How To Declutter Shoes Like A Pro: A Simple Guide

Are you looking to declutter shoes but aren’t quite sure where to start or how to let them go?

You can never underestimate the power of a pair of shoes. They can change your mood, make you feel good and even make you feel more confident.

It may sound cliché to say but, as women, we tend to have a ‘thing’ for shoes. At one point in time I had more than 50 pairs of shoes – 30 of which were hardly ever being worn.

My obsession with shoes began at a time when I wasn’t very happy with my weight. So, instead of going through the ‘trauma’ of buying clothes that didn’t fit, I thought I’d just keep buying shoes to make me feel better because my shoe size never changed.

There are a number of problems with this mindset.

Firstly, shoes obviously didn’t make me happy. Sure, they’re pretty and nice to look at sometimes, but that’s not their purpose. I had so many uncomfortable shoes that looked nice but I could never wear.

Secondly, shoes are expensive! I was spending so much money on something that wasn’t making me happy and they weren’t even being worn.

And thirdly, I ended up with so many shoes that I never even knew what to do with them and they took over my wardrobe.

The reality is, we don’t need that many pairs of shoes.

Eventually, I realised that I needed to declutter my shoe collection. I needed to find a way to keep the shoes I loved and get rid of the ones that I never wore.

And now I’m ready to share my top tips on how to declutter shoes like a pro!

PIN FOR LATER

How to declutter shoes like a pro Pinterest Pin

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase anything through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales. This is at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here.

Why you should declutter shoes

Like everything in our homes, shoes can really pile up over time. Not only do they take up valuable space, but if they’re not sorted and stored properly, they can be difficult to find when you need them most. This is especially true if you have a large collection of shoes.

But before we get into the tips on how to declutter your shoe collection, let’s first take a look at some of the reasons why it’s important to do so.

They take up space

Shoes, especially if you have a lot of them, can take up a lot of space in your closet, on your shelves or in any other storage area you may have.

They can be difficult to find

If your shoe collection is cluttered and crowded, it can be difficult to find the right pair when you need them. This becomes especially true if you have a lot of similar-looking shoes or if you have several pairs of the same shoe.

They can be a pain to organise

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t enjoy organising your belongings. In fact, it may even be one of your least favorite tasks. But when it comes to decluttering shoes, it’s definitely a task you don’t want to skip.

How to declutter shoes like a pro

Now that you know some of the reasons why it’s important to declutter your shoes, let’s take a look at some easy tips on how to do so.

1. Take them all out

I have found that I never really know exactly what I have until I take everything out. Gather every single pair of shoes you own and put them in a pile on the floor. For me, this is usually where the shock sets in. It’s difficult to know just how much stuff you have when it’s all shoved in a wardrobe, but when everything is out in the open like this, it can become shocking as to how much you actually own.

The moment you realilse just how many shoes you really own, you’ll be more inclined to declutter them.

2. Move your favourites to the side

This is an easy step. It’s picking out the shoes you wear all the time and absolutely love. Move these shoes to a separate pile or designated spot so you don’t accidentally get rid of them along with others.

3. Pick out the uncomfortable pairs

We all have those pairs of shoes that we never wear because they’re uncomfortable. They may be too tight, too loose or just plain wrong for our feet. Now is the time to get rid of them.

While they may look pretty, the reality is that if they’re truly uncomfortable you’re not going to wear them ever.

4. Sort broken or damage pairs

If a pair of shoes is broken or damaged, it’s not going to do you any good just sitting in your collection. Sort through and decipher which are damaged because of overuse and which are damaged because of bad quality. If the latter, these are ready to let go of. The ones you’ve worn before, if you’re willing to get them fixed up and will wear them again, then hold onto them.

5. Group similar pairs together

Once you’ve picked out all the bad and uncomfortable pairs, it’s time to start grouping the similar ones together. This can be done by color, style or even brand. If you have a lot of shoes in the same style or colour, it might be time to keep one or two of each type and get rid of the ones you don’t normally wear.

6. Ask yourself the following questions

When it comes time to declutter shoes, it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether or not they should stay or go. Ask yourself the following questions:

How often do I wear them?
Are they comfortable?
Do I love them?
Do I have something to wear with these shoes?
Do I need all these shoes?
Do I pass these shoes over for another pair every time?

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to make a decision about whether or not to keep the shoes.

Tips on how to store and organise shoes

Now that you’ve decluttered your shoe collection, it’s important to store them properly. This means finding a place in your home where they can be easily accessible but also out of the way. If you still have a lot of shoes you’re not ready to declutter yet, you may need to invest in a few different shoe storage options.

Use shoe racks

Shoe racks are a great way to organise shoes and make them easy to access. This will help to maximise the space you have and keep your shoes in good condition

Hang on a shoe tree

If you don’t have a lot of space, or want something different to a shoe rack, consider using a shoe tree. This is a stand that you can hang your shoes on and it helps to keep them organised and looks pretty cool too.

Store shoes in boxes

If you’re looking to store your shoes in a wardrobe or storage rooms,, keep them in shoe boxes. This will help to protect them from dust and keep them neat and out of the way. If you get clear boxes, you’ll also be able to locate the shoes you need easily.

Store shoes under your bed

If you have a lot of space under your bed, consider storing your shoes in under bed shoe storage. This is a great way to keep them out of sight but also easy to access when you need them.

What to do with old or unwanted shoes

Now that you’ve decluttered your shoe collection, it’s time to decide what to do with the old or unwanted shoes. Here are a few ideas:

Donate them to charity

This is a great way to give back and help someone in need, while also decluttering your home. As soon as you have decluttered your shoes, bring them down to your local charity shop.

Sell them

While this wouldn’t be my first choice (and you can find out exactly why here), it is a great way to earn some extra money. If you have a lot of shoes you don’t wear, consider selling them on eBay or Facebook or even at a car boot sale.

Pass them on to family or friends

You’ve heard the phrase ‘charity begins at home’, and it really does! Before you sell or donate your shoes, check if any friends or family members might need a ‘new’ pair of shoes and give them first choice!

PIN FOR LATER

How to declutter shoes like a boss Pinterest Pin

When it comes to decluttering shoes, these are just some of the tips to get you started. By following these simple steps, you can free up space in your home and make it easier to find the shoes you need. So, what are you waiting for? Start decluttering today!

For more decluttering tips, check out the following tips to have you decluttering like a pro!

How to Declutter Shoes Like A Pro: A Simple Guide