One Simple Insert Turns Your IKEA KALLAX Into An Organized Toddler Shoe Rack

Kids' footwear might be cute, particularly tiny, toddler-sized shoes, but they can also be a nightmare to organize. Their small size makes it easy for them to go missing, and for homes with multiple young children, the challenge is even more real. While a basket for shoes will keep them all in one place, this will do you no favors when rushing out the door and trying to get your little ones' footwear on. Additionally, this approach can look disorderly and chaotic, rather than being an organized solution. What if there was a better way to store shoes? If you desire something that is more orderly, there's a simple IKEA KALLAX hack you'll love if you're short on storage space. Enter a wine bottle insert repurposed as a shoe holder for toddlers.

In order to get your toddler's shoe collection under control, you'll need an IKEA KALLAX Shelf Unit, as well as one of their KALLAX Inserts for Bottles. The hack could not be easier: all you have to do is clear out the space of a KALLAX cubby, then slide the bottle insert into the space. The depth of the insert should be long enough to hold two shoes, one in front of the other, providing space for nine little pairs of shoes. If you already have the IKEA KALLAX unit, this upgrade will only cost the price of the insert at $25. For those who need the shelf unit as well, be sure to work that into your budget. It may help to know that the KALLAX line has very positive reviews and comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from a single cubby to a 25-cube unit.

While this hack is straightforward, a few recommendations can ensure that it's a complete success. Firstly, to help your toddlers be independent, position the bottle insert on a lower cubby of a KALLAX system. By placing their shoe storage at their level, you will mitigate the risk of them trying to climb the cubby to reach their shoes while also fostering independence in retrieving and putting away their belongings. The unit comes with a mounting kit so that the furniture can be anchored to the wall for safety. If you need to purchase a KALLAX system to create your shoe storage, consider choosing the IKEA KALLAX Shelf Unit with two cubbies and then place an insert in each space. Situate a bench cushion on top, and you'll have created not only a space to store your little ones' footwear but also a designated spot for them to sit while they put on their shoes and take them off.

Secondly, note that while the KALLAX units come in a variety of color finishes, the wine bottle insert only comes in white, making it more likely to show dirt. Since a toddler's shoes can get muddy, especially after trudging through snow and puddles, dirty shoes will quickly begin to make your storage solution look dingy. To preserve a nicer appearance, wipe or rinse the shoes off before storing them. When the KALLAX does get dirty, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth, being careful to dry it when done. Your home's toddler shoe storage stress can be a thing of the past, thanks to this alternative use for a popular IKEA product.