What’s the Best Way to Pack Shoes for Moving?
It’s easy to overlook your shoes when you’re busy with other parts of your move, because it may seem like just a small part of the moving process, but if you don’t plan well, it can cause unexpected stress. If you have many different types of shoes, the best way to pack shoes for moving is to give each pair special attention so they arrive safely and in good condition at your new destination.
Supplies You’ll Need to Pack Shoes for a Move
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It’s easier to know how to organize shoes and pack them when you’re moving if you have the right supplies on hand, especially since footwear comes in so many shapes and sizes. Using the proper materials protects your shoes from scuffs, crushing, and moisture, and keeps them organized, so it’s also easier to unpack.
Boxes, Bins, and Alternative Containers
Using sturdy boxes or durable plastic bins provides your shoes with needed structure and protection during a move, preventing crushing and shifting. Alternative reusable containers, like baskets or fabric storage bins, are other practical options that easily stack.
Packing Paper, Towels, and Household Fillers
Stuffing soft material inside your shoes, like clean towels, packing paper, or even t-shirts, can help them keep their shape and prevent creasing. Separately wrapping each pair reduces the likelihood of scuffs and scrapes.
Labels and Organization Tools
Unpacking will be easier if you label and organize your shoe boxes, especially if you own a large collection. Make a simple list so you know what’s in each box, and use colored markers or stickers to identify them. This organizational step ensures you can easily find each pair of your shoes in your new space.
How to Prepare Shoes Before Packing
Brush off dirt and debris, clean the soles, and air your shoes out before you pack them so moisture and odors don’t get trapped inside. Tuck in or tie the laces, and then pair the shoes together. Preparing them like this protects your shoes from unnecessary wear and tear.
How to Pack Shoes for Moving in Shoe Boxes
If you want to know how to pack shoes for moving, packing them in their original boxes is a good way to keep them protected. Place them inside the shoe box so the soles face in opposite directions. Securely close the shoe box lid, add a label, and group several boxes together in a larger carton so they’re organized for transport.
How to Pack Shoes Without A Box
If you don’t have boxes, you can still safely pack your shoes by wrapping them individually in towels or paper and slipping them into plastic bags. Or you can tuck the shoes into gaps in your luggage or moving tubs, filling the empty spaces so they don’t shift around.
Best Way to Pack Shoes for Moving Long Distance
If you’re planning a long-distance move, the best way to pack shoes is to make sure they are packed securely with proper cushioning so they won’t shift around on the long trip. Clean them and stuff them so they keep their shape, and use fillers inside of them to prevent them from collapsing. Use durable boxes and pack the heavier shoes on the bottom.
Common Shoe Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Common shoe‑packing mistakes can lead to damage and unnecessary frustration when you unpack after a move. Avoiding these common mistakes helps protect your footwear and ensures all of your shoes will be safe during your move:
- Packing dirty shoes can transfer odors or stains to other belongings
- Forgetting to stuff shoes, which causes them to lose shape or crease during the move
- Placing heavy shoes on top of lighter pairs, leading to crushing or damage
- Failing to individually wrap them, which increases the chance of scuffs and scratches
- Using flimsy bags or thin plastic that tears easily and provides no protection
- Leaving laces loose, allowing them to tangle or snag on other possessions
- Overfilling boxes so the box becomes unstable and causes shoes to shift around
- Packing damp shoes can cause mold or mildew to grow and creates unpleasant odors
When to Let Professional Movers Pack Your Shoes
If you have a large collection of shoes or have designer shoes that need special care, it will be easier if you let professional movers pack them for you. If you’re planning a complicated move or a last-minute move, and want it to be efficiently handled, professional movers know how to pack everything from boots to heels using the proper types of materials to reduce the risk of damage. When Not A Hobby moving experts pack your shoes, we streamline the entire process of packing shoes, so you can focus on other aspects of your move.
FAQS
What is the best way to pack shoes for moving?
Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage professionals emphasize the importance of using quality packing materials to protect shoes. We treat each pair of shoes with the attention we give fragile possessions. Similar types of shoes are grouped together, and each box is well-balanced, so your shoes arrive in perfect condition.
What materials do professional movers use when packing shoes?
Strong cardboard boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and soft stuffing are the materials professional movers use when packing shoes so they’re protected in transit. Sometimes dividers are placed inside boxes so shoes don’t shift or rub against each other.
How do movers pack shoes to save space?
Movers arrange shoes to conserve space. They alternate the direction of each shoe so they’re nested together. Using this method keeps the load stable and lets them fit more shoes into one container.
What mistakes do movers say people make when packing shoes themselves?
According to professional movers, a common mistake people make is stacking heavy shoes on top of lighter ones, which can cause them to get crushed. They say it’s easy to underestimate how shoes move around in a box and get damaged. They recommend fully drying damp shoes before packing them so mold, mildew, or odors don’t ruin your shoes.
