How to Pack Shoes for Moving

Bulky, delicate, and irregularly shaped ‒ shoes are not the easiest items to pack. Tossing them into a box, even for short trips, often leaves them scuffed and squished, with snapped heels and broken straps as well. However, if you know how to pack shoes for moving, getting your footwear safely to your new home is easy. Simply follow our step-by-step guide to ensure your shoes arrive in good condition and ready to wear.

Sort Your Shoes

People buy different shoes for different purposes and occasions. Some are large and heavy, while others are small and flimsy. Mixing them together often leads to trouble. High-heel shoes, for instance, are easily damaged when shipped alongside a set of work boots. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to go through your shoe collection and organize it according to size and weight.

Bulky shoes go at the bottom of your moving boxes. Soft, everyday shoes, like sneakers, go at the top, while dress shoes should be packed individually to avoid damage. If you find a pair of shoes you haven’t worn in a while, consider donating them. The fewer shoes you have to pack, the less work it will be.

Clean Your Shoes

Packing dirty shoes together with clean ones tends to make them all dirty. Dust them off with a soft cloth or brush. Then wipe them down with soap and water. Dishwashing soap generally works fine, but check the shoe material to make certain. A dab of soap is normally all you need. Add it to a basin of warm water and dip the cloth in before scrubbing slow and gentle. After you're done, dry them thoroughly with a rag or paper towel. 

Air Your Shoes

Shoes trap moisture. They’re also dark and warm ‒ a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If your shoes smell bad, they’re the reason why. Smelly shoes tend to get worse when packed away in moving boxes. What's more, the smell can spread from one shoe to another, creating an even bigger problem when you unpack. To keep your shoes fresh, air them out for at least a day. Other hacks include wiping the insoles with rubbing alcohol or freezing them overnight to kill the bacteria. Placing tea bags inside will also help improve their scent during the trip to your new home.

Fill Your Shoes

Stuffing your shoes with socks, rags, or tissue paper is the best way to keep them from getting crushed and losing their shape. Shoe trees work even better, if you have some lying around. If you don’t, consider purchasing a few to protect your most expensive shoes.

Pack Your Shoes

Once your shoes have been cleaned, aired, and filled, it’s time to pack. Start by placing your heavier shoes on the bottom of the moving box, upright and in pairs. This not only preserves their shape, but helps the unpacking process as well. Tie their laces together to keep them from getting separated. To prevent scuffs, insert a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap between each pair of shoes. Avoid plastic bags because they tear easily. Like books, shoes are heavier than you think. To keep the bottom from tearing out, use a medium-sized box instead of a large one.

Once you’ve finished lining the bottom of the box, lay your lighter shoes on top. Place these on their sides, wrapping them in clean packing paper or bubble wrap to protect them from scuffing. Seasonal shoes, like snow boots or flip flops, should be packed together in a separate box. This ensures you’ll have easy access to your most needed footwear once you reach your destination.

Your most delicate shoes should be packed in their original shoe boxes, if you still have them. If not, consider purchasing some. Save time by asking your movers. They’re a great source for moving supplies. Line shoe boxes with tissue paper, so the contents won’t rattle around during the journey. Whatever you do, never pack shoes and clothes together, especially delicate shoes. In the event you don’t have any individual shoe boxes, roll dress shoes in a thick layer of packing paper or bubble wrap and keep them separate from the rest of your footwear.

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Americans have been relying on Allied for over 95 years. Our full-service movers have the training, resources, and experience to help you every step of the way, from planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery. Make your move as stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free quote!