Having an organised wardrobe makes getting dressed easier and faster. It helps you create more outfits from what you own (shopping your wardrobe) as it lets you see what you have more clearly and easily.
It’s not just the clothes that need to be organised and stored, it’s also your accessories too – from jewellery to shoes.
During our most recent Q&A Zoom session, one of my 7 Steps to Style members asked for tips on how she can keep her shoe collection easily accessible and organised, so she has an easier morning when choosing her complete outfit.
Here are some of my suggestions – because, like everything, this is personal and there is no one “right” way and what works for you may not work for everyone.
Discover Your Organising Style
Before deciding and investing in storage options, consider your personal preferences. I love this quiz by Cas – the Clutterbug Queen – which helps you understand more about your organising preferences – take the What Clutterbug Am I Quiz here.
Before You Decide on Shoe Storage, Answer These
- How many pairs of shoes do you own? There is no right number; I’ve seen everything from 3 pairs (not enough) to hundreds.
- What is your wardrobe space like? Is it a tiny cupboard with doors, or is it a whole dressing room with shelves?
- Do you prefer your items behind doors or in drawers, or do you prefer to see what you have out in the open and make a display of them?
- There are various boxes and holders you can choose from, and each has pros and cons depending on your space and preferences.
- Do you need distinctly different shoes for summer and winter? If so, do you have the space to store them all in the same place, or do you need to rotate them for the season?
Storage Boxes and Containers
1. Shoe boxes with labels or pictures for easy identification
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Whether it’s the original box the shoes came in or stackable plastic boxes, if you are happy to take them out and put them away, this is a great way to store your shoes, as it keeps them free from dust as well as in a protected space. That said, it can be finicky and fussy, 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 likely lose shoes at the bottom and forget you own them. Ideally, I’d look for a box that is only 1 shoe layer deep, so that you can easily see what is in there.
Keep like shoes together – so flat sandals, sports shoes, pumps, ballet flats etc. That way, if you’re looking for a particular style of shoe, you go to the category box and then decide from your selection.
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If you are tight on space, larger boxes that slide under the bed may be a good 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 Pockets
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These hang over a door (or you could attach to a wall), and can be a good way to store shoes you reach for regularly, as they are easy to access. Number of shoes is limited so better if you only have a smaller collection.
You can also get options that store more 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 floor of your closet, but make it easier to manage your shoes and as they don’t have lids, simpler to access.
Shelves
5. Narrow Bookcase
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This can be a great way to store and display shoes. Best for those who like to easily see what they have. You can then organise shelves by types and styles of shoes.
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Consider your shoe styles, you may want a shelf that includes space for knee-high boots too.
6. Entryway Shelves
A shelf designed to sit in your entryway may also be an option if you’re happy to see your shoes.
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7. Pull out shelves
Wide shelves that may be 2-3 pairs deep are fine, if you can easily see and access your shoes. But if it’s just a deep shelf and what’s at the back is forgotten, avoid this kind 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 wardrobe – they come from Ikea) as they allow you to store more deeply into your wardrobe, yet access them with ease.
8. Rotating Shelves
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If you have a corner that’s got a little space and you’re happy to see your shoes, a rotating shoe rack tower may be a good choice.
9. Shoes Shelves in a Cupboard
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One of our storage options for shoes in our house is shoes shelves, that are one pair deep, inside a cupboard, so you don’t have to see them, but they are easy to put away and get out, but the mess is not visible. I have something very similar in our front hall cupboard that holds the kids shoes and sneakers as well as my walking the dogs shoes for easy access.
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Shoe Cabinets
If you hate to see shoes but want them out of the way, shoe cabinets are a possible option for you.
10. Flip Drawer Shoe Cabinets
These come in a huge range of styles, from simple to more decorative.
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Some have flip drawers you stack your shoes into. But there is a limit to how many pairs will fit.
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Others are just a cabinet with shelves inside. But these are all great if you love to have everything out of sight.
I’m sure there are more options, but finding the right fit for you, your space, and your collection will help you get dressed in a stylish outfit every day.
How to Set Yourself Up For Style Success
Closet Organisation Tips to Always Have the Perfect Outfit Ready
Closet Clutter Begone! Transform Your Wardrobe into an Organizational Haven
