Shoe Storage Ideas to Prevent Shoe Clutter

Tue, Jul 16, 2024 14:18 CET

Shoes, while obviously necessary, can become an eyesore and a large source of clutter in the home. The more people that live in your home, the more pairs of shoes there will be in the home. As the shoes add up, it can be difficult to keep them out of the way. For many homeowners, the daily battle against the ever-growing mountain of shoes can be overwhelming.

A pair of feet in black and white shoes

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Luckily, there are some things you can do to tame the shoe clutter. Interior design expert Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this guide for homeowners, providing some of the best ways to store your precious shoes and keep the clutter at a minimum. With these tips, you can reclaim your living space. Ryan delves into a range of practical storage solutions to suit every home. Take a look at Ryan’s tips below.

Brilliant Shoe Storage Ideas

Below is a list of excellent shoe storage ideas to help keep the shoe clutter at bay:

Create Cupboard Shelves

If you have a cupboard in your hallway or underneath your stairs, this is a great place for storing shoes. The best thing you can do is create some shelves in your cupboard. This will allow you to place all of your shoes on display, meaning you won’t have to go sifting through piles of shoes to get to the ones that you want. Put the shoes you use the most on the middle shelves so they’re easiest to get to.

Invest in a Shoe Cabinet

You can make the most of your space by investing in a shoe storage cabinet. Shoe storage cabinets usually feature stackable tiers for storing many shoes. They also come in a range of sizes, styles and colours to suit. You can place your shoe storage cabinet in your hallway for easy access, or it can also make a great stylish addition to your bedroom if you choose a cabinet that suits your bedroom décor.

Use Shoe Baskets

Shoe baskets are an easy way to store your shoes. You can choose to designate a stylish shoe basket for each member of your household. This will allow you to keep your hallway clutter at bay. Make sure each family member knows which shoe basket belongs to them and that everyone knows the rules for putting their shoes away in the baskets. You could even create some fun name cards for putting on the shoe baskets, or you could allow your children to decorate their shoe baskets with their own designs to make it more fun.

Use Stackable Shoe Racks

This is a classic and space-saving solution, especially for frequently worn shoes. Look for stackable racks that utilise vertical space efficiently. They come in various materials (plastic, metal, wood) to suit your style, and some even have a top shelf for hats, bags or gloves. This is a great first line of defence to keep everyday shoes organised and easily accessible near the entry door.

Under-The-Bed Shoe Storage

This is ideal for shoes you don't wear all the time but still want to keep accessible. Opt for clear plastic bins with lids to protect shoes from dust and allow you to see what's inside. Fabric bins are another option, but they might not provide ventilation, so choose breathable materials. Stackable under-bed boxes can maximise space and keep things tidy.

Over-The-Door Shoe Organisers

This is a space-saver for smaller areas. Shoe organisers that hang over the door take advantage of unused wall space and come in various sizes and pocket configurations. They are great for storing a range of different shoe styles. Mesh pockets allow for ventilation and keep dust at bay. This is usually best placed in a cupboard, spare room, or somewhere else out of sight as they can be quite unsightly. It’s also worth remembering that you should avoid placing over-the-door storage on fire doors as this could compromise them.

How Do You Store Shoes That Regularly Become Dirty?

If you have shoes that regularly get muddy, these can be stored in places such as the garage or shed. Alternatively, you can create a small outdoor storage solution for storing muddy shoes. If this isn't possible, aim to rinse your shoes off with a hose before bringing them inside. You could use a specific box to store muddy shoes. Line the box with newspapers or old magazine papers. Then, you can simply replace the paper every few weeks to keep the storage container clean.

What Are The Benefits of Storing Shoes Properly?

Beyond the undeniable satisfaction of a clutter-free home, there are several practical benefits to be reaped from giving your shoes a designated storage space. Here's why taking control of your shoe collection is a win-win for both your home and your footwear:

Preserving Your Shoe Investment: Shoes, especially well-made leather pairs, can be a significant investment. Proper storage protects them from dust, dirt, and sunlight, all of which can deteriorate materials and shorten their lifespan. By keeping them out of harm's way, you'll get more mileage out of your favourite shoes.
Maintaining Shoe Shape: Shoes left haphazardly piled can lose their shape over time. Designated storage solutions, like shoe boxes, help shoes retain their structure, preventing them from becoming misshapen or creased. This not only keeps them looking their best but also ensures a comfortable fit.
Combating Odours: Let's face it, shoes can get a bit smelly, especially after a long day. Proper storage, particularly with breathable options like mesh pockets or open shelves, allows for air circulation. This helps shoes dry out and prevents the build-up of odours, keeping your home smelling fresh.
Saving Time and Sanity: We've all experienced the morning scramble, desperately searching for that elusive missing shoe. Dedicated storage eliminates this daily frustration. Knowing exactly where each pair resides makes getting out the door a breeze, saving you precious time and a dose of pre-workday stress.
Aesthetics and Organisation: A cluttered entryway or overflowing wardrobe with shoes strewn about creates a visually chaotic impression. Implementing storage solutions gives a sense of order and makes your home look more polished. Plus, neatly organised shoes are easier to browse through, allowing you to make outfit decisions with ease.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! With these clever storage solutions and a little planning, you can transform your shoe situation from a chaotic jumble to a haven of organised bliss. Remember, conquering the shoe mountain isn't just about aesthetics; it's about protecting your footwear investment, maintaining their shape and lifespan, and creating a more efficient and pleasant living environment.

So, take a deep breath, assess your shoe collection, and choose the storage solutions that best suit your needs and space. With a little effort, you'll be stepping into a clutter-free future, one organised shoe at a time.

RYAN MCDONOUGH:

Ryan is an interior design expert with 15 years worth of experience in the field. Ryan works closely with clients to make their visions come to life at a price that suits their budget. Ryan also provides expert interior design comments for MyJobQuote and has been featured in a range of top publications.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.