Are you looking for some shoe storage tricks? We’ve got your back!
Shoes… Sometimes you love them, sometimes you hate them—especially when you’re running out of room to keep them hidden away and they wind up scattered all over the place! Sounds familiar?
If you’re looking for shoe storage tricks because your closet is constantly overflowing with shoes, it may be a sign to consider other forms of organizing them. That could mean DIYing something yourself or buying something from a store.
Organizing a closet can be a chore, but we’ve made the job easier by rounding up 8 shoe storage tricks that not only maximize the space you’ve got but will also preserve the life of your shoes.
So, find the one that works for you and say farewell to hallway clutter!
1. Before you store, sort, measure, and plan!
Before trying any shoe storage tricks, it’s important to know what you’re working with. Chances are, you own more shoes than you wear, so an important step is to take all of your shoes out of hiding and sort them. Anything that’s dated, uncomfortable, or worn out should be moved along.
Once you’ve done this, sort by type (heels, booties, sneakers, sandals), then by color, to see what you’re dealing with. Based on what you end up with, you will find the best shoe storage tricks that work for you.
Ideally, it’s great if you can store all of your shoes somewhere where you can see them, like in a closet. Whether you’re planning to buy a few bins or install a system, measure the space you’re going to use as well as the shoes you’re storing.
That way, you won’t be tempted to purchase a shoe rack that holds 12 pairs of shoes when you have 55 of them.
2. Shoe storage bench
One of the easiest shoe storage tricks is to buy a storage bench. It will supplement the closet you already have, which, let’s be honest, often seems too small.
This lovely ClosetMaid storage bench was designed with smart shoe storage in mind. It also makes sitting to take shoes off (or put them on) easier than ever. The three cubicles can be assigned to specific family members. This shoe storage bench has over 3,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.5-star average.
You can choose from seven colors and cushion finishes and then tell cluttered hallways to take a seat. Oh, and also, watch compliments roll in when you have guests over.
3. Over-the-door shoe storage
Next on our list of great shoe storage tricks is an inventive way to maximize the space you’re working with. If you lack closet space for all your shoes, don’t despair. An over-the-door shoe storage system will solve the issue in an instant.
For example, this Whitmore 36-pair shoe rack is a wonderful option because it allows you to store your boots, heels, or sneakers along the backside of your door. It keeps them neatly hidden away without taking up the space a closet would take.
It also holds up to 36 pairs of shoes at a time, and there are multiple configurations and sizes available. The Whitmore shoe rack has more than 23,000 Amazon ratings and a 3.8-star average.
4. Under-bed shoe storage
No wonder so many people think this is one of the best shoe storage tricks. Basically, it doesn’t take up any visible space in your house because you keep it under the bed.
One of the most popular choices that people seem to love are these linen shoe boxes, which you can find on Amazon. They come complete with enough separators to accommodate up to 24 pairs of shoes. Load them with anything that isn’t in the shoe closet, and then neatly slide them under your bed.
These boxes come in four neutral colors and have gained more than 7,000 Amazon ratings with a nearly-perfect 4.4-star average. The best part? They are extremely affordable!
5. Shoe shelves
Getting some extra shelves is often the easiest shoe storage trick. Apart from that, we’ve made sure to offer you an option that’s also very affordable. In fact, compared to other shoe storage tricks on this list, this one has the best price!
We’re talking about this Simple Houseware shoe organizer that rings in at under $20. It’s an ideal solution that will fit just perfectly on closet floors and in front entryways that are prone to clutter.
This shoe organizer easily stores your clunkier boots, favorite sandals, and sneakers all in one very tidy setup. It has over 25,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.7-star average.
Keep reading to discover other shoe storage tricks!
6. Dresser-style shoe cabinet
Next on our list of shoe storage tricks is getting an extra cabinet that feels and looks more like a high-end dresser than a shoe closet. If you’re the type of person who hates to see clutter, think of a closed, small cabinet next to the door.
Whether it’s a cabinet with tipped-style drawers or standard ones, the idea is to find the option that keeps your shoes out of sight. One of our readers wrote to us, telling us she stores her shoes inside a repurposed bar cabinet. Apparently, the wine rack is the perfect size for shoes. Who would have thought, huh?
7. Build storage into the stair space
If you live in a two-story house, you may want to look for storage spaces in places you probably haven’t considered yet. The area under your stairs is a good example of thinking outside the box.
When stairs are lined up against a wall, they create an empty wall space beneath. This spot can easily be turned into a shoe storage space by adding a cabinet or some shelves.
If you don’t want to worry about a messy look or the smell, the best fit for the area under your stairs is a closed cabinet. This way, you make the most of your storage space and also keep everything tidy.
8. Keep it clear
While the pros advise against opaque bins or boxes, open-front, clear ones can give a closet structure, keeping your shoes from rubbing against each other. Using clear containers or dividers is one of the best shoe storage tricks, proving to be extremely helpful, especially when you need to find your favorite pair in a hurry.
Apart from having a clear view of where every pair is, transparent containers and dividers also help you keep your shoes in pristine condition. These individual shoe boxes have a clear design on all sides to make it easy to see what is inside and feature an elegant, modern look.
You can stash them along the floor or on an upper shelf of the closet. They are pretty affordable and have over 5,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.2-star average.
9. Streamline your routine
Last but not least on our list of shoe storage tricks is strategically placing your pairs so it’s easy for you to reach for them. As you’re deciding on a storage method that works for you, consider mapping your daily routines to streamline your early morning decisions.
For example, if mornings are spent running towards the front door to start your busy day, an entryway shoe rack could be the best way to go. If you’re a major shoe fiend and have the ability and space to get a new storage system, then a dedicated show cabinet could be the best solution for you.
If you liked our article on shoe storage tricks, you may also want to read Garage Organizing: 7 Easy Ways to Free Up a Parking Lot.
