Useful Tips On How to Store a Large Collection of Shoes

Run an inventory of all of your shoes

First things first, you can't plan how to store your shoes if you don't know exactly how many pairs own!

• Look for all the shoes that you've got scattered around the house and bring your entire collection in one place;

• Have you got what you need or are you likely to buy more? If, when you started reading this article, you already had a second tab open with your favorite online shoe store, we recommend leaving enough room for a few extra pairs, too.

Find the right type of shoe cabinet for your room

Already thinking of skimping on storage space because you don't want your shoe storage cabinet to take up too much room? Uh-huh. That's a big no!

Your shoes need to breathe if you want them to last you for many years and look just as beautiful as they did when you first fell in love with them.

The trick is to give them plenty of room but look for a shoe storage cabinet in a space-optimizing design that works with the layout of its designated setting.

• Where exactly are you going to place it? Shoe cabinets can work in different rooms, including your hallway. However, since you appear to have such a large collection of shoes, it's probably best to place it in your bedroom or walk-in closet. Don't forget to measure that area!

• Make the most of your available space. Have you got a small but tall corner? Then look for a slim shoe storage cabinet with many layers or, if it's rather narrow, with flip-down inclined shelves. Is there a rather empty wall? A wider design with fewer shelves will do just fine;

• Cubbyholes are a practical option that translates into a quick overview of your entire shoe collection. However, they're not the best solution for taller shoes and they can get a bit too big if you've got over 30 pairs;

• Shelves, on the other hand, allow you more room to organize them tidily, especially if you have quite a few models in different shapes (like boots).

Make sure it's a dark and temperature-controlled environment

To keep your large collection of shoes safe, you must create a ventilated, temperature-controlled and dark environment. That's because direct sunlight, humidity and drastic temperature changes can compromise them.

The best way to do so is to choose a shoe storage cabinet with doors. They're available in tons of different designs, with louvered doors and mesh wiring being the best from the ventilation side of things.

Divide your shoes into categories

• The best way to store a large collection of shoes is to divide them into smaller categories. That way, you can always find what you need and, depending on what type of event you're getting ready for, it'll no longer take you so long to match them to your outfit;

• For example, you can do so by category (e.g. sneakers, high heels, boots, etc.), season, or separate the shoes that you wear regularly from your more elegant pairs.

Store each type of shoe properly

We know: it's tempting to just chuck them into the closest cubbyhole or in the middle of a full shelf whenever you get home. However, this would defeat the purpose of organizing them in the first place and it will also result in damaged pairs.

• Store high heels and boots upright;

• Just because they aren't as fancy, it doesn't mean that you can throw or pile up your sneakers and sandals! Leave them next to each other;

• It's particularly important to keep leather shoes away from direct sunlight, as they can discolor in the long run. However, you don't have to worry about it if you opt for a shoe cabinet with doors.

Keep your shoe cabinet with doors tidy and clean

It's easy to store your large collection of shoes tidily when you first sort through them, but it's just as important to maintain it that way.

Make sure that your shoes are clean and fully dry before storing them, or else they could create condensation and result in smelly mildew.

Doesn't the previously impossible task of storing a large collection of shoes feel a bit more manageable, now?