Hacks for Packing Shoes When You’re Moving

Shoes can pose quite a conundrum when it comes to moving. They’re bulky, come in a range of shapes and sizes, and are usually dirty to boot (pun intended). Still, your shoes have to come with you to your new home, and they’re not going to walk there themselves. Packing shoes for your move takes a bit of ingenuity and a bit of time, but it’s not any more complicated than packing up the other items in your closet. These hacks will take the guesswork out of packing shoes, allowing you to get the task done fast so you can focus on other unruly items in your home.

Get rid of the ones you don’t wear

Chances are you have plenty of shoes in your closet that you haven’t worn in years. So why bother boxing them up? Instead of packing shoes that are just going to get shoved aside in your new home, use your move as an opportunity to get rid of them. Soles 4 Souls can help you figure out where to donate used shoes in good condition, or you can drop them off at a local Goodwill or other charitable organization that might have a use for them. And if they’re not in good condition, be sure to recycle them properly instead of just throwing them in the trash.

Stuff each shoe with a pair of socks

To help shoes maintain their shape during your move, take a rolled up pair of socks and stuff it down by the toe. Depending on the shape and style of the shoe, you may want to add another pair of socks to the heel as well. Not only will this help keep your shoes from getting smashed in transit, this hack does double duty by getting your socks packed too. Reading this too late and already packed your socks up? You can also stuff your shoes with plastic wrap or clean packing paper.

Box up the nicer pairs individually

You’re probably not too concerned about that old pair of sneakers getting scuffed or damaged during the move, but the same isn’t true for that expensive pair of heels or your perfectly shined loafers. Protect your favorites by boxing them up individually, with packing paper scrunched around them to keep them in place. If you didn’t save the boxes the shoes came in, that’s no problem. You can purchase basic cardboard shoe boxes in multi-packs or use small plastic bins.

Tie sneakers together by the laces

For shoes like sneakers, which are likely just going to get thrown in a box or other type of container together, keep pairs intact by tying their laces together. This way, you won’t be digging through the pile trying to find a shoe’s match when you find yourself in need of a pair before you’ve fully unpacked.

Pack a few essential pairs in their own box

Shoes are often not one of the first things unpacked, since as long as you’ve got your go-tos you’re not likely going to have a need for the others right away. Still, you should make sure that you have easy access to two or three essential pairs that you can easily reach for during the unpacking process. You’ll probably wear sneakers for the move itself, so set aside a pair of easy on/off shoes for when you need to make a quick trip out to the car, a pair of shoes you can style with at least a week’s worth of work outfits, and a pair of shoes available just in case you decide to break for a nice dinner or other type of outing.

Pack out of season shoes separately

Speaking of shoes being on the later end of the unpacking schedule, there’s no reason to waste time unpacking out of season shoes when there is so much else to do. If you’re moving in the summer, sort out things like winter boots and cozy slippers. If you’re moving in the winter, set aside a separate box for sandals and flip flops. Mark the box clearly, and don’t worry if you don’t end up getting around to it in 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).

Only use clean packing paper

While newspaper may be an effective substitute for packing paper when it comes to other items in your home, the same is not true for packing shoes. Printed newspaper, used packing paper, or even colored tissue paper can all leave stains that can be difficult or impossible to remove later on. For peace of mind, only use un-used packing paper to wrap and secure your shoes. Clean paper towels will work, too.

Use tea bags to keep shoes fresh

Leave shoes to air out overnight before packing them to give them a chance to release any lingering odors. For shoes that have an obvious unpleasant smell, you can try sticking them in the freezer, which will kill any latent bacteria living in them. And when it comes to keeping shoes fresh during the move itself, put unused tea bags in them. You can just stick them under the socks that you’re using to stuff them with.

Pack heavy shoes on the bottom

Whether you’re using boxes, plastic containers, or even laundry baskets to transport your shoes, make sure you’re putting the heaviest and bulkiest shoes on the bottom. This will even out the weight and make it safer and easier to carry. Plus, if you do put heavy shoes on top of more lighter ones, you risk causing damage to the more delicate pairs.

Use bubble wrap instead of plastic bags

Resist the urge to wrap your shoes up in plastic bags, which can easily rip. Instead, use plastic wrap, which is a lot sturdier and offers significantly more protection. You’ll want to use it around any sharp heels and buckles, and it also comes in handy for making sure dirty shoes don’t rub off on other pairs. Just make sure that shoes are dry before you wrap them, since plastic can trap moisture and lead to mold.

Taking the time to pack your shoes properly is always a smart move. Need tips on packing other items as well? Visit our Packing and Planning section for advice on getting your entire home ready to go.