Organizing Shoes: How To Keep Your Closet Floor Clear

If you’re like me, your shoes are probably scattered around your closet floor and piled in stacks on the closet shelf. It’s not a pretty sight, but it can be fixed! 

Follow my expert tips for organizing shoes so that all of your footwear can fit into one place your closet floor!

15 brilliant ideas for storing SHOES – How to organize footwear
Key Takeaways
– Organizing shoes can help declutter your space and make it easier to find the right pair for any occasion.
– There are a variety of shoe storage solutions available, including shelves, racks, and hanging organizers.
– Take the time to assess your shoe collection and declutter any pairs you no longer wear.
– Maintaining your shoes and protecting them from damage can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking great.
– With a little effort and organization, you can create a stress-free and functional shoe storage system that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Sort Through Your Shoes

  • Sort by type of shoe. This includes sandals, sneakers, boots, flats and heels.
  • Group by color. This makes it easier to see what you have when you’re looking for an outfit with a specific shoe in mind.
  • Organize according to style—classic, trendy or funky? Some shoes are meant for more formal occasions, while others work best with jeans or sweatpants on the weekends.
  • Keep your shoes organized by season: keep summer shoes separate from winter ones so they don’t get mixed up when switching between seasons!

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Ditch the Boxes

Boxes are a great way to organize shoes, but they can make your closet floor look like a landfill. If you have been using boxes as shoe storage, it’s time to get rid of them! 

You can do this by simply removing all of the contents from each box and placing them in one area of your closet floor where they will be easier to access when you need them (like during an emergency). 

Once that’s done, simply use some duct tape or masking tape around each shoe so that no water gets inside while still keeping everything together nicely!

Shoe Storage SolutionCapacitySpace RequiredOther Features
Shoe Rack (Seville Classics)Up to 9 pairs (per rack)Fits in a closet or on the floorStackable design
Hanging Shoe Organizer (MISSLO)Up to 10 pairsHangs in a closet or on a hookMesh pockets for ventilation
Shoe Cubby Bench (Prepac)Up to 18 pairsTakes up floor spaceCan be used as a bench
Shoe Tower Organizer (Lynk)Up to 50 pairsVertical storage that can fit in a closet or against a wallAdjustable tiers for customization

Ditching the boxes for better shoe storage solutions can help free up space and give your closet a more organized and tidy appearance.

Consider options such Seville Classics’ shoe rack, which can hold up to 9 pairs per rack and has a stackable design for space-saving. A hanging shoe organizer like MISSLO’s can store up to 10 pairs, while hanging inside a closet or on a hook, keeping shoes off the floor.

If you want to use the floor space but still want to organize shoes, try Prepac’s Shoe Cubby Bench, which can store up to 18 pairs of shoes and also doubles as a bench. Finally, if you have a larger shoe collection, a shoe tower organizer such as Lynk’s can hold up to 50 pairs of shoes and has adjustable tiers for customization and ease of use.

Put ‘Em in a Shoe Bin

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of your shoe clutter, the first step is finding a place to put your shoes. 

A shoe bin is the perfect solution because it provides an easy-to-use spot for each pair, and it keeps all of them in one place at all times.

If you don’t already have a shoebox (or several), then head to your local store and buy one! You can even find cute ones online if you want something special or out of the ordinary.

Once you have your box(es), fill them up with pairs that are similar in style and color so they look cohesive when placed together on the floor or shelf where they’ll be stored.

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Install Shelves

Install shelves. If you have a lot of shoes, installing shelves can be a good option to create more space in your closet. 

You’ll need to find the best location for them on the floor, on the wall or even on the ceiling. Shelves can be made from a variety of materials including wood, metal and glass.

Use baskets or bins to organize small items such as accessories and socks. Baskets are great because they allow you to see what you have at a glance but if they’re too big they might take up too much space in your closet so it’s better to keep them smaller than bigger!

Return Your Shoes to the Sock Drawer

Put your shoes back into their sock drawers. This will not only keep them organized, but it’ll also reduce the clutter in your closet floor space by reducing the need for frequent vacuuming and dust cleaning.

The best part? It reduces the risk of a missing pair of matching shoes!

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Put Them on Display With a Garment Rack

If you want to keep your shoes organized and on display, try using a garment rack. You can buy one at a store or online, but it’s also easy to make your own by using an old ladder or some repurposed wood. 

Another option is to use an over-the-door shoe hanger along with some hooks on the wall this will give you additional storage space without taking up any floor space.

Tiered Shoe Racks Are Awesome

Tiered shoe racks are great for storing high heels, boots, sandals, flats and sneakers. They make it easy to keep your closet floor clear by allowing you to store multiple pairs of shoes in one place.

Tiered rack systems can be found at most home stores they’re inexpensive and easy to install. A great way to organize your closet space is by using these racks on both sides of the door so that they don’t take up valuable floor space when not in use!

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Organize Your Closet Space According to Use

As you begin to organize your closet, it’s important that you keep in mind the different types of clothes and shoes.

Clothes – For this category, think about how often you wear each piece. Do you have a lot of dresses? Maybe an extra pair of jeans is needed. 

Or maybe there’s something else that needs to be worn more often than those items (like tights or leggings). 

Once these needs are sorted out, then organize according to color—for example: blue jeans; red dresses; black pants/shorts/shoes etcetera.

Shoes – Same idea here! Sort by type so that all shoes are together under one section or put them with accessories underneath their own grouping label like “socks” or “handbags.” 

If there’s something specific about how often they’re worn (e.g., heels), write that information down next to where they go so it doesn’t get lost during later organization efforts!

Closet CategorySuggested Organization MethodHelpful Products
ShoesUse an over-the-door shoe organizer (SimpleHouseware), a hanging canvas shoe organizer (Whitmor), or a shoe cabinet (Prepac)Over-the-door shoe organizer, hanging canvas shoe organizer, or shoe cabinet
ClothesCategorize and color-code clothing items in labeled bins or hanging organizers (Household Essentials)Label maker, labeled bins, hanging organizers
AccessoriesUse drawer dividers (MaidMAX), jewelry trays, and hanging organizers (MISSLO)Drawer dividers, jewelry trays, hanging organizers

Organizing your closet according to different categories can make a big difference in reducing clutter and keeping things tidy. For your shoe collection, an over-the-door shoe organizer like SimpleHouseware’s model, a hanging canvas shoe organizer by Whitmor, or a shoe cabinet by Prepac can all help save space and keep your shoes organized and easily accessible.

For clothes, you can categorize and color-code in labeled bins or hanging organizers by Household Essentials, using a label maker to make the categories clear. Finally, for accessories, using MaidMAX’s drawer dividers, jewelry trays or MISSLO’s hanging organizers can help you avoid tangles and keep everything in its place.

Don’t Overlook Unconventional Spaces for Shoe Storage

Don’t overlook unconventional spaces for shoe storage. These are five easy ways to keep your closet floor clear:

Use the back of the door. If you don’t have a lot of room, gather all the shoes in your closet and hang them on the back of the door with hooks or shower caddies. This will allow you to easily see all your options without actually taking up any space in your closet itself.

Add shelves or bins under hanging clothes. For shorter items, such as t-shirts or skirts, hang these on one side of your shelf while putting smaller items like socks, underwear and tank tops into bins on top of those things on another shelf (or even down below). This way everything has its own place without being thrown helter skelter under everything else!

Use a shoe bag on each shelf in between clothing racks—or use boxes filled with old magazines as an alternative if there isn’t enough room between racks already filled with folded clothes! 

The point is just making sure each item doesn’t get lost amid piles upon piles upon piles of other stuff so we can quickly identify what’s ours when we need it most–like when we’re running late for work/school!

Are you tired of a cluttered closet that leaves you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Check out our comprehensive guide on organizing your closet for step-by-step strategies to take control of your space. Learn how to declutter, organize, and maintain a functional and stress-free closet.

Use the Back of the Door

The back of the door is a great place to store shoes, as it’s out of sight and readily accessible. To maximize your space, hang the shoe on a hook with some tension so it doesn’t fall off—you can do this easily by using an over-the-door shoe organizer.

If you have more than one pair of shoes that you want to store vertically on a hook (or if you have kids who need their own storage), consider using an over-the-door shoe rack with hooks. This will allow for storage room for more pairs of shoes without taking up much additional space.

If you’re trying to keep things tidy in your closet, consider using a mesh bag instead of tossing them into drawers or shelves. 

Mesh bags work well because they allow air flow through them so they won’t smell like some other types of bags might when used for storing shoes (e.g., plastic).

If there’s not enough room in your closet for these bags or if they don’t fit well on certain shelves, try hanging them from hooks along the back wall or side walls where there is open space between clothing racks/shelves and walls/doors

Shoe Storage SolutionPlacementCapacityOther Features
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer (SimpleHouseware)Back of the DoorUp to 24 pairsSturdy hooks and mesh pockets for ventilation and easy access
Hanging Canvas Shoe Organizer (Whitmor)Back of the DoorUp to 12 pairsDurable and breathable canvas material
Pocketed Shoe Organizer (Honey-Can-Do)Back of the DoorUp to 18 pairsClear plastic pockets for easy visibility and organization
Adjustable Elfa Utility Door & Wall System (The Container Store)Back of the Door or WallCustomizable to fit your shoe collectionInterchangeable components for optimal organization

Using the back of the door is a great way to maximize your shoe storage space without cluttering your living area. An over-the-door shoe organizer, such as the SimpleHouseware model, can hold up to 24 pairs of shoes.

It features sturdy hooks and mesh pockets for ventilation and easy access to your footwear. If you prefer canvas materials, the Whitmor Hanging Canvas Shoe Organizer can hold up to 12 pairs, while providing durable and breathable storage.

Alternatively, Honey-Can-Do’s Pocketed Shoe Organizer offers 18 pairs of shoe capacity while featuring clear plastic pockets for easy visibility and organization.

For those looking for a more customizable option, The Container Store’s Adjustable Elfa Utility Door & Wall System provides interchangeable components that can be adjusted to fit your specific shoe collection needs.

Try a Folding Shoe Rack That You Can Store Under the Bed When Not in Use

You can also use a folding shoe rack to store your shoes in the closet when you’re not wearing them. When it’s time to put the shoes away, simply fold up the rack and slide it under your bed! You’ll never have to worry about where you should put that extra pair of sandals or dress heels again.

You can even get creative with this idea by using a folding shoe rack as an extra storage space for other household items as well it’s perfect for storing blankets and throws during the summer months, or extra toiletries during travel season. 

If you have a large walk-in closet that has plenty of room, consider purchasing one of these racks so that you’ll always have an organized place for things like towels and robes (or just about anything else).

Use an Over-the-Door Shoe Rack

Over-the-door shoe racks are a great way to save space in your closet. They can hold up to 20 pairs of shoes and other accessories, like hats and scarves. 

They’re easy to install and remove, which makes them a convenient choice for different purposes. 

If you don’t have the space for or want an entire closet organizer but would like something that will keep your shoes neatly organized and take up less room than traditional storage systems, this is an excellent option!

Shoe Storage SolutionCapacitySpace RequiredOther Features
Over-the-Door Shoe Rack (Simple Housewares)Up to 20 pairsTakes up vertical space on the doorCan hold other accessories like hats and scarves
Shoe Rack Organizer (Whitmor)Up to 9 pairsFits in a closet or on the floorStackable design
Under-bed Shoe Storage (Iris)Up to 12 pairsFits under the bedClear plastic lid for easy visibility
Rolling Shoe Rack (Honey-Can-Do)Up to 50 pairsMobile and can be easily movedIncludes locking casters for stability
Shoe Cabinet (Prepac)Up to 24 pairsVertical storage that can fit in a closet or against a wallIncludes adjustable shelves for customization

Using an over-the-door shoe rack like the Simple Housewares model is a great way to save closet space and keep your shoe collection organized. Compared to other shoe storage solutions, it can hold up to 20 pairs of shoes while taking up minimal vertical space on your closet or bedroom door.

It also has the added bonus of being able to hold other accessories like hats and scarves for a clutter-free closet or entryway.

However, if you have a larger shoe collection or prefer a different storage method, there are other options available, such as stackable shoe racks, under-bed shoe storage, rolling shoe racks, and shoe cabinets. Consider your shoe collection size, available space, and personal preference to determine which shoe storage solution works best for you.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Some easy ways to organize your shoes and keep them out of sight. If this article inspired you to get started on a project, we’d love to hear from you. 

We hope it was helpful in giving you some ideas on how best to organize things in your closet or other space at home. 

And remember: whether it’s shoes or anything else, organizing doesn’t have to be hard work! It can actually be fun if done right

Further Reading

For more in-depth advice and tips on organizing your shoe collection and closet, check out the following resources:

Real Simple: Contained Ways to Organize Shoes – This article from Real Simple magazine offers clever organization ideas and storage solutions to keep your shoes tidy and accessible.

The Container Store: Shoe Organization Ideas – The Container Store provides a variety of shoe storage options and ideas to help you declutter your space and keep your footwear organized.

The Spruce: How to Organize Shoes – The Spruce offers expert advice on how to organize your shoes in a variety of spaces, including closets, entryways, and mudrooms.

FAQs

How do I declutter my shoe collection?

Start by setting aside time to assess your shoes and determine which ones you wear regularly and which you can donate or sell. Consider factors such as comfort, style, and seasonality when deciding what to keep.

What’s the best way to store shoes?

The best way to store shoes depends on the type of shoe and your available space. Consider storage solutions such as shoe racks, hanging organizers, or clear plastic bins to protect and organize your footwear.

How can I prevent my shoes from getting scuffed or damaged?

Use shoe trees or stuff them with paper to help them maintain their shape. Avoid stacking shoes on top of each other or storing them in a way that puts pressure on the heels or toes. Keep them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or discoloration.

Should I store shoes on open shelves or in closed containers?

The answer depends on the type of shoe and your preference. Closed containers offer more protection from dust and light exposure, while open shelves provide easy access and visibility. Consider your storage space and the type of shoe to determine which storage option works best for you.

How often should I clean and maintain my shoes?

Depending on how frequently you wear them and in what conditions, you should clean and maintain your shoes on a regular basis. Wipe them down with a soft cloth after each wear and consider using cleaning products specific to the material of the shoe. Store them in a way that allows them to air out and avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row to extend their lifespan.