When it comes to moving, shoes can be quite a challenge. They are large, come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are typically filthy on top of that (no pun intended). However, your shoes must accompany you to your new home because they cannot travel there on their own. Although it takes some creativity and time, packing your shoes for your move is not any more difficult than packing the other items in your closet. These tips will remove the element of guesswork from shoe packing, enabling you to complete the task quickly so you can concentrate on other unruly items in your house.
Remove the items you don't wear.
You probably have a lot of shoes in your closet that you haven't worn in a long time. Therefore, why bother boxing them? Use your move as an opportunity to get rid of shoes you don't need and won't wear in your new home rather than packing them. You can drop off used shoes in good condition at your neighborhood Goodwill or another charitable organization that might be able to use them, or Soles 4 Souls can assist you in determining where to donate them. And make sure to recycle them properly if they're not in good condition rather than just tossing them in the trash.
Stuff a pair of socks into each shoe.
Take a pair of rolled-up socks and stuff them by the toe of your shoes to keep them from losing their shape while you're moving. You might want to add an additional pair of socks to the heel as well, depending on the shape and style of the shoe. Not only will this prevent your shoes from being damaged in transit, but it also ensures that your socks are packed. You've already packed your socks and are reading this too late. You can also stuff your shoes with clean packing paper or plastic wrap.
Individually box up the nicer pairs.
The same isn't true for that pricey pair of heels or your immaculately shined loafers, which you shouldn't worry about getting scratched or damaged during the move. Protect your favorites by packaging each one separately and placing packing paper around them to keep them in place. There is no issue if you did not save the shoe boxes. You can use small plastic bins or inexpensive multipacks of cardboard shoe boxes.
Glue the laces of the shoes together.
Keep pairs together by tying the laces of shoes like sneakers, which are most likely just going to be thrown in a box or other container together. This way, if you need a pair of shoes before you've finished unpacking, you won't have to dig through the stack to find them.
Put a few pairs of necessary shoes in their own box.
Since you'll likely not need the other pairs right away if you have your go-tos, shoes are frequently not one of the first items to be unpacked. Nevertheless, you should make sure that you have quick access to two or three necessary pairs that you can quickly grab while unpacking. You'll likely wear sneakers for the actual move, so save a pair of slip-ons for when you need to run out to the car. These shoes should go with at least a week's worth of business attire. additionally having a spare pair of shoes on hand in case you decide to take a break for a nice dinner or another type of outing.
Organize out-of-season footwear separately.
Speaking of shoes being the last thing to be unpacked, there is no need to waste time doing so when there are so many other things to do. Winter boots and cozy slippers should be arranged if you are moving in the summer. Put sandals and flip flops in a separate box if you're moving during the winter. If you don't get around to it during the first few weeks of your move (or, heck, if you don't get around to it until the time comes that you really need those types of shoes), don't worry. Just make sure the box is clearly marked.
Use only fresh packing paper.
Newspaper may work well as an alternative to packing paper for other items in your home, but it is not recommended for packing shoes. Used packing material, printed newspapers, and even colored tissue paper can all leave stains that are later difficult or impossible to remove. Use only unused packing paper to wrap and secure your shoes for peace of mind. Even fresh paper towels will do
To keep shoes odor-free, use tea bags.
To allow shoes to release any lingering odors, let them air out overnight before packing. You can put shoes that are obviously offensive-smelling in the freezer, which will eliminate any hidden bacteria there. Put unused tea bags in your shoes to keep them fresh during the actual move. Simply tuck them inside the socks you're using to stuff them.
Organize bulky shoes at the bottom.
Put the heaviest and bulkiest shoes on the bottom of any boxes, plastic containers, or laundry baskets you use to transport your shoes. This will equalize the weight, make it safer, and make carrying it simpler. Additionally, you run the risk of damaging the more delicate pairs if you stack heavy shoes on top of lighter ones.
Substitute bubble wrap for plastic bags.
Avoid wrapping your shoes in plastic bags because they can easily rip. Use plastic wrap instead, which is much more durable and provides a great deal more protection. It's a good idea to use it around any buckles and sharp heels to prevent dirt from transferring to other pairs of shoes. To avoid mold growth, make sure the shoes are completely dry before wrapping them in plastic.
Always be prudent and take the time to pack your shoes. Need advice on how to pack additional items? For tips on preparing your entire home for a move, visit our section on packing and planning.
