Having an organized wardrobe makes getting dressed easier and faster. It helps you to create more clothes from what you have (your shopping closet) as it allows you to see what you have clearly and easily.
It’s not just clothes that need to be organized and stored, but also your accessories – from jewelry to shoes.
During our recent Q&A Zoom session, one of my 7 Steps to Style members asked for tips on how to keep her shoe collection accessible and organized, so she can have an easy morning when choosing her perfect outfit.
Here are some of my suggestions – because, like all things, this is personal and there is no “right” way and what works for you may not work for everyone.
Discover Your Editing Style
Before deciding and investing in savings options, consider personal preferences. I love this quiz by Cas – the Clutterbug Queen – which helps you understand more about your organizing preferences – take the What Clutterbug Am I Quiz here.
Before You Decide On Shoe Storage, Answer This
- How many pairs of shoes do you have? There is no right number; I’ve seen everything from 3 pairs (not enough) to hundreds.
- How is your closet space? Is it a small wardrobe with doors, or a complete dressing room with shelves?
- Do you choose your belongings behind doors or cabinets, or do you prefer to see what you have in the open and make a show of it?
- There are a variety of boxes and holders to choose from, and each has pros and cons depending on your space and preferences.
- Do you need different shoes for summer and winter? If so, do you have the space to keep them all in one place, or do you need to rotate them seasonally?
Storage Boxes and Containers
1. Shoe boxes with labels or pictures for easy identification
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Whether it’s the actual box the shoes came in or the stackable plastic boxes, if you enjoy taking them out and putting them away, this is a great way to store your shoes, as they keep them dust-free and in a protected environment. That said, it can be finicky and messy, and the boxes take up a lot of space.
2. Larger Storage Boxes
This can be good, but be aware that if they are too deep, you will probably lose the shoes at the bottom and forget that you own them. Ideally, I would look at a box that is only 1 shoe layer deep, so you can easily see what is inside.
Keep like shoes together – flat sandals, sports shoes, pumps, ballet flats etc. That way, if you want a particular style of shoe, you go to the category box and decide on your choice.
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If you’re tight on space, large boxes that slide under the bed can be a great option. Or consider putting “off-season” shoes in boxes under the bed, making room for your current seasonal shoe needs in your closet.
3. Shoe Bags
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These hang over the door (or you can attach them to the wall), and can be a great way to store shoes that you reach for frequently, as they are easy to access. The number of shoes is best limited if you only have a small collection.
You can also find options that store multiple pairs – like these over the door shoe shelves.
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4. Vertical Shoe Storage Boxes
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These are designed to sit on the bottom of your closet, but make it easy to carry your shoes and since they don’t have lids, they’re easy to access.
Shelves
5. Small bookcase
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This can be a great way to store and display shoes. It’s great for those who like to easily see what they have. You can then organize the shelves by types and styles of shoes.
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Think about your shoe styles, you might want a shelf that includes space for knee-high boots as well.
6. Walk-in Shelves
A shelf designed to sit in your entryway might be an option if you’re excited to see your shoes.
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7. Remove the shelves
Wide shelves maybe 2-3 pairs deep are fine, if you can easily see and reach your shoes. But if it’s a deep shelf and the back is forgotten, avoid this type of shelf unless you want to use the back for off-season storage.
This is where pull-out shelves are great (I have them in my closet – they’re from Ikea) as they allow you to store deeper in your wardrobe, but still have easy access.
8. Rotating Shelves
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If you have a corner with little space and are happy to see your shoes, a rotating shoe tower may be a good choice.
9. Shelves for shoes in the closet
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One of our options for storing shoes in our house is shoe shelves, which are one pair deep, inside the closet, so you don’t have to see them, but it’s easy to put them in and out, but the dirt is not visible. I have something very similar in our front hall closet that stores the kids’ shoes and sneakers and my dog shoes for easy access.
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Shoe cabinets
If you hate seeing shoes but want them out of the way, shoe cabinets are the solution for you.
10. Flip Drawer Shoe Cabinets
These come in a huge range of styles, from simple to more ornate.
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Some have flip drawers where you put your shoes. But there is a limit to how many pairs will match.
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Some are just a cabinet with shelves inside. But all this is good if you like to take everything out of sight.
I’m sure there are many options, but finding the right fit for you, your space, and your collection will help you wear a stylish outfit every day.
How to Prepare for Style Success
Closet Organization Tips to Always Have the Perfect Outfit Ready
Clothes Mess Gone! Turn Your Wardrobe Into An Organizational Space
