Shoe Storage Solutions That Are Actually Worth Trying, According To A Professional Organizer

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Shoes have a tendency to pile up. Scattered in corners, piling up in your entry way, and cascading in a mound from your closet — storing these shoes feels like an insurmountable task at times. Luckily, there are plenty of smart ways to store shoes. We caught up with Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer at Nola Organizers and Professional Organizer New Orleans, in an exclusive interview to gain some insight on the best ways to keep your shoes organized.

"One of the biggest mistakes I see people making is storing their shoes in places that don't protect them long-term, like leaving them out in the open where they can collect dust or pet hair, get exposed to moisture or dirt, or get squished and lose their shape," Parks shares.

She notes that she sees her clients store shoes in their original boxes a lot which works to keep them protected from dust but isn't necessarily the most efficient way to organize. She says if you do lean on this strategy, it might be more effective to label or paste a photo of the shoe box on the outside to sort through them more easily. However, she has a host of other ideas that make keeping your shoes in order so much easier. Say goodbye to messy shoe storage with all of Parks' best tips when it comes to shoe organization.

"Shoes last much longer when they're stored in a clean, protected spot that helps them keep their shape," professional organizer Olivia Parks shares with House Digest in an exclusive interview. "A closet shelf, a closed shoe cabinet, or lidded bins, or even storing them up high in an over-the-door hanging shoe organizer are all great options because they keep shoes contained, cleaner, and help keep them in better shape over time." If you use your storage space wisely, you'll find that it's easier to find and organize your shoes while also keeping them in better shape. 

Parks also suggests under-bed bins with lids. She believes these are "one of the best long-term options" for keeping your shoes protected and organized. This is perfect for stashing away seasonal shoes that you're not currently using as much while still maintaining easy access to them. Once the seasons change, you can bring out the appropriate shoes and store the ones you won't be using for a few months. There are plenty of options on the market to choose from but she suggests the Onlyeasy Sturdy Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer from Amazon, along with the foldable Aokeyee Shoe Organizer.

If you're storing expensive, delicate, or designer shoes, you may want some added protection. If you're haphazardly throwing shoes in a closet or even gently stacking them on an overflowing shoe rack, you risk damaging them, and it's vital to go the extra mile to protect them. This is where dust bags and shoe bags come into play. They're made from a light, breathable material. Olivia Parks exclusively reveals to House Digest that these shoe covers help "prevent scuffs and dust build-up" while not trapping moisture like plastic does. If you're concerned about your shoes getting compressed under one another, Parks suggests stackable shoe boxes. They help to keep shoes clean, maintain their shape, and prevent shoes from rubbing together. This is another great option for your more expensive shoes.

Generally speaking, Parks recommends "storing them somewhere where they're protected from dust, moisture, and pests, which usually means not leaving them out in the open." All of her solutions will help you do just that. You can try out any combination of these strategies for a less cluttered home. If you're lacking in built-in storage space, Parks points to storage solutions such as the Bornoon Shoe Cabinet or the Kotkn Over The Door Shoe Organizer, which is a hanging solution. These are especially useful if you live in a smaller space. Parks' game-changing shoe storage ideas are sure to protect your shoes and extend their lives while maintaining a far tidier home!