How to Pack Shoes for Moving: Stepping up Your Packing Game
Moving can feel overwhelming, but packing doesn’t have to be. With the right supplies and knowledge, you can pack even your most oddly shaped items, including shoes. Whether you’re packing shoes for one or the whole family, you can implement several steps to make the process easier.
WHY PROPER PACKING IS IMPORTANT
While it may be tempting to throw your shoes in a box or bag and call it a day, using proper packing techniques is best because it can:
Prevent shoes from damage: Elements like dust, light, humidity and heat can damage your footwear, but proper packing protects from these elements. Additionally, many shoes will have dirt or debris on them, which can further damage other shoes you pack together. The right packing techniques help avoid this issue and reduce wear and tear during the move.
Maintain shoe shape: Shoving shoes in boxes can cause some pairs to become squashed and deformed. Depending on how long your shoes spend in boxes or bags, this deformation can cause permanent wear, making the shoes uncomfortable to wear or causing unsightly signs of distress.
Make moving easier: Loading all your shoes into a trash bag or large box may seem like a good idea. However, depending on how many pairs you have, it may be challenging to lift the collection, find a place in your moving vehicle and make unpacking less organized. Carefully packing your shoes beforehand simplifies the move.
HOW TO PACK SHOES FOR MOVING WITHOUT SHOEBOXES
Packing can be simple, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve to streamline the process. Here’s the best way to pack shoes for moving:
1. Downsize and Organize Your Collection
There’s no point in finding a place for shoes you won’t wear again. Start by looking at the pairs that are too small. Try on any questionable pairs and make distinct piles for items to keep or discard. Use this stage as an opportunity to organize your shoes as well. Keep shoes you plan to wear shortly after moving in one pile, but consider organizing others by season or size.
Then, question those shoes that sit in the back of your closet untouched. Ask yourself how much of a difference each pair makes in your life. Did you wear those heels once for that event several years ago? Does that pair only match with one specific outfit? Did a loved one gift you a pair you felt obligated to keep even though you don’t like them? Separate your emotions from functionality and throw them in the donate pile. The fewer shoes you keep, the fewer you have to pack and unpack.
2. Clean and Sanitize Before Packing
Once you’ve finalized your collection, it’s time to prepare for packing. Cleaning your shoes will help protect other pairs during the move and give them a beautiful look to enjoy when it’s time to unpack. Visible signs of dirt and debris indicate the need for cleaning, but a quick whiff inside can also clue you in on whether it’s time to clean.
While you may need to take precautions for shoes of unique or high-quality materials, you can generally follow these steps to clean them:
Wipe the shoes with a dry brush.
Combine water and dish soap or water and baking soda for a cleaning solution.
Use a rag, your hands or a toothbrush to apply the solution and scrub discolored spots or stains.
Dry the shoes with a clean cloth.
Leave the shoes to dry overnight.
3. Secure the Shoe Shape
There are several ways you can secure shoe shape. Stuffing shoes with socks or packing paper can prevent the shoes from crushing during your move. You can also use plastic bags if you’re moving on short notice or run out of other items. Avoid using colored paper or newspaper to prevent the ink from staining your shoes.
4. Choose the Right Boxes
Ideally, you would pack shoes in their original boxes. However, most of us don’t keep these boxes after purchase, so finding the right supplemental boxes is key.
Choose a sturdy box that can hold a few pairs of shoes. Avoid overstuffing the box to prevent crushing the bottom pairs. Wrap each individual shoe in packing paper to cushion them. Consider Bubble Wrap if you’re packing more than two or three pairs in the same box. If you don’t have the right boxes on hand, consider connecting with a moving company that can provide specially made boxes.
5. Use Alternative Packing Methods
If you’ve run out of boxes or don’t have the right sizes, you can try some alternative packing methods:
Cloth bags: Avoid using trash bags and plastic bags to move your shoes. These materials can cause moisture buildup, potentially damaging your shoes. Plastic may also rip if you’re packing heels or shoes with buckles. Alternatively, cloth bags are more durable and can provide breathability to prevent mildew from growing due to trapped moisture.
Luggage: If you have suitcases on hand, consider using them. You’ll be taking your luggage anyway, so you might as well fill each piece. Place heavy shoes on the bottom and use Bubble Wrap and packing paper to separate each shoe. Create organized lines and use packing paper to fill any gaps left over to prevent your shoes from sliding around during the move.
Shoe organizer: If you use a shoe organizer to store your collection in the closet, you can use it to pack for moving. Using this item may require some additional folding or maneuvering to fit inside your moving vehicle, but it can be a great option if you don’t have boxes and want quick access to your everyday shoes.
OTHER TIPS FOR PACKING SHOES FOR MOVING
The above steps should help streamline your shoe-packing process. We also have a few extra tips that can simplify your moving experience:
Use labels: Labels can streamline the unpacking process. Identify what types of shoes are in each box or bag. This can ensure you deliver the care necessary to protect your shoes when loading and unloading, and you can easily find the shoes you need when you arrive at your new home.
Follow a system: Whether you follow our previous steps to a T or make some tweaks to fit your needs, create a systemic approach to packing. Once you find your groove, you may notice that packing happens faster and with fewer distractions.
Store seasonal shoes: Storing seasonal shoes can make unpacking easier and help you stay organized. For example, if you’re moving in the summer, store your winter shoes in different boxes. Clear labels can indicate which boxes need immediate unpacking and which you can hold off until a later date.
CONTACT TRANSTAR MOVING FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
Transtar Moving is your go-to residential moving company. Our team can assist you through every stage of the process, from packing your items to moving your furniture into your new space. We happily help people throughout South Jersey and the surrounding Pennsylvania region ease moving stress and find an affordable, timely way to get their move on.
