items can double as shoe storage in a pinch. Try these unique ideas:
- Use shower curtain hooks on a towel bar to hang shoes by their heels.
- Hang a coat rack low on the wall or over a closet door for shoes.
- Save space with an over-the-door shoe pocket organizer.
- Repurpose a wooden wine rack as angled shoe shelves.
- Stash shoes in the baskets under kitchen cabinets.
- Store shoes in plastic food storage containers to protect them from dust.
Entryway shoe storage
The entryway is where you need shoes access most. Make it as functional as possible with specialized shoe storage.
Use a wall-mounted rack, row of hooks or over-door shoe organizer. Place it near the entry door so shoes are handy when going in and out but out of walkways.
Entryway benches and storage ottomans also come in handy for shoe storage. Look for narrow designs suitable for tight spaces. They can hold shoes inside and on top.
For a quick option, place a stylish wicker basket or fabric bin near the door. Toss shoes inside when not in use.
Clear plastic shoe boxes
Plastic shoeboxes are the gold standard for organized, protected shoe storage. They allow you to see contents at a glance while keeping out dust and damage.
Stack them neatly on shelves, slide under furniture or organize in your closet. Label the lids by category or wearer to stay tidy.
Shoeboxes work nicely on the floor of a closet or under shorter hanging clothing. Or, add height with risers, pallets and crates under the boxes.
Small shoe racks
While most shoe racks are bulky, expandable slim rack options work in tiny areas. Look for tall but narrow racks to squeeze into tight spots.
Search for over-the-door shoe racks that fit snugly without hitting walls or doors. Or, find rack systems that can compress against a wall when not in full use.
Multi-level racks add storage but minimize floor space.Cascade 2 or 3 racks vertically with the shoes on each level facing opposite directions.
Repurpose household items
Before buying shoe storage, take another look around your home. Often, you already own items perfect for shoe storage with some creativity.
Empty rectangular laundry baskets or wastebaskets corral shoes and tuck under furnishings. Gallon-sized plastic food or water jugs make DIY risers for stacking shoe boxes.
For a quick entryway shoe holder, cut the bottom off of a 2-liter soda bottle and hang it upside down on the doorknob. Slide shoes through the mouth of the bottle.
A oversized muffin tin with the liners removed holds small accessories like shoe polish tins, laces and shoe horns. Sit it on a shelf or hang it with a wall-mounted rail.
Declutter and organize first
Adding more storage before you declutter is a recipe for cramming issues. Take the time to purge unused shoes and organize pairs by category first.
Group together similar shoes like sneakers, sandals, casual shoes, heels, booties, etc. Stow each group together in designated storage areas.
To stay tidy, put shoes back immediately after wearing. Assign a spot for every pair you own. A place for everything and everything in its place.
Protect shoes in storage
Proper storage is key to extending the life of shoes. Certain conditions can damage shoes over time.
Moisture promotes mold growth. Store shoes in a dry area of the room, not near pipes or leaks.
Sunlight fades and dries materials. Keep shoes out of direct light.
Dust soils shoes and dulls colors. Use enclosed storage like boxes.
Pests like insects and rodents chew on leather and fabrics. Keep shoes off the floor and away from entry points.
Maximize closet shoe storage
For unused spots in reach, the closet is prime real estate. There are easy ways to get more shoe storage from your closet.
Install closet organization systems with adjustable shelves and shoe racks. Designate a shelf just for shoes.
Hang an over-the-door shoe organizer on the back of the closet door. Use one with clear pockets so shoes are visible.
Add a tension rod near the closet floor for hanging shoe storage. Install low-profile options that sit snugly against walls.
For walk-in closets, carve out a designated shoe area. Use cube storage bins and narrow racks that maximize vertical space.
Creative entryway storage
The entryway tends to have prime real estate for shoe storage. Keep it narrow and tidy.
Use a tall corner rack to hold multiple pairs without taking up floor space. Search for triangular multi-tier options.
Install low-profile coat racks and shelves on the wall near the door. Store shoes upright or on their sides.
For open coat closet space, add an adjustable width hanging shoe organizer. Hang it separate from clothing if possible.
Under entryway benches and console tables are great hideaways. Lift the lid of storage benches to reveal a spacious spot for shoes.
Keep shoes accessible
The most functional storage keeps shoes within easy reach for your daily routine.
Position storage near the home’s main entry for slip on/off when going in and out.
In bedrooms, keep shoes accessible to the closet. You can grab pairs as you get dressed.
Store workout shoes near the door where you leave from exercise. Makes it simpler to put them on and head out.
Keep shoes handy where you sit to put them on. Entryway benches or even a stool near the door work nicely.
Avoid trip hazards
Where you place your shoe storage matters. Shoes left out can become safety hazards.
Never leave shoes in main walkways or in the middle of a room. They are prime tripping dangers.
Do not store shoes at the top and bottom of stairs. Place storage (and shoes) only on one side, out of the path.
In tight spaces, go vertical to keep floor space clear. Or install compact racks flush against walls.
Make sure storage doesn’t block doors or open/close smoothly. Doorways need clear zones.
Contain shoe odor
Freshly worn shoes can smell sweaty and unpleasant. Containing the odor is considerate for your home.
Air out shoes by the door before putting in long-term storage. Let smells dissipate before enclosing.
Cedar blocks naturally absorb and neutralize odors. Place a block in each shoe until smells clear.
Sprinkle baking soda in smelly shoes overnight. The powder soaks up perspiration and odors.
Use odor absorber inserts in shoes while in storage. Search for moisture-absorbing shoe balls and pads.
Disinfect interiors with UV light or gentle shoe spray. Kills bacteria that cause foul smells.
Rotate shoes from storage
To make the most of small storage, rotate shoes seasonally like your wardrobe.
Keep off-season shoes in underbed bins or at the back of closet shelves.
Swap shoes as the weather changes. Move summer sandals to storage and get out winter boots.
Limit storage to the current season’s essentials. Box up shoes you won’t need in months.
As seasons change, reconsider if stored shoes still fit. Donate ones you did not wear during their season.
When rotating shoes, inspect them for damage to note repairs needed before next wear.
DIY specialized storage
For a custom shoe storage solution, DIY specialized holders. Adapt to the exact space and shoes you need to store.
A basic board with pegs or dowels screwed in createscustomizable hanging storage. Adjust peg placement as needed.
For shelves, divide a board into sections measured for each shoe type. Allows shoes to stand upright and tidy.
Paint or stencil the storage to blend into your decor. Include labels for easy organization.
Install modular tiles on walls for DIY hanging racks. Connect metal hooks anywhere tiles meet.
Use embellishments like trim, stenciling and colors to conceal basic furniture made for shoe storage.
Think outside the shoebox
Shoeboxes are the go-to, but they are not the only solution. Alternatives provide neat, accessible storage too.
Soft pop-up fabric shoe organizers fold nearly flat. Hang them on a rod or rack to display shoes.
Clear stacking drawers or trays slide on closet shelves. Labels make pairs easy to identify.
Multi-level hanging racks utilize vertical space. Hang them on closet rods or walls.
Mesh hanging shoe bags have pockets to insert shoes. Hang inside closet doors or on backs of doors.
Entryway benches with cubbies keep shoes handy but out of sight. Look for lift-top benches with interior storage.
Keep entryways clutter-free
The entryway sets first impressions of your home. Keep it tidy and clutter-free with purposeful shoe storage.
Contain shoes immediately in baskets, cabinets or closets instead of leaving out.
For open storage like racks, sort shoes neatly. Arrange heel to toe for a uniform look.
Minimize floor coverage by using vertical or wall storage. Hang as much as possible.
Choose closed cabinets and doors to conceal shoes when not in use. Keep a clean, minimalist look.
Add decor like vases and art above boot trays and benches. Draws eyes up and disguises storage.
Protect shoe investments
Quality shoes are an investment. Store them properly so they last for many years.
Keep leather shoes conditioned so material stays supple and does not crack. Use leather creams and polishes.
Allow materials like leather and suede to air out rather than storing damp. Trapped moisture damages shoes.
Use cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain shape. Insert them while shoes are in storage.
For expensive heels, keep them stored in their boxes with tissue to prevent scuffing and damage.
Clean shoes before storing by wiping dirt and removing stains. Let them fully dry before sealing in storage.
Conclusion
Small living spaces present storage challenges but also foster creativity. Take time to thoughtfully edit your shoe collection and invest in vertically oriented storage essentials.entryway, closet and under furniture often have hidden potential for shoe storage. Make the most of the space available by keeping only essential favorites accessible by season. With some decluttering and clever solutions, even the smallest home can accommodate shoes in style.
