Real talk. If you have a family with several kids, you have probably faced the challenge that comes when trying to organize and maintain all the shoes that come and go.
Sports shoes, school shoes, church shoes, work shoes, boots, sandals; the list goes on and on.
So, how can we create a shoe system that works.
Take a look below at some great ways to create a better shoe system in your home. Test it out, make changes if needed, and see what happens.
Shoe Organization Tips
Designate Shoe Storage Areas: Allocate specific areas in your home for shoe storage. This could be a designated shoe rack near the entrance, a mudroom, or individual cubbies for each family member.
Use Shoe Racks or Shelves: Invest in shoe racks or shelves to keep shoes organized and off the floor. Choose racks with multiple tiers or adjustable shelves to accommodate different types of footwear. Muddy or snow boots can be stored in the garage if desired.
Label Bins or Baskets: If you have a variety of shoes for different purposes (e.g., sports shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, church shoes), label bins or baskets to help family members easily identify where their shoes belong. With large families, having one bin for each category of shoes can help.
Implement a "No Shoes Inside" Policy: Encourage family members to remove their shoes upon entering the house to minimize dirt and clutter. Have a designated spot near the entrance where shoes can be stored or remind them to place their shoes in their specified bins. Positive rewards can go a long way, so find creative rewards to keep them putting shoes away.
Rotate Seasonal Shoes: Store off-season shoes in a separate closet or storage area to free up space for current footwear. This also helps to reduce clutter and makes it easier to find the shoes you need. Ski boots, winter shoes, and summer sandals can be stored in a stackable tote in the garage.
Utilize Over-the-Door Organizers: Over-the-door shoe organizers are great for maximizing vertical space and can be used on closet doors or bedroom doors to store frequently worn shoes.
Create a Shoe Cubby Near the Door: If space allows, install a shoe cubby system near the entrance where each family member can store their shoes. This can help prevent shoes from being scattered around the house.
Invest in Entryway Furniture with Built-In Storage: Look for entryway furniture such as benches or hall trees with built-in shoe storage compartments. These multipurpose pieces of furniture provide seating and storage in one.
Regularly Declutter: Periodically go through your family's shoes and donate or discard pairs that are worn out, no longer fit, or are rarely worn. This prevents overcrowding and makes it easier to keep shoes organized.
Encourage Responsibility: Encourage family members, especially children, to take responsibility for their own shoes by teaching them to put their shoes away properly after use. Each family member should have one pair of their daily shoes in a go-to cubby or shelf that is easy to maintain. All other shoes should have a designated storage area.
By implementing these shoe organization tips, you can help keep your family's footwear tidy and easily accessible, reduce clutter and save more time when getting ready to go out.
There's no right or wrong way of creating a better shoe system in your home. Try some of these ideas out and see what works best for your family. Less is more, so don't overcomplicate your system. Make it as logical, simple, and convenient as possible.
Comments