Another winter season has come and gone, so get ready to break out your sandals, bathing suits, and shorts. The longer days and higher temperatures mean that it’s time to get your winter boots out of the way and into shoe storage to free up floor space for summer fun. But that doesn’t just mean throwing them onto the closet floor to collect dust for the next six months. You should learn how to store your boots when you’re not wearing them to make sure they still look their best next season. You may not think learning how to store boots is at the top of your priority list, but if you want to continue enjoying them year after year, it’s an important skill to master. Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how to store boots properly.
9 Clever Boot Storage Ideas to Maximize Longevity
Shoe racks in the mudroom or entryway are great for keeping your boots easily accessible during the winter, but they can take up a lot of space. When you’re not using any winter pairs of boots, they become unnecessary clutter that takes away storage space for things you actually need on a daily basis. So, how can you organize your boots and save space throughout your home? Consider some of the following great boot storage ideas and tips to help you get started.
1. Clean Your Boot Collection Before Storing
Before choosing your preferred shoe storage solution, it’s important to clean each pair thoroughly, removing dirt, grime, salt, and dust. Storing dirty boots can permanently damage the materials, ruining their aesthetics and style.
However, you’ll need to clean different types of boots depending on their fabric to avoid damaging them in the process. For example, suede fabric boots require a suede brush, while nylon ankle boots can be cleaned with shampoo and water. Check to see best practices for each pair to avoid damaging them, then let each pair thoroughly dry. To keep your winter footwear looking its best, add a protectant spray before storing them and again before wearing them next year.
2. Store Leather Boots with Care
Preparation is even more important with leather boots. Use a leather shampoo and conditioner to make sure your boots are clean and ready for storage. Then, if you want to store boots long-term, find the right storage option.
Remember, leather can easily be damaged without the proper conditions. Extreme temperatures or high humidity can ruin the leather, so it is important to utilize climate-controlled storage options for these boots. Otherwise, you may find that your favorite boots have started to sprout mold spores.
On the contrary, dry rotting is also a risk and can happen without enough moisture. The key to longevity is using a leather conditioner and proper boot storage humidity levels.
3. Use Boot Shapers
Use shapers to help boots maintain their shape. These work particularly well for ankle boots or bulkier options you don’t want to crease during storage. These plastic inserts are placed inside the shoe and shaped like a foot. Many of them are adjustable, so they can be used on both small boots and larger ones. Wooden boot trees are another option for boot shapers but tend to be a bit more expensive. Still, they may be preferred for fashion boots made of certain materials. For a middle ground, try cedar shoe inserts.
4. Keep Your Boots in Their Original Boxes
If you store boots under your bed, keep them in their original shoe boxes. This is a great boot storage tip, as the original boxes and paper can protect your shoes and make them easy to access. This is best for short-term storage to maximize closet space until the winter months return.
However, cardboard boxes aren’t the ideal option for long-term shoe storage, as they won’t allow your shoes to breathe. This can cause moisture damage, discoloration, and overall loss of quality. So, if you want boot storage options that can keep your shoes in good condition for years, you might consider another option.
5. Consider Shoe Bags
Shoe bags are designed to be effective storage solutions that protect boots inside. They’re usually made of canvas, cloth, or another breathable material. Certain boot bags are also waterproof or water-resistant to help reduce the risk of water damage. Bags can also be a great asset when traveling, as they separate the boots from your clothes and often come with a convenient carrying handle.
6. Stuff Tall Boots with Paper or Fabric
High boots that need to maintain their shape can be difficult to manage. You can keep them upright by stuffing them with paper or fabric. Doing so can help reduce the risk of creases while still providing breathable storage solutions. If you plan to use this technique, however, make sure that you avoid acid-free paper. Paper with acid can result in discoloration and damage.
7. Hang Boots with Boot Clips
You can also use boot clips to hang your boots in your closet. This is best for taller boots that need to be kept upright to maintain their shape. Ideally, try to find clips that won’t damage the materials of your favorite pair of boots. These will keep boots you don’t need to wear off the floor this season to make things you wear more accessible. Boot hangers can also be placed in the back of your closet to store shorter boots that fit in cubbies. These are great options if you have the hanging space, but you may want to consider offsite storage if you have a few too many pairs of shoes.
8. Store Your Boots in a Rack or Organizer
Boot racks are another option that can be used either in your home or in an offsite storage unit. Racks will keep boots off the floor without taking up space since they’re vertically stacked. You can choose from several types and sizes of storage shelves; the key is finding one that fits your space. Depending on your chosen storage area, storage bins and boot trays can also be used. However, over-the-door organizers aren’t usually the best for boots, as they’re a bit too bulky for the containers.
9. Choose the Right Storage Space
If you have a small closet or not enough space to keep your winter boots properly stored throughout the summer season, consider off-site options. Self-storage units are a great way to store multiple types of different belongings without putting them at risk of being damaged. There are several sizing options to choose from to accommodate your needs. But, regardless of what size you choose, always opt for a climate-controlled unit to ensure you have the proper conditions for storage.
Keep Boots in Great Condition with Climate-Controlled Self-Storage
Trying to find enough storage space in your home can be frustrating, especially if you have a big family. Rather than shoving winter boots into every available nook and cranny, consider renting a climate-controlled self-storage unit from The Lock Up Self Storage. The Lock Up offers temperature-controlled self-storage units in various sizes to supplement your home storage, so you don’t have to keep tripping over unused boots and bags. Our flexible leasing options allow for short-term rentals with the option to extend into long-term solutions. All our units are climate-controlled with stable humidity levels to keep your boots in great condition, regardless of how long you need to keep them in storage. As a bonus, our facilities are protected with top-of-the-line security features such as perimeter alarms, gated access codes, and 24/7 CCTV. For more information about our available self-storage units and sizing options, contact us at 1-866-327-LOCK or visit one of our locations for a tour.
