Storing Shoes in Tight Areas: Effective Methods
Similar to bags, shoes are challenging to organize due to their nature as being part of a set of two and their rigid structure. I desire a spacious walk-in closet where I can showcase all my footwear, but for now, I'm constantly searching for creative storage solutions in my tiny apartment.
Shoe storage inspiration
My obsession with shoes is unyielding. Though I strive for a "one in, one out" strategy, I tend to bring home a new pair without letting go of an old one. I accumulate shoes throughout my house, storing them in my entryway closet, near the front door, mounted storage on the back of my front and bathroom doors, and even more in a fancy display rack in my living room. I share this not to brag but to emphasize my experience with shoe storage. Apply what works and learn from my successes and mistakes.
My collection arrangement involves valuable shoes stored in original boxes, stacked behind my clothing rack. Not ideal for space-saving, but it's my reality. Value-less footwear is placed on a revolving shoe tree that frees up significant space in my closet, as it keeps them standing vertically and easily accessible.
Household Essentials 4-Tier Revolving Shoe Tree$35.76$55.99Save $20.23$35.76$55.99Save $20.23This shoe tree is the one I use, and it's served me well for over six years. It's essential due to its space-saving capabilities and how effectively it holds my shoes, maintaining their aesthetics by supporting them from the inside.
$35.76$55.99Save $20.23
For everyday wear or more affordable shoes, fabric over-the-door shoe organizers are my preference. They save space when doors are shut and are easy to maintain. I have one like this:
Gorilla Grip Slip Resistant Breathable Space Saving Mesh Large 24 Pocket Shoe Organizer$14.89$14.99Save $0.10$14.89$14.99Save $0.10For boot storage, keep the shape and structure intact. Prevent the tops from falling over or compressing by storing them horizontally with stuffing. This can take the form of newspaper or out-of-season clothes for a combined storage approach. To secure boots, use a retractable clothing hanger chain ($9.99 for seven) and a set of clips ($9.99 for 50).
Thread the hooks of the clips through the chain, then attach the clips to the boots. This method maintains the shape of the boots, prevents creasing, and uses less floor and shelf space.
Non-recommended shoe storage methods
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Throughout my years as an avid shoe collector, I've tried various storage methods. I discourage the use of acrylic boxes for space-saving purposes, as they take up more space than they're worth. In my opinion, the least effective tool is the over-the-door rack made of metal rods. They're not built with mechanisms to keep shoes in place when opening or closing the door, leading to shoes falling out. I had one of these on my front door for a few years, and any time I opened or shut it with enthusiasm, all my shoes tumbled to the floor. These racks utilize plain, horizontal rods to hold the shoes, which isn't enough to maintain their position in the rack. Use fabric over-the-door organizers with pockets instead, but if you must opt for metal rods, consider one like this ($41.15).
Lastly, explore multifunction furniture options if you have the room. A shoe bench with shelving underneath is a practical solution for storing everyday shoes and rain boots.
Bamboo Shoe Bench, Shoe Storage Bench with Cushion$77.80$79.99Save $2.19$77.80$79.99Save $2.19
If you have a shoe rack that's mounted on the inside of your closet door, then you're wasting space. Instead, consider replacing it with a stationary shoe rack on the interior side of the closet. This way, the shoes won't be moving around and may be less likely to get damaged, plus you'll utilize a small area that would otherwise go unused. Additionally, install some motion-activated LED lights inside your closet so you can see what you're doing when you're searching for items. I have these particular lights which adhere to adhesive magnets so they're convenient to remove and recharge whenever needed. Each pack contains two lights for $19.96.
$77.80$79.99Save $2.19
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In my tiny apartment, I've been seeking creative storage solutions for my shoe collection. One of these places is my entryway closet, where I store some of my footwear. (home)To effectively store my growing collection of shoes and maintain their aesthetics, I use a revolving shoe tree in my closet. (how to store shoes)
