This Clever Space-Saving Solution Brings Order To Your Kids' Shoe Storage

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Finding clever ways to store children's shoes can seem like a Sisyphean task as a parent. Sure, kids' shoes are much smaller than adult shoes and therefore should take up less space. Conceptually, this makes sense. Realistically, it can feel like there are clusters of kids' shoes as far as the eye can see. 

Which is why one influencer's clever space-saving solution, repurposing steel bookends to make compact shelves for little ones, is such an elegant one-two punch. Not only does it salvage much-needed closet space for kids' shoes at a reasonable price, it's easy to assemble. So easy that even the kids might want to come give a hand putting these little shelves together, especially since they're hopefully going to be the ones to use them.

And let's never forget that kids like to claim their own space, so offering them their very own tiny shelf for shoes just might make them want to put their own shoes away. What a concept.

An organization influencer and mom of one from Singapore named Amiko, whose blog is called Infinitidy, shared a thoughtful tip on how best to deal with kids' shoe clutter on YouTube. In the how-to video, she recommends taking two same-size small steel bookends and adding either magnetic strips or four strong magnets. She slid one bookend on top of the other to make a small standing shelf that could be adjustable, depending on the size needed, to create a tidy space in a closet where kids can stack small pairs of shoes. 

There are so many smart ways that bookends can be repurposed for storage, particularly slim-line steel bookends like the ones used in the Infinitidy video. While these shelves offer the added bonus of being stackable, giving the option of much-desired vertical storage, there is a downside to such a quick fix. 

Depending on the type of magnet you use, they might not be the sturdiest solution. Parents might want to prepare themselves to have to put these shelves back together a time or two, particularly as their kids will be handling the shelves. Fortunately, they should snap back together in no time.

While repurposing these steel bookends to create shoe storage for kids is helpful, it would be a game-changer if it entices kids to tidy away their shoes. After putting together this shelf with bookends, perhaps consider asking kids to personalize their shelves with fun items like the Epakh Polka Dots Wall Decal or even some ABEIER Washable Kids Paint to make them feel more attached to them. This DIY is so simple to put together, it might even be a good idea to ask the kids to help assemble it in an effort to encourage them to feel some level of ownership for these shelves. 

It might not come all that naturally to little ones to take part in organizing their own shoe collection, but sometimes it's a good idea to get them involved in fixing kids' clutter, as even HGTV's Joanna Gaines recommends. Asking them for their input when creating these handy shelves, or really any project around the house that adds more storage space for kids' stuff, could go a long way to finally getting all of those tiny sandals, sneakers, and rubber boots out from under foot.