Shoe Organization: My Five Best Tips
A well-organized closet can be an asset to everyone— especially those of us with limited space. While living in the big city comes with its perks, there’s often a trade-off when it comes to storage space! With clothing making up the bulk of your wardrobe, it can be easy to overlook the need for efficient shoe storage. Today, I’m sharing 5 tips for maximizing shoe storage and minimizing the risk of the all-too-common shoe pile!
Keep them Visible
One of the first steps I advise in organizing a shoe collection is to make the shoes visible. Toss out original shoe boxes that can create clutter and add unnecessary time and effort when looking for a specific pair. Being able to see your shoes and have them easily accessible will keep your routine on track!
Image via BrklynView
Edit Your Collection
Skimming down your shoe collection is another way to save time and space. A great rule-of-thumb is to edit your shoes quarterly. If you find yourself hanging onto pairs that you haven’t worn in at least 12 months, or shoes that cause you major discomfort, try selling or donating them! You’ll free up space to store the pairs you love. Once you’ve simplified your collection, categorize them by occasion (i.e. daytime casual, evening casual, daytime business, evening business, and black tie) and by color.
Cater to Your Space
While there are tips that everyone can benefit from, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to closet organization. Here are a few solutions based on the space you may have available.
Open Shelving: Have a few pairs of never-fail shoes that you find yourself reaching for on a regular basis? Keep them on an open shelf for easy access!
Clear Containers: I love The Container Store’s clear shoe boxes! They’re stackable, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable. Add labels for easy recognition, and your shoes will be protected from dust and ready to wear.
Floor Rack: Shoe racks that stand on the floor are a great option to add additional storage that can easily be tucked out of sight under your lower hanging racks. They come in many options (expandable, stand-alone, or stackable) and most can hold an average of 12 pairs of shoes.
Out-the-Door Access: We all have those pairs of everyday shoes we reach for when we need to get out the door quickly! I recommend placing a basket by your front door as an easy place to grab and go, or toss them back in at the end of the day.
Make Your Space Count
When storing your shoes on a shelf, maximize every inch of available space by using the “front to back” method. Alternate your shoes heel to toe to avoid wasting precious space.
Always place your most-worn shoes in the more accessible spots for convenience and to make your organization easier to maintain.
Less is More
Ensuring that your shoes are properly cared for can drastically extend their life. Make a visit to your local shoemaker for rubber heel and sole reinforcements. Investing in the care of your shoes will save you money (and space!) down the road. Storage methods also plays a huge role in this, so consider the tips above for keeping your shoes visible, off the floor, and safe from pests and dust.
The Aesthetic Organizer is a professional, personalized service that helps New York City residents organize their homes, simplify their lives and maximize their precious space. You deserve a beautiful, well-thought out home. Curated closets, organized bathrooms, cheerful children’s play areas and functionally spaced kitchens are only the beginning. Contact me here to experience the benefits that come with Aesthetic Organization.
