How to Organize Your Shoes So Your Everyday Pairs Are Easy to Find and Last Longer
Shoes are much easier to keep organized when your closet reflects how you wear them. The pair you reach for in the morning shouldn’t be buried behind hiking boots you use twice a year, and good shoes shouldn’t be bent or crushed just to squeeze another pair onto a shelf. A few changes to where and how you store them could make them easier to find and make them last longer.
Put the Regulars Up Front
Take every pair out of the closet and separate them by how often you honestly wear them. Those that you favor the most should be stored in convenient, easy-to-reach spots. This could be a low closet shelf or an open rack near the entryway. When it comes to shoes that you wear less frequently, store them on the top shelf or back corners.
Move things around when the weather changes. In the winter months snow boots might be rotated to the front. Other times, change might be needed based on where you’re at in life. For instance, if you’re hoping to be more active, keep a pair of running shoes near the door.
Don’t Squeeze in One More Pair
You don’t get bonus points for fitting more pairs than usual on your shoe rack. Instead, you want to leave enough room on the rack to pick up a pair without dragging the shoes next to them. Heels shouldn’t be pressed into neighboring shoes. Flip-flops shouldn’t be folded simply to make them fit.
This is where adjustable shelves can come in handy. You can create shelving customized to what you have at hand. In turn, you might find yourself with enough room for an additional shelf that you hadn’t originally accounted for.
Give Today’s Shoes a Chance to Air Out
After a day of wear, don’t immediately throw your shoes inside a box. Let them air out first. This is especially vital for sneakers, work shoes, comfort footwear, and other pairs worn for hours at a time.
If your shoes are wet from the rain or snow, take care of them before returning them to the closet. Brush away any mud, remove wet insoles if needed, and let everything fully dry according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Avoid placing your shoes directly on a radiator or blasting them with a hair dryer. High heat can be rough on adhesives and some shoe materials. Instead, let them dry naturally. This can take some time, so having two or three everyday options to rotate through can make this process easier.
Store Boots Upright
Tall boots can be annoying to store. Not only is their size difficult to accommodate, but they can flop sideways. After months of sitting that way, the shafts can develop pronounced folds that ruin their appearance.
Use boot shapers to help provide support. Rolled-up magazines can also work as a substitute if you’re on a budget. If it doesn’t stretch the material, it should be fine.
Clean winter boots before putting them away for the season, especially if they’ve been exposed to road salt. Follow the appropriate cleaning instructions for leather, suede, fabric, or whatever material you’re dealing with. Then, give them a dry storage spot until next winter.
Save Boxes for Shoes That Need Them
Not every shoebox needs to be saved unless it’s for special-occasion shoes, collectible sneakers, or a pair that needs protection from dust. If you’re keeping the original boxes, label the ends to help you find them.
For shoes being kept in long-term storage, check the manufacturer’s care recommendations. Certain materials need more airflow than a closed container, while others discolor if exposed to sunlight for long periods.
A good shoe setup should make getting out the door easier. Keep everyday pairs where you would naturally reach, give less used shoes a protected spot, and leave enough room to prevent unnecessary damage. You’ll spend less time hunting down the pair you need and more time out on the town.
Author Bio: Kelsey Jayne is Vice President of Design at Dansko. She is a fourth-generation shoemaker with a background in fashion, who brings a deep appreciation for the authentic craft of shoemaking. Passionate about thoughtful design, Jayne focuses on creating comfortable footwear that has a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Her mission is to create stylish, comfortable and practical shoes that promote a more thoughtful approach to overall well-being.
SOURCES
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/how-to-organize-your-shoes/