How to Store Shoes in a Storage Unit

Whether you’ve run out of space in your wardrobe, need somewhere to stash your seasonal footwear or are seeking a safe place for that extra special pair, self storage could be exactly what you’re looking for. From everyday trainers to once-in-a-lifetime wedding heels, every pair of shoes needs to be prepared, packed and stored properly to ensure they’re kept in pristine condition, safe from mould, cracking, scratches and scuff.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to store shoes in a storage unit, so they’re kept in good condition, no matter how long they’re tucked away.

Why Proper Shoe Storage Matters

Whether it’s a pair of sleek leather boots, suede moccasins or limited-edition trainers, proper storage is key to keeping your shoes in good condition. Without the right care and attention, shoes can fall victim to a wide range of issues, including:

• Mould & Mildew: Shoes stored in damp or poorly ventilated areas can develop unsightly mould and mildew, which can weaken materials and cause unpleasant odours.
• Warping & Cracking: Leather and other delicate materials can crack or lose their shape when exposed to fluctuating temperatures or humidity.
• Fading & Discoloration: Prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat can cause colours to fade, leaving shoes looking tired and worn out.

Proper storage not only protects your shoes from damage but also ensures they’re ready to wear when you need them. Whether you’re storing seasonal footwear or a cherished collection, taking the right steps can save you time, money and the frustration of finding your favourite pair ruined.

Preparing Shoes for Storage

Before you start packing your shoes into boxes, it’s important to prepare them — especially if you plan on storing them for a long time. Taking a little extra time now can prevent damage and make sure they’re ready to wear when you need them again.

Cleaning Your Shoes

Shoes should always be cleaned before storage to prevent dirt, oils and stains from setting in over time. A good clean before putting them in storage can make all the difference in maintaining their condition:

• Leather Shoes: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dust and dirt, then apply a leather cleaner to remove deeper grime. Follow up with a conditioner (or polish) to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
  
  Pro Tip: While polishing can be a helpful step for maintaining the look and feel of leather shoes, it’s not strictly necessary for storage if you’ve already cleaned and conditioned them. It’s also important to avoid using both conditioner and polish, as this could make the leather too soft and weaken its structure.
• Suede Shoes: Gently brush the surface with a suede brush to lift dirt and restore the nap. Avoid using water, as it can leave stains and harden the material.
• Trainers & Fabric Shoes: Remove the laces and insoles, and scrub the surface with mild soap and warm water. This helps to keep them fresh and free from lingering odours.

Drying Your Shoes

Even the slightest trace of moisture can lead to mould or mildew, so drying your shoes thoroughly is essential. Once cleaned, allow them to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sources of heat or sunlight. Excessive heat can cause materials to warp, shrink and crack — especially leather.

For peace of mind, you can add silica gel packs to the inside of your shoes to absorb residual moisture. Alternatively, crumpled newspaper works well for absorbing dampness and helping shoes retain their shape (but should be removed before putting them in storage).

Sorting Your Shoes

Once your shoes are clean and dry, take a moment to organise them. This will make storage more efficient and it will be much easier to find the particular pairs later on. You might consider organising your shoes by:

• Season: Separate summer sandals from winter boots so you’re not digging through unnecessary pairs during the year.
• Frequency of Use: Keep everyday essentials closer to hand, while special occasion or rarely worn shoes can go deeper into storage.
• Type: Group similar shoes, like trainers, dress shoes and boots, to make it easier to find specific pairs.

A little organisation upfront can save you a lot of hassle later on, ensuring your shoe collection remains accessible and easy to manage. For more advice on keeping your unit organised, check out our guide on How to Organise a Storage Unit.

Packing Shoes for Storage

Once your shoes are clean, dry and organised, it’s time to pack them properly. This step will help protect your shoes from dust, damage and deformation while kept in storage.

Choosing the Right Containers

The containers you use can make a big difference to how well your shoes hold up during their time in storage. For most conditions, clear plastic bins with secure lids are the best option. They’re water-resistant, pest-proof and super sturdy, offering excellent protection for all your shoes.

If you prefer cardboard, it’s important to choose strong, good-quality boxes to ensure they hold their shape. While cardboard is lighter and more affordable, it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as a plastic container. Whichever material you choose, ensure the boxes are well-sealed to keep dust and pests at bay.

Pro Tip: If you use transparent containers, try to keep them out of direct sunlight and make sure everything in the container is 100% bone dry.

Using Shoe Inserts or Tissue

Shoes can lose their shape over time if not properly supported. To prevent this, consider using shoe inserts, which are especially useful for boots and formal shoes. If inserts aren’t available, stuffing shoes with crumpled acid-free paper or clean socks can work just as well.

For delicate or expensive pairs, wrapping them individually in a soft cloth or tissue paper can provide an extra layer of protection. This is particularly important for suede or patent leather shoes, which can scratch and stain easily.

Avoid Overpacking

As tempting as it may be to try and fit as many pairs as possible into a single box or container, overpacking can scuff, scratch and distort the shape of your shoes.

Always be sure to leave enough room for air to circulate around each pair, especially for those made from delicate materials like leather and suede, which benefit from ventilation during storage. Shoes stored too tightly could also make it harder to find a particular pair without causing accidental damage.

Labelling & Organising

Labelling your containers might seem unnecessary, but it can save you a lot of time later. Even a few simple labels, like ‘Summer Shoes’ or ‘Formal Shoes’, will make it much easier to find your shoes later on.

Stack your containers neatly in your storage unit, placing lighter bins on top of heavier ones to avoid damage. This small step ensures your shoes remain safe and easy to access whenever you need them.

Pro Tip: If you’re storing a large collection, creating a quick inventory list can also help you keep track of each and every pair.

Expert Advice for Storing Shoes

With all your shoes cleaned, paired and packed, it’s time to put them in self storage. While this may be the easiest step in storing your shoes, there are some key considerations to keep in mind to ensure all your hard work so far isn’t wasted.

Location Matters

The placement of your shoe containers within the storage unit is more important than you might think. Ideally, you should:

• Raise Boxes Above the Floor: Use shelving or pallets to elevate your containers. Not only will this keep your shoes safe in the event of flooding or water damage, but it also protects them from temperature fluctuations near the ground and improves airflow.
• Keep Frequently Used Shoes Accessible: If you anticipate needing access to certain pairs, place those containers in an easy-to-reach spot.

Pro Tip: Try to avoid stacking too many containers on top of one another, especially if you’re keeping your shoes in cardboard boxes. This will eliminate the risk of boxes (and their contents) getting squashed or toppling over.

Managing Temperature & Humidity

There are many different types of storage unit and unless you plan on keeping your shoes in a specialist climate-controlled unit, you may want to consider taking additional steps to maintain the conditions and atmosphere of your unit. Taking a few steps to manage the internal environment can make a big difference:

• Use Moisture Absorbers: Products like silica gel packs can help reduce humidity levels and protect shoes from mould and mildew.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: While most storage units are dark, if there’s any chance of sunlight entering through vents or gaps, keep containers away from their path to prevent fading, warping or other heat-related damage.

Pro Tip: Check on your unit periodically to ensure your shoes and their containers remain in good condition, especially between seasons or any drastic weather events.