Declutter Diaries: Organizing Your Shoes

By Y.M. Lowy

Welcome back! This week on Declutter Diaries, we're tackling the shoe mess in your closets and hallways. Whether it's your collection or your kids' never-ending stash, getting those shoes organized will make your mornings smoother and help keep your home looking neat.

Organize This:

Group shoes into categories like heels, sneakers, Shabbos shoes, school shoes, and boots. If closet space is tight, an over-the-door organizer is a great way to give all the shoes a home.

Consider a shoe rack or a mat for shoes, boots, and other footwear to keep the floor clutter-free. This expandable shoe rack is great for closets with little room.

Shoe slot organizers double the space in your closet, which is perfect if your family’s shoe collection somehow keeps multiplying.

If they’re falling apart, uncomfortable, or don’t fit (looking at you, kids’ shoes from last season!), It’s time to let them go. A good rule of thumb—if a new pair comes in, an old pair should go.

Shoe cleaning can be a hassle, especially since summer is just around the corner. Using a shoe eraser eliminates the need for scrubbing, keeping your shoes sparkling clean. 

One-Item Purge Challenge:

Boots can be a seasonal staple, but if you only wear them a couple of times a year, it’s time to go through your collection and get rid of the pairs you haven’t worn in a year or that no longer fit or are out of style. 

Myth Buster:

Myth: It’s fine to keep every pair of shoes “just in case.”

Truth: Holding on to shoes you never wear just takes up space. Free up your closet by keeping only what you use.

Did You Know?

The average person owns about 19 pairs of shoes—but regularly wears only about 4 or 5. Organizing helps you focus on the pairs you truly love and use.

How Do You Do It?

Do you keep all shoes by the front door, in bedroom closets, or somewhere else? Tell us what works best for you!

Photo: Shutterstock