Shoes are often overlooked in the moving process, treated as an afterthought as the big day approaches. And how you pack your shoes can make the process easier when it’s time to load the moving truck. Get our essential tips and tricks on how to pack shoes for moving, whether you’re moving locally or long-distance.
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How do you pack shoes for moving?
Packing your shoes for a move may seem like mindless work, but a strategic system can simplify the process. Here’s a few tips:
Choose which to keep
Moving is the perfect time to declutter and make space for your next favorite pair of shoes. Carefully look through your shoe collection and decide which sets to keep, sell, or donate. Those old ratty kicks in your garage can go straight into the trash.
Clean your shoes
Once you’ve decided which pairs to keep, take a few minutes to gently remove dust and dirt from the bottom of each set. This will keep your other belongings clean and prevent contamination from all those mysterious substances you’ve stepped in.
Organize your shoes by type
Keep things simple by organizing your shoes by style. Flip flops and sandals should go together. Pack dress shoes in moving boxes with similar kicks. Place all seasonal boots in a single container.
Stuff shoes to protect the form
Fill shoes with socks, dish towels, plastic bags, or tissue paper to prevent smushing and collapsing during transport. This is especially important for softer materials like suede and leather.
Reuse old shoe boxes
If you have a stack of old shoe boxes lying around, this is their time to shine. Use them to protect your favorite pairs from damage. You can also purchase cheap plastic alternatives at big-box stores, if needed.
Opt for bubble wrap
Delicate or expensive shoes may require extra protection while packing for a move. Use bubble wrap to safeguard your heels, designer kicks, and fancy boots. Consider packaging particularly valuable sets individually.
Label your shoes clearly
As you pack shoes for moving, don’t assume you’ll remember which sets went into which box. Clearly label each container to take the guesswork out of unpacking.
Related: How To Store Vinyl Records for Moving
What to avoid when packing shoes
Now that you know the best ways to pack shoes for moving day, let’s discuss a few mistakes to avoid:
Don’t pack your shoes with your clothes
Even after a quick cleaning, shoes can harbor icky contaminants and harmful bacteria you won’t want on your clothes. If the funky smell and sticky gunk weren’t enough, consider this: The hard edges and sharp lace hooks on boots and shoes can quickly damage your clothing. Designate certain boxes just for footwear to protect your other items.
Avoid keeping shoes you haven’t worn
We all have certain shoes we haven’t worn in a year or more. If you only remembered them because you stumbled upon them in the back of your closet, it’s probably safe to get rid of them.
Don’t forget to leave a pair out for moving day!
Frantic, last-minute packing is a great way to create chaos for yourself. Be sure to reserve a comfortable, reliable pair of sneakers or tennis shoes to wear each day of your move. Consider tossing a second pair in your car in the event of a spill or accident.
Related: What To Pack First When Moving
How to pack shoes in a suitcase
While sturdy boxes are usually the best choice to pack shoes for a long-distance move, sometimes a suitcase is the only option. Here’s how to strategically pack your footwear in a bag or suitcase.
Clean your shoes
We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Clean your shoes before you pack them for moving. Dirt, gunk, and grime can easily become dislodged in your bag, contaminating everything else inside. A quick wipe-down and a few taps against the sidewalk can help remove any debris lurking in the soles of your shoes.
Place shoes strategically
If you must pack shoes in a suitcase, place heavy pairs at the bottom to balance your weight distribution and minimize cross-contamination. This is one situation where you’ll definitely want to stuff your shoes to help them retain their shape. Consider separating pairs with plastic bags or small towels to prevent scuffing and other damage.
Avoid packing shoes with valuables
We know how important it is to pack efficiently, but stuffing all your belongings into a single suitcase is a big mistake. Bulky boots and pointy heels can destroy delicate items like sunglasses, jewelry, and electronics. As you pack your shoes for moving day, be sure to separate your valuables.
Related: How To Organize Your Closet Like a Pro
Get more pro tips from the team at Red Rover!
Planning for a big move? The Red Rover team is here to help! From portable storage units to professional movers, we can hook you up with everything you need for an easy, efficient move. Get started today with a free quote!verage packing list for a holiday vacation, but they’re things you’ll want to have on hand for your first few nights in a new home. Towels, bedding, and eating utensils fall into this category. After a long day of moving, the last thing you’ll want to do is wonder where your linens and bath towels are.
It’s also critical to set aside and clearly label important documents like car titles, mortgage agreements, tax records, and identifying information.
What can you donate?
Moving is the perfect time to declutter. As you take inventory of your belongings, decide whether certain items are valuable enough to pack and transport. You may find that donating excess stuff gives you a sense of relief—and makes your packing list more manageable.
What to pack first during your move
For a seamless, easy move, you’ll want to start packing as early as possible. Choose a staging area like the garage or a guest room where boxes can live before moving day. You can also opt for a portable storage container like Red Rover to hold large items like furniture between moves.
Here are a few things you can safely pack first as you begin the moving process:
Non-essential items
There are plenty of items you probably won’t need in the days and weeks leading up to your move. For example, books, artwork, and media like DVDs and records aren’t usually essential. Crafting supplies, hobby gear, and extra toys also usually fall into this category.
Seasonal items
If you’re moving over the summer, go ahead and pack winter clothes, accessories, and other gear first. Holiday decorations and seasonal decor can also go into boxes early on. You can even use some of those winter clothes as cushioning for your more breakable items!
Extra kitchen supplies and small appliances
Many of us have blenders, juicers, and other single-use kitchen appliances we rarely use. These are excellent items to pack first when preparing for a move. Additionally, you can package things like extra mixing bowls, food storage containers, and serving dishes.
This is also a good time to grab the bubble wrap and carefully pack China and crystal, which are only used on special occasions. Be sure to label each box clearly, especially for fragile items.
What to pack last when moving
Moving can be exciting, but you’ll need to save certain belongings for last as you fill those boxes and prepare for the big day:
Daily-use items
It might be tempting to pack up your entire kitchen at once, but you’ll appreciate having access to real flatware during your last night in your old home. Other items you’ll want on hand include phone chargers, water bottles, and several changes of clean clothes, as well as medications, toiletries, and a first aid kit.
Bed and bath essentials
It’s best to wait until the last minute to pack things like hand soap, body wash, and bath towels. Remember, moving tends to disrupt dust and dirt, so you’ll want to be able to wash your hands without having to unload boxes to find your soap.
Electronics and valuables
Hold off on packing jewelry, computers, TVs, and other valuables until closer to moving day. Allowing these items to sit in your garage can cause moisture damage and increase the risk of theft. If you need to disassemble your dining table or prepare other valuable furniture for your move, store them indoors until moving day to avoid warping.
Cleaning supplies
Whether you’re awaiting a final inspection from a landlord or simply tidying up for the new homeowners, it’s best to pack cleaning supplies last before your move. Of course, unexpected spills and messes are inevitable, so having paper towels and disinfectant wipes available will be convenient around moving day.
At Red Rover, we make moving stress-free!
Red Rover is here to help make your move as seamless as possible! Whether you’re looking for short-term storage between moves or full-service movers to safely transport your belongings, we can help.
Contact us today to learn more!
