Tips for packing, storing and moving your shoes

There is something about shoes that we all love. They make our outfits complete and, somehow, new shoes always make us feel more special. And, if you, like most of us, have spent a sufficient amount of years collecting them, you probably want to know how to pack them properly. Whether it is for seasonal storing or when you are moving, all shoes require proper packing. But, sometimes, this is not as easy as throwing everything in a cardboard box and hoping for the best. Or it can be if you do not care about the condition of your shoes. If you do, though, you are in the right place. If you are interested in some useful tips and tricks for packing, storing and moving your shoes, as well as some advice on how to make your relocation simple and easy, keep on reading.

Purge Before Packing

One thing is for sure - the more shoes you plan on storing or moving the more time, money and energy you will need. So, do yourself a favor and purge before packing. Get rid of the shoes you no longer wear. Of course, we understand that parting ways with your once- favorite shoes can be hard. But look on the bright side, the more shoes you get rid of, the more place you will have for new ones. You will be able to maximize the space in your storage and in your closet and have room for more shoes. Thus, before you start with any moving preparations, take an afternoon off and asses the shoe situation. Here is an idea - bring all your shoes in one place, and sort them out as follows:

• Keep Pile - This is for all the shoes you wear daily (and the ones you need every season)
• Donate Pile - This is for all the shoes you never wear - and yes, it applies to all those you have not worn in the last couple of years or the ones you do not see yourself wearing anytime soon. Give those pairs to your friends and family or contact your local charity organization.
• Throw Away Pile - This one is rather straightforward, so if you have any shoes that are absolutely ruined, let them hit the bin.

Get rid of that plethora of shoes you have not worn in years! It is going to be hard, but you can do it!

Clean Everything

Once you have decided which pairs of shoes you will be keeping and which ones you will part ways with, it is time for cleaning. And, yes, you should clean everything - the ones that are going with you and those that you plan on selling or donating. So, what is the proper way to clean shoes? Well, each type of shoe requires a different technique as each is made of a different material. Here are some examples for cleaning some of the most common types of shoes:

• Leather Shoes - Start by wiping off any debris using a brush with soft bristles. Then, make your own cleaning solution by mixing warm water and white vinegar. Finally, apply some shoe polish.
• Suede Shoes - Remove the dirt using a scrub brush. If the stains are deep, try using an eraser or a nail file. In the end, put some white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a washcloth and rub it all over your shoes.
• Running Shoes - Create a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Soak your shoes entirely and use a sponge to clean them. Do this with shoelaces too.
• White Shoes - If the stain cannot be removed using detergent, try cleaning those stains with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar.
• Flip Flops - Soak your flip flops in a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Let them sit there for a couple of hours and then use a brush to scrub them.

Using these techniques, you should clean your shoes regularly, not just when moving.

How to Pack Your Shoes Properly

Now that your shoes are washed and dried, it is time for packing. As previously mentioned, packing shoes is not as easy as throwing everything in a cardboard box. There is a proper technique that must be followed if you want to find your shoes in the same condition as you left them. So, first, try to find your shoes' original box. That would be ideal. However, if you have tossed them a long time ago, don’t worry, we have a plan B.

First, gather packing materials. You will need cardboard boxes, packing paper (a lot of it), plastic wrap and duct tape. Start by stuffing packing paper inside each shoe. That will help your shoes maintain their shape during the move. Then, wrap each shoe individually, first in packing paper and then in plastic wrap. Finally, place one pair of shoes in a box and seal it with duct tape. However, if you are running low on cardboard boxes, you can also place your shoes in a CarryMore Reusable Shopping Bag or whatever bag you have. Just make sure they are well protected. Moreover, if you want your shoes to stay fresh, place a teabag in each shoe and keep it there until you decide to wear them again.

Pack your shoes properly and they will serve you for years to come.

How to Store Your Shoes Properly

Finally, let’s talk about storing – this is a guide to packing, storing and moving your shoes, after all. Anyway, your shoes need to be properly stored, whether you plan on keeping them in a storage unit, a moving truck, or some tiny room that only has only a superlight fluorescent lamp. If you just toss them somewhere, they might get damaged, stained or scratched, deformed, etc. And you did not come this far for that to happen. So, how to properly store your shoes? Well, as previously mentioned, knowing how to pack them is the first step. Then, as they are packed in light boxes, you can easily pile one box on top of the other. The most important thing to remember is that you should always keep them in a place slightly above the ground and away from damp, dust or extreme temperatures.