Fall is here! Which means sweaters, boots, tights, and all things pumpkin spice.
Fall’s also a great time to switch your closet over seasonally, especially if that closet is on the smallish side (unlike that first pumpkin spice latte of the season you ordered). Out go cute sundresses and sandals, and in come heavier fabrics, warm coats, chunky scarves, and warm shoes and boots.
And once you make that switch, here’s three great shoe storage ideas for keeping your footwear safe and sound.
Long-term vs. Short-term Storage:
If your autumns/winters last a while (here’s looking at you, the Midwest), consider a longer-term storage location that’s relatively inaccessible. Since you won’t be needing those flip-flops and sandals for a good chunk of the year, you can store these in a space in your apartment or home that’s out of the way. Make sure that space is clean and dry, and preferably not reachable by direct sunlight.
For in-season footwear, you’ll need an accessible location. Same rules apply regarding a space that’s dry and not in direct sunlight. But since you’ll be accessing this space daily (and perhaps multiple times a day, depending on where you’re going and who you’re seeing), make sure it’s within arms’ reach.
Clean and Treat Your Shoes:
Clean shoes last longer. And look infinitely better! If you’re caught in a rainstorm, make sure to dry them with a clean, soft cloth and set them out on a small rug or towel to air dry. Even better, oil / waterproof your leather shoes so that can withstand an autumn soaking and keep your feet cozy. Especially once fall turns into icy winter. Follow the directions on the product bottle, first making sure your shoes are clean and dry. Most products just involve rubbing the product onto your shoes so that the leather is coated, let the product sit a while, and then buff away any remaining product.
Organize Your Boots:
Cold weather calls for great boots to both pull an outfit together and keep you warm and dry. Your boots will last longer and be easier to wear if they’re stored on a well-designed boot rack. You’ll want one that leaves no creases or marks on the boot shaft, and one that’ll take up way less room than stacking them on top of each other on your closet floor.