This post tells you how to organize shoes in small spaces so you can maintain a tidy space!
Whether your home is small, you’re dealing with a tiny closet, or you’re simply trying to make the most of your limited space, organizing your shoe collection can be a challenge. Shoes—especially those high heels, athletic shoes, or your favorite pairs of flip-flops—can quickly clutter up your living space if not stored properly.
The good news is that with a little creativity and some clever DIY shoe storage ideas, you can keep your shoes organized, accessible, and in pristine condition, even in small spaces. You don’t need to hire a professional organizer, visit a container store, or invest in a custom piece of furniture. The following ideas are the best shoe storage ideas to help you organize your shoes in a small home.
How to Organize Shoes in Small Spaces—The Best Storage Solutions!
1. Maximize Vertical Space
When it comes to small spaces, vertical space is your best friend. It’s easy to overlook the potential of your closet doors, walls, and even the top shelf of your closets. Instead of letting that vertical space go to waste, use it as shoe storage space. Keep your shoes in their original box, especially if they are seasonal shoes that you wear less often. If you have adjustable shelves, move them to accommodate your shoe boxes.
Another great way to utilize vertical space is by installing a door shoe organizer on the back of your closet doors, or bedroom doors. These handy organizers come in various forms, from hanging racks to clear shoe pockets that let you see your shoes at a glance. A door shoe rack is an excellent choice for narrow spaces where traditional shoe racks just won’t fit.
For an even more efficient use of vertical space, consider installing shoe drawers or shelving on the wall. This option keeps your shoes off the floor and offers easy access to your various sizes and favorite pairs of shoes when you don’t have ample space.
2. Under-Bed Storage for Extra Storage
If your closet doesn’t have enough room to store shoes, under-bed storage can be a great space-saving solution. Some beds come with built-in drawers under them, which can be the perfect spot to store off-season shoes or those shoes you don’t wear as often. Clear shoe boxes or even wicker baskets can be used to organize your shoes under the bed, making for an easy way to find them when you need them.
You can also use an under-bed shoe storage system, which often comes with built-in dividers to keep your shoes organized. This storage option works especially well if you don’t have much space in your closet or if you have a lot of shoes that need to be tucked away out of sight. Click here for an under-bed shoe storage organizer!
3. Use Shoe Storage Benches
If you have a small closet or a small entryway with limited space, a shoe bench can be a great addition to your space. I love my shoe storage bench in my closet! Not only does a bench provide extra seating for putting on your shoes, but it also offers hidden storage underneath for your shoe collection. This practical shoe storage solution is perfect for a small home or small apartment where you don’t have much square footage and every inch counts.
A shoe storage bench often has compartments or cubbies where you can neatly store the shoes you use for everyday wear. It’s also a good idea to place one near the front door or in the living room for easy access when you’re heading out.
4. Invest in a Rotating Shoe Rack
A rotating shoe rack is another excellent choice when you’re dealing with limited space. These space-saving solutions can hold several pairs of shoes, and the rotating feature allows you to easily access each pair without taking up too much floor space. Rotating racks are ideal for small closets or narrow spaces where traditional shelving or racks might not fit.
By rotating the rack, you’ll be able to store your entire shoe collection in a small area while still keeping everything organized. It’s a simple storage solution that helps you make the most of your closet space.
5. Open Shelving for Easy Visibility
Open shelving is one of the best storage options when you want to showcase your favorite shoes while keeping them organized. If you have walk-in closets with a custom wardrobe or ample closet space, open shelving allows you to store shoes in an organized fashion while keeping them visible and accessible. This is especially useful if you have a lot of different types of footwear, such as boots, sneakers, and sandals.
By using open shelving for shoe storage, you can easily grab the pair of shoes you need without having to dig through piles of clutter. This option also works well for athletic shoes or high heels, which often require a little extra care to maintain their shape.
6. Store Shoes in Clear Shoe Boxes
For an organized closet or small closet, clear shoe boxes are a fantastic option. These boxes allow you to easily see what’s inside, so you won’t have to waste time searching for a specific pair of shoes. Plus, they help protect your shoes from dust and damage, ensuring they stay in good condition.
To take it a step further, you can label the clear boxes with the type of shoes inside—whether it’s boots, heels, or flip flops—so you can quickly find the pair you’re looking for. Stackable clear shoe boxes make efficient use of vertical space and are an excellent choice when you don’t have a lot of space.
7. Consider a Shoe Storage Cabinet
A shoe storage cabinet is one of the best ways to keep shoes organized while saving space. Unlike traditional shoe racks, shoe cabinets often have doors that can conceal your shoe collection, making them ideal for those who want a cleaner, more minimalist look. This is my other favorite way to organize shoes in small spaces! Shoe Storage Cabinets also work well in narrow spaces, as they tend to be more compact and can fit into tight areas like the corner of a closet or near the coat closet.
If you’re looking for an option that can store a lot of shoes without taking up too much space, a shoe storage cabinet with multiple compartments is an excellent choice. See my shoe cabinet below!
8. DIY Shoe Rack for Custom Storage
If you’re feeling creative, a DIY shoe rack can be a fun project that helps you maximize your closet space. A DIY shoe rack can be built to fit your specific storage area, whether that’s along the closet floor or in a corner. You can create a shoe rack with simple materials like wood or even repurpose old furniture to store your shoes in an organized manner.
A clever DIY shoe storage idea might involve building cubbies for each pair of shoes or repurposing an old ladder as a unique shoe rack. The possibilities are endless, and building your own storage system allows you to tailor it to your specific needs.
9. Use a Shoe Storage System for Ultimate Organization
If you’re serious about keeping your shoe collection organized, consider investing in a shoe storage system. These systems can include racks, cubbies, or even specialized drawers that keep shoes neatly arranged and easily accessible. For those with a small closet or limited space, a modular system that can be customized to your needs is a great option. A tension rod or closet rod can be used to help make good use of the space, especially when you don’t have a lot of time to build a custom rack.
A well-organized shoe storage system ensures that every pair of shoes has its place, so you can easily grab the pair you need without digging through cluttered piles. It’s a practical shoe storage solution for anyone who wants to keep their collection in tip-top shape.
10. Consider a Shoe Storage Shelf or Rack for Your Entryway
If you have limited space in your small home, but still want your shoes to be accessible near the front door, a shoe storage shelf or shoe storage rack with shoe hangers is a great way to keep things neat. These shelves or racks can hold several pairs of shoes in a small area, so you won’t have to worry about clutter near the entrance or in a narrow hallway.
Door organizers or a rotating shoe rack can be a great solution for your entryway, keeping your shoes organized without taking up too much space. This way, you or your family members can grab their shoes easily when heading out and keep your home looking tidy at the same time.
How to Organize Shoes in Small Spaces: Tips and Tricks
When it comes to organizing your shoe collection in a small space, the key is to utilize creative shoe storage solutions. From utilizing vertical space and using under-bed storage to investing in a shoe storage cabinet or building a DIY shoe rack, there are plenty of ways to keep your shoes organized and accessible without sacrificing space.
Whether you’re working with a small closet, limited floor space, or just need to make the most of your closet doors, there’s a storage solution for every need. The best shoe storage ideas depend on your collection and how often you access your shoes, while still leaving you enough floor space.
So, whether you’re storing athletic shoes, high heels, or your favorite pairs of flip-flops, there are plenty of practical shoe storage solutions out there to help you stay organized and make the most of your little space. With these clever ideas, you’ll have an organized closet and easy access to your shoes, even in the tightest of spaces.
