Shoe storage for small spaces

Shoe storage in small spaces can be a real challenge, but there are plenty of solutions! It’s one of the biggest problems I see with my clients. They end up in piles by the front door and inevitably someone can’t find their shoes, and you’re late again. But, with a few clever tricks you can transform your shoe cupboard of doom into a calm and tidy space.

So here’s some tips to help:

1. Declutter before you buy storage:

Before you dash off to the shops looking for shoe storage solutions that promise to solve all your problems, you need to go through your shoes first. Be ruthless! Ask yourself:

• Do they fit? If you have kids, their feet grow so quickly that it’s highly likely a few too-small ones are kicking around.

• Do you need them? One too many pairs of barely worn stilettos? You know what to do.

• Do you love them? Be honest. If they spark no joy and you don’t need them, it’s time to say goodbye.

2. Seasonal switch-over:

Once you’ve pared down your collection, identify out-of-season shoes. This is the magic trick to saving space.

• Rotate them seasonally, keeping only current footwear readily accessible.

• Storing seasonal shoes in their original boxes is ideal – it protects them and allows for easy stacking in larger containers. Shoe bags or boxes offer another layer of protection.

• Label everything clearly and store them in out-of-the-way spots like the loft, high shelves, ottoman bed, or the back of your under-stair cupboard.

3. Storing the everyday:

For shoes you’re wearing daily, you want them easily accessible and near your front door. But lots of UK homes have inadequate hallway space, so here are some storage solutions that can help.

Maximize vertical space:

• Tall shoe racks: Utilise wall space with tall shelving like the Mobel from ‘A Place for Everything’ or an open shoe rack such as the 14-pair stackable shoe rack from Wayfair. This maximizes floor space and keeps shoes easily accessible.

• If your space is narrow, look at tall shoe cupboards which store your shoes upright, such as the Ikea Hemnes.

Bonus tip: open shelving is great for kids (and anyone with ADHD) as the door can act as a barrier to seeing what they have and putting them away!

Think outside the box:

• A hall console table with shelves underneath is a great way of making the most of typically wasted space.

• If you have no space in your hallway or by your door, look at the back of your doors, especially any cupboards. There are great options from an Elfa shoe rack system or over-the-door shoe rack to a simple fabric hanging organiser.

• Staircase storage: Turn your staircase into a hidden shoe haven! Carpenters can create drawers or compartments within the steps, making use of often-neglected space.

• Under stairs cupboard: Often the cupboard of doom, empty it and look at what shoe racks or stackable boxes you could use to maximise the space.

4. Beyond the front door

For shoes you don’t wear daily, look for shoe storage options in other places:

• Display your favourite trainers or beautiful shoes on floating shelves or wall-mounted organisers. This can really elevate a dressing room, bedroom or even up a staircase, while solving your shoe storage issue.

• Simple shoe racks used at the bottom of wardrobes and in cupboards, utilise every bit of unused space.

• Under-bed storage: Large storage boxes with lids, like the one from StorageWorks, are perfect for stashing shoes under the bed. Dustproof and easy to access, they’re a great space saver.

• Songmics plastic shoe boxes with flip-down fronts are a smart option that you can stack in whatever formation works for your space.

• Create a headboard out of handless narrow shoe cupboards. Store out-of-season ones in the ones at the bottom.

• Transform the dead space in fitted wardrobes, by using the area behind infills and end panels with hidden doors.

• For out-of-season shoes, utilise high-up shelving, ottoman beds and loft spaces.

Bonus Tip: Label everything! Clearly label shelves, boxes, and compartments so you can easily find those shoes you don’t wear often.

Let me know if you have a great shoe storage solution I haven’t mentioned!