All of us have, at one point or another, wanted Mary Poppins to show up in our adult life and magically clean and organize our spaces with a song. And while this would be practically perfect in every way, unfortunately, she’s not showing up with her umbrella and poise. However, there are plenty of ways you can organize your home. Starting with one area you know needs work is the best way to approach it so that you don’t get overwhelmed.
Shoes are a big issue. If they are not crushed in the back of a closet somewhere, they are strewn everywhere on the floor creating tripping hazards for those middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks. Not to mention your feet and shoes track in dirt and grime making it harder for you to keep your floors clean. There are plenty of ways to organize and store shoes. Here are the best tips to help you get started.
Evaluate Your Space
Some people have so many shoes, they don’t know what to do, so they do nothing. And all you see are the mountains of shoes with no solution. Look at all the spaces in your home that are housing shoes right now. Are these the right spaces for shoes? How big are they? Do you wear all the shoes? What shoes do you wear the most? By looking at your space you can decide what to do next. Do you lack space? Or do you have too many items in a small space?
Get Rid of Worn-Out Shoes
Next, you’ll want to get rid of worn-out or broken shoes. Additionally, get rid of shoes you haven’t worn in 3 years. It may be that you had plans for those stilettos but they never panned out. And although you love a certain pair of sandals, they cut into your feet in all the wrong places leaving you in pain.
These are all the shoes you want to say goodbye to. Once they are gone, you can take another look at your space. Maybe you already have shoe racks, but you simply needed permission to let go of the ones that weren’t doing you any good. Not everyone wants to Marie Kondo their entire shoe collection but taking a few tips about letting go of some shoes can be freeing.
Keep the Shoes You Use the Most in a Convenient Spot
Your espadrilles and sneakers need a spot front and center. Put a shoe shelf near the door where you put them on or keep them toward the front of a closet. Setting them on a rack or shelf can help them retain their shape, keep them from getting crushed and protect your floors from the grime on the soles.
Make Sure They Are Clean and Dry
Don’t store shoes in a closet unless they are clean and dry. This may mean taking a few minutes to remove dirt from the soles or wiping them off. Have a spot to dry wet shoes specifically before you store them away. If you came in from the rain, the snow, etc., set up a space with a towel and a waterproof rack.
Store Them on a Shelf
There are so many shoe shelves on the market. Once you know how many pairs of shoes you have, you can look at solutions that will work. Shelves with cubbies are great because you can put a pair per section and easily see what you have. This keeps you from creating shoe piles that are difficult to manage and sort through. Additionally, a shelf would be a great place to store shoes in boxes. If you have a lot of dress shoes, their original boxes make a great option, and they stack more easily so you can keep more items in a smaller space.
Use a Space-Saving Solution
Homes without a lot of space will need more creative solutions. Over-the-door racks aren’t known for being the prettiest solution, but they are functional. Leverage the storage in your coat closet and clothes closet to store your shoes. Make it a habit to put away your shoes when you walk in the door each day. These simple tips can help you organize and store your shoes without creating more clutter in your home.
