How To Pack Shoes for Moving

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.

Moving out of your rental? Use our move out cleaning checklist!

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

How to pack different types of shoes for moving

The best way to pack shoes for moving depends on the type of shoe and how much protection it needs. Once your shoes are clean and completely dry, keep each pair together and use the following tips to prevent crushing and scuffs.

Sneakers and everyday shoes

Stuff sneakers with clean socks or plain packing paper to help them hold their shape. If you have the original shoe boxes, use them. Otherwise, wrap or separate each pair with packing paper and place heavier shoes at the bottom of a sturdy moving box. Leave enough room so the shoes are not squeezed together.

Heels and delicate shoes

Wrap each delicate shoe separately so heels, buckles, and other hard parts cannot scratch another pair. Add packing paper around fragile areas for support. Place these pairs near the top of the box, away from heavy boots or other items that could crush them.

Boots

Stuff boots with packing paper to support their shape, especially around tall shafts. Pack them upright if the box is tall enough. If you must lay them on their sides, avoid placing heavy items on top.

How to pack shoes without their original boxes

You do not need a separate box for every pair. Place clean, dry shoes in shoe bags or wrap pairs separately with packing paper. Keep the soles away from other shoes’ uppers, then fill empty spaces in the moving box with crumpled paper so pairs do not shift during the move.

Choose a box you can lift comfortably. Overfilling it makes the box harder to carry and can damage the shoes inside. Label it “Shoes” and add the room or owner’s name to make unpacking easier.

What should you do with shoes on moving day?

Set aside a comfortable pair to wear during the move. If you are moving in wet weather, keep a second pair where you can reach it easily. Pack the shoes you will need immediately after arrival near the top of a clearly labeled box, rather than burying them under other belongings.

Before sealing your shoe boxes, check that every pair is dry, delicate shoes have enough protection, and heavier pairs are underneath lighter ones. These small steps will make your shoes easier to find and help them arrive ready to wear.

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. Contact us today to discuss your move.