Repurpose Your Old Shoe Rack For Extra Purse Storage In Your Closet

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If your purses and clutches always seem to end up in a messy pile on your closet floor, you're definitely not alone. Between work satchels, cross-body bags, and fanny packs, handbags can take over a space fast. It's time to stop stuffing handbags into your closet and try a space-saving storage idea instead. There's a simple fix you might already own: a shoe rack. Yep, that same rack that once held your sneakers can easily double as vertical purse storage. The best part is you don't need any tools or to spend a lot of money. If you have a shoe rack, preferably one with tiered or slatted shelves, it takes just a few minutes to rearrange your bags on it.

This hack is affordable, renter-friendly, and displays all your purses out in the open — no more digging through piles to find the one you want to use. It's also ideal for small closets or bedrooms where space is limited. By repurposing something you already have, you save money and give new life to an overlooked item that might otherwise be collecting dust in storage. Before buying another bulky organizer or storage bin, take a look around your home. That forgotten shoe rack might be the key to finally getting your purse storage under control. If you don't already have a shoe rack, this seven-shelf-tall Xzxwzx Free-Standing Bamboo Foldable Shoe Organizer costs about $42. It's surprising the things you can store in a shoe cabinet for better home organization!

To create your purse organizer, simply unfold your shoe rack — or, if it's new, assemble it according to the manufacturer's instructions — and place it in a convenient spot. That could be inside your closet or walk-in wardrobe, against a wall in your entryway, or in one corner of your bedroom. Organize your handbags and purses by size, color, or how often you use them. Place large totes and structured bags on the bottom shelves for stability. Smaller purses, wristlets, and clutches can go on the upper levels for easy access. Hang crossbody straps out of the sides of the open shelves to prevent tangling. If you want to take things a step further, add adhesive hooks or clips to the shelves to hang belts, scarves, or hats. For a more polished look, try painting or staining a wooden rack to match your current aesthetic, or adorn the shelves with decorative shelf liner.

Can't find a shoe rack for a price you're willing to spend? An Amazon Basics 24-Pocket Over-the-Door Hanging Shoe Organizer costs less than $10, and you can use it to organize your purses in a similar fashion. This setup works especially well if you need to organize handbags in a small space because it uses often forgotten about elevation. And you'll still be able to see all your purses at a glance. Of course, this is a solution for clutches, not large handbags, so pairing a free-standing shoe rack with this over-the-door option would be a dream combination. Whether you're a minimalist with a few classic staples or a collector with a handbag for every outfit, this quick DIY will keep everything well organized and off your closet floor.