How to Store Seasonal Shoes and Boots

Shoes and boots take up more space than you realize. Especially when they’re out of season. Summer sandals don’t need to clutter your closet in the middle of January, and heavy winter boots aren’t useful when it’s 90 degrees outside. Instead of letting footwear pile up in your home, a self storage unit can help keep everything organized, protected, and ready for the next season. With a little prep, your shoes will stay in great condition and be easy to swap out when the weather changes.

Should You Clean Before Storing?

Always start with clean shoes. Wipe down sneakers to remove dirt, polish leather boots, and make sure everything is completely dry before storing. Even a little leftover moisture can cause mold, mildew, or unwanted odors over time. Giving footwear a quick cleaning now means you won’t be unpleasantly surprised when you pull them out later.

Use Shoe Boxes or Bins

Individual boxes or clear plastic bins are your best friend for shoe storage. They keep pairs together, prevent dust buildup, and make stacking easier inside a storage unit. Original boxes work fine, but clear bins let you see exactly what’s inside at a glance. Label each container by type — “winter boots,” “sandals,” “dress shoes” — so you can grab the right ones without opening every box.

Protect Shapes and Materials

Certain shoes need a little extra care. Boots, for example, should be stuffed with tissue paper or supported with boot shapers to keep them from folding over and creasing. For delicate shoes like suede flats or heels, use cloth shoe bags or wrap them in soft material before boxing them up. This extra layer prevents scratches and scuffs while they’re tucked away.

Store by Season

Keeping footwear organized by season makes rotation effortless. Dedicate one bin to cold-weather items like boots and insulated shoes, another to warm-weather footwear like sandals and slip-ons, and a third to year-round pairs. This system saves time when the seasons change and ensures you won’t dig through every box just to find what you need.

Keep Accessories Together

Don’t forget to store related accessories. Shoe polish, extra laces, insoles, and boot socks can all be kept in a small bin alongside your footwear. Keeping everything together makes it easier to refresh and repair shoes when you bring them back into your wardrobe.

The Bottom Line

Shoes are an investment in comfort and style, and taking care of them helps extend their lifespan. By cleaning, boxing, protecting, and organizing them by season, you’ll make the most of your closet space at home and keep your footwear ready for whenever you need it.

(Public Storage rental agreements prohibit storing property with a total value over $5,000 per unit.)