How to hide shoe clutter in small spaces – 6 smart spots to stash your shoes
By Chiana Dickson,
2024-08-06
It can be hard to manage your clutter when you live in a small space – and it can be tiring to hear that the only solution is to declutter, declutter, and then declutter some more. This is especially true when it comes to our closets and shoes.
Just because you live in a small space (be it a compact apartment, shared home or dorm room) doesn’t mean you have to cut back on everything you own. With some smart home organizing tricks you can hide and organize shoes in small spaces and have the best of both worlds.
Here, professional organizers have shared their six best tricks to hide shoe clutter in small spaces that don’t mean you have to pare back your pairs.
6 ways to hide shoe clutter in small spaces
1. Over-the-door shoe organizers
Storing shoes on the backs of doors is one of the best ways to use vertical storage to save space while keeping it hidden the majority of the time.
A great way to get around the limits of small space storage is to swap out your shoes seasonally, suggests Jamie Hord, expert home organizer and founder of Horderly Professional Organizing . This allows you to keep the shoes you currently need tucked away neatly in a closet for easy daily access, with the rest hidden in under-bed storage, for instance.
4. Use a skinny shoe cabinet
Jackie Pittman, professional home organizer says, ‘For tiny entryways, a narrow pull-out shoe holder can be a stylish and functional solution. It provides a place to store high-priority shoes and these days, there are so many stylish options and different sizes to match your decor. It can also double as a helpful drop zone.’
These handy cabinets don’t have to be limited to organizing an entryway , either. Smaller units can be a great way to mount some concealed wall storage while offering a shelf or sideboard that you can decorate, especially in a dorm room.
George Oliver Shoe Storage Cabinet
I love my flip shoe cabinet for organizing my countless pairs of shoes and boots in my small entryway. This option from Wayfair is nice and thin, offering you plenty of vertical storage without taking up much floor space.
Laura Price, professional organizer, founder, and creative director at The Home Organisation suggests, ‘If you have dead space between closet shelves or at the bottom of your wardrobe, consider adding shelf inserts or shoe racks to maximize your storage. Freestanding shelf inserts and racks are easy to install, while extendable or adjustable options let you make the most of every inch.
Finally, one of the simplest ways to hide shoe clutter in a small space without sacrificing style and practicality is to invest in multi-functional furniture, adds Laura Price, professional organizer.
‘Adding or swapping out furniture that doubles as shoe storage ideas , such as an ottoman or shoe bench, is an excellent way to create extra storage while keeping it discreet and practical. Use these pieces close to the entry so that the first thing you see when you come through the door is a beautiful piece of furniture, not shoes.’
We recommend the Trejan shoe storage bench from Wayfair . It comes in four colors but the dark matte blue is stunning, and would complement a coastal or beachy themed interior beautifully. It will hold around 10 pairs of shoes and has cushioned seating for comfort.
Of course, there will always come a point where you might need some decluttering tips to help cut back some of your shoes to fit it all into hidden storage. If you do need to declutter shoes, start by picking out pairs that you do not wear (be it because they are too worn in, they don’t fit properly, or they are uncomfortable).
More often than not, this will free up enough space for you to store the rest of the shoes you love without overflow piles. If you hate decluttering, give the 10 -10-10 decluttering method a go.
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