Use A Tension Rod To Turn A Cabinet Into An Organized Shoe Rack

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Contrary to popular belief, there are actually people who don't have a shoe storage problem. They have a closet the size of most bedrooms with lighted, climate-controlled cubbies to show off each pair of Jimmy Choos. Anyone who isn't a character from a romantic comedy, however, probably needs an affordable closet storage hack that keeps shoes off the floor and organized.

Shoes take up the most room in your closet by far. They aren't flat like shirts, they can't be pushed inside one another like hats, and you can't put them on hangers. And although there are a ton of shoe storage options out there, most are less than ideal. Shoe racks are unsightly and keep stinky shoes out in the open, and over-the-door shoe hangers are great for some shoes, but not for heels or boots. Storing shoes in the original boxes take up an inordinate amount of space and makes it hard to find the pair you need. 

You may have tried using a cabinet to store shoes, but found out very quickly that only a few pairs would fit, leaving a lot of unused vertical space. However, adding a tension rod to your cabinet can double the amount of shoes you can store. This basic shoe storage solution is incredibly easy and doesn't require any drills, screws, or nails, so it won't harm your cabinet. 

A couple of tension rods like these AIZESI Spring Tension Curtain Rods ($10 for the pair) can turn a cabinet with one shelf into four rows of shoe storage. They can adjust to fit any size cabinet, and are suitable for all shoe types, from hiking boots to kitten heels. Hang a rod near the top/back of the cabinet to hang shoes by the heel, or place a rod near the bottom/back to stand tennis shoes up vertically. Both options leave room for another row of shoes on the same shelf. If your cabinet is tall enough for two horizontal rows of shoes, you can place two rods in the middle of the cabinet a few inches apart, creating another shelf. If you don't have a cabinet, another smart tension rod hack for closet storage is to place the rods between two closet walls, creating a floating shelf for shoes or hanging clothes.  

Before placing your shoes behind closed (cabinet) doors, make sure there is no moisture or humidity, which can cause damage. You can take precautionary measures by placing Romeda Silica Gel Packs, baking soda, or even a bag of rice in the cabinet with your shoes to absorb moisture (baking soda is a good option as it will absorb bad smells as well). Before going on vacation, consider leaving the cabinet doors open to allow air to circulate while you are gone.