{"id":4892,"date":"2023-07-28T10:00:42","date_gmt":"2023-07-28T17:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.priceselfstorage.com\/?p=4892"},"modified":"2025-03-21T06:04:51","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T13:04:51","slug":"how-to-store-shoes-long-term","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.priceselfstorage.com\/blog\/how-to-store-shoes-long-term","title":{"rendered":"How to Store Shoes Long Term"},"content":{"rendered":"

How To Store Shoes Long-Term<\/span><\/h2>\n

As much as you love your shoe collection, <\/span>keeping all those shoes in your closet might not be feasible.<\/span> Whether it\u2019s because of space constraints, a transition to a new home, a new job opportunity, or an extended deployment, <\/span>you may need to invest in a <\/span>shoe storage unit<\/span>. In this case, you\u2019ll want to know how to store shoes long-term.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use a <\/span>shoe storage container<\/span> to store your seasonal shoes, dress shoes you don\u2019t often wear, sports shoes, or older shoes you don\u2019t want to throw away. In this article, we\u2019ll show you exactly how to prepare your shoes for storage so they\u2019ll stay safe, clean, and functional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Proper <\/span>personal storage<\/a><\/strong> is one of the best ways to preserve shoes. Though some of these steps may take a bit of time, they will help you avoid the most common mistakes people make when storing their shoes for long periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 1. Choose Your Shoes<\/span><\/h2>\n

First, decide which shoes will be going into your storage unit. One easy way to do this is to line up all your shoes and determine which ones you don\u2019t wear regularly. You may also want to choose larger, bulkier shoes for storage, as they can take up the most room at home. Likewise, you might want to store seasonal shoes, like snow boots or flip-flops, in the off-season. Now may also be a good time to donate or give away shoes you no longer want.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2. Clean and Condition Your Shoes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Proper <\/span>storage for shoes<\/span> begins with clean shoes. <\/span>Before putting your shoes into long-term storage, clean them and use proper shoe care. <\/span>At a minimum<\/span>,<\/span> wipe down your shoes or clean them off with a brush. Be sure to remove any visible soil or debris. If cleaning with a wet cloth, allow your shoes to <\/span>dry completely<\/span> before storing or conditioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleaning Leather Shoes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Conditioning isn\u2019t required for all shoe types<\/span>, but it is a must for leather boots and dress shoes. <\/span>After thoroughly brushing or cleaning off your shoes and allowing them to dry, remove your laces. Using a clean rag, apply a light coat of leather conditioner to your shoes. Allow the shoes to dry overnight<\/span>,<\/span> and wipe off any excess conditioner. Give your shoes a final brush before replacing your laces and preparing to pack them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleaning Suede Shoes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Clean your suede shoes using talcum powder and a brush. You can also use pencil erasers or an emery board to get rid of small stains. It probably goes without saying, but don\u2019t ever clean suede (or leather) shoes with water. You\u2019ll end up covering your beautiful suede shoes with unsightly stains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: Use a Shoe Tree or Stuff With Acid-Free Tissue Paper<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have high-quality boots or shoes<\/span>,<\/span> you should already be using a cedar shoe tree on a daily basis. Shoe trees provide two useful functions that will extend the life of your shoes during storage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, shoe trees absorb moisture. You\u2019d be surprised at how much moisture accumulates from sweat when you wear your shoes. By absorbing moisture, the shoe tree helps prevent your shoes from smelling and protects leather insoles from cracking as they dry and contract. If made of cedar, your shoe trees also fulfill an antimicrobial function which will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when you pull them out of the shoe storage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Second, shoe trees will help your shoes and boots maintain their shape during storage. Leather shoes will curl and shrink as the leather dries and contracts and can even be susceptible to dry rotting. Shoe trees will ensure your shoes maintain their shape and feel and look as good as the day you put them into <\/span>self storage<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For shoes where shoe trees aren\u2019t appropriate, consider stuffing your shoes with acid-free tissue paper or packing paper. <\/span>Stuffing them will help your shoes maintain their shape while in storage.<\/span> Then purchase a shoe organizer like a shoe rack or shoe cabinet \u2014 this will help with the overall organization of the storage space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 4: Bag Your Shoes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Place your shoes in a shoe bag before you put them into a <\/span>shoe storage container<\/span>. <\/span>If you’ve never used them before, shoe bags are individual bags for each shoe. They protect shoes from becoming scuffed from the sole or leather of the other shoe in a pair or from color transfer from patent leather. Flannel bags are highly touted as the best option, but even other materials (like a plastic bag) will, at a minimum, protect your shoes from damaging one another while in their storage box.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 5: Box Your Shoes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Place each pair of shoes in their own <\/span>storage shoe box<\/span>. Ideally, this will be in the shoe box your shoes came in when you purchased them. Original boxes fit your shoes, save you money, and allow for adequate air circulation. Storing shoes in boxes also allows you to stack them without worrying about damaging the<\/span>m<\/span>, and it will be easier to identify their contents wh<\/span>ile<\/span> in storage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plastic Shoe Boxes<\/span><\/h3>\n

The use of plastic <\/span>storage shoe boxes<\/span> is somewhat controversial.<\/span> The benefit of plastic boxes is that they are opaque and make it easier to quickly and easily identify each pair of shoes. Plastic boxes also last longer than cardboard boxes and can protect your shoes against external moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n

With plastic boxes, it\u2019s the internal moisture you have to worry about \u2014 i<\/span>f the plastic bin is sealed and moisture is in your shoes or the container<\/span>, mold or mildew can grow inside it.<\/span> If you want to store your shoes in a plastic bin, choose containers with ventilation at the top. <\/span>Be sure to thoroughly clean the container before storage, and allow it to fully dry before placing your shoes inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider Climate Control <\/span>Storage for Shoes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your biggest enemy when it comes to <\/span>shoe storage solutions<\/span> is moisture. Moisture will cause the leather to expand, then contract and crack as the shoe dries. Warm, humid environments are ideal spaces for the growth of mold, mildew, and dry rotting. If you are looking into how to store shoes for the long term, you might consider using a climate-controlled storage unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Price Self Storage, we offer climate-controlled units at a few of our locations across California, including our locations at <\/span>Haven Avenue<\/a><\/strong> and <\/span>Arrow Route<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch Out For:<\/span><\/h2>\n