It’s no secret that shoe organization is a challenge in almost every household. If you live alone, you probably still end up with a pile of shoes by your front door at the end of the week. For larger families, you might feel like you’re drowning under all of the shoes!
So, how do you find the right shoe rack? The right product will depend on your physical space as well as the needs of your family. Let’s explore the criteria.
How many pairs of shoes do you need to store?
There are two main types of shoe storage: hanging racks or standing shelving. To figure out which type is right for you, first, you will need to determine how many pairs of shoes need to be put away. If you are a single person with less than 10 pairs of shoes, then you can use a smaller type of storage container.
If you have a lot of shoes but only wear a few of them frequently, then you might combine two types of storage. For instance, you could keep a hanging rack in your closet for fancier shoes and also use a small shelving unit in your entryway for everyday shoes.
Do you have a large family? Then you will need much more storage. Young children add an extra consideration. They often cannot reach high shelves or put shoes away into tight spaces. To make it easier for everyone in the household to tidy up, look for a sizable shoe rack that can easily accommodate loads of shoes. Reserve the lower spaces for children’s shoes.
Where do your shoes typically end up — entryway or closet?
A smart way to decide the best location for your shoe rack is to simply look around your home. At the end of the week, where do you often find a large pile of shoes? Does your entryway become cluttered with sneakers and sandals? Perhaps the floor of your closet fills up with scattered shoes.
This is actually a design strategy that Disney theme parks utilized in the 1950s to install trash cans. The designers watched guests to see where they tossed their candy wrappers and other waste. Then, they installed bins at those exact locations. You can do the same experiment in your own home.
If your closet is full of shoes at the end of the week, then purchase this soft Amelitory 8-Shelf Hanging Shoe Rack. If you discover that your entryway is clogged with random shoes, then go for this easy-to-assemble shoe rack storage bench that can hold up to 30 pairs of shoes.
Which material makes the most sense for a shoe rack?
Wood is actually the least practical material for a shoe rack. It accumulates dirt, suffers when water pools up, and is difficult to clean. Instead, look for a plastic, metal, or fabric shoe rack. If you are installing a hanging shoe rack in your closet for indoor shoes or infrequently worn items, then a fabric rack is perfect. In the event that it gets dirty, you can always machine-wash this item.
For outdoor shoes, a plastic and metal rack like this one is ideal. During the rainy season, it won’t rust or smell if it gets wet. Plus, if it gets very dirty, you can always rinse it off outside for a quick cleaning.
A good shoe rack can keep you sane by keeping your footwear organized. It shouldn’t be a struggle to find a matching pair of shoes. The right shoe rack can help each family member easily find their preferred set of shoes. This can keep dirt to a minimum and reduce the hectic energy when trying to get out the door on time. Plus, a tidy shoe rack can teach young children how to keep their belongings organized. Enjoy your new shoe rack!