If you are an avid shoe fan, then you know just how necessary getting organized is a necessity in the house. Do not get me wrong, but you will often accumulate a lot of shoes that can be messy.
This is perhaps why shoe boxes come in handy as a suggestion to make sure you have all your accessories plus clothing looking good. However, shoe boxes always receive the stick, with some suggesting they are not something to consider. Some even go far as to ask why you should keep shoes in the box.
To put the issue to rest, here is a look at the shoe boxes as recommendable storage options for your shoes.
Shoe Storage Boxes: What’s The Deal
Most people are familiar with shoe boxes as the most common organizers out there for your shoes. They indeed are considering they come with each new shoe purchase. Originally, shoe boxes would have solid-like styles and a cardboard-make being common.
But why should this type of organizer be a suggestion?
The Pros
First, shoe boxes come with the ability to Keep shoes safe. The primary benefit of shoeboxes comes in their ability to allow for a safe and secure storage option.
Free from dust
Dust and residue build-up are among the biggest culprits in having shoes fading or warping while not in use. Shoe boxes will have them free from dust and have them clean for several seasons.
Away from moisture
Shoe boxes are also handy in getting you the highest level of protection from water or moisture, which causes dampness. This results in mold growth that spells disaster.
Away from sunlight
It also happens that sunlight can ruin shoes and the original boxes help protect them while storing. Sunlight will have leather shoes and similar shoes, dry and warp.
Improve shoe lifespan
Overall, the goal of each original shoe box is to store them to last long. Basically, having them in the open is asking for your shoes to be ruined. But with shoeboxes, you cant count on having your shoes last longer than expected.
The Cons
Likewise, asking why should you keep shoes in the box will have you explore the downside with shoe boxes. The list of problems with storing shoes in boxes, especially cardboard models include
Possible mold build-up
With lack of air circulation, cardboard shoe boxes present the danger of accumulating moisture inside. This is especially the case if you live in a hot-humid area and have your shoes locked inside the box for long.
Blocks air circulation
Of course, having your shoes in a box blocks out air circulation, which can be a downer for some types of shoes. Leather shoes and similar styles are, in particular, known to be sensitive if tightly locked since dampness quickly accumulated.
Needs space
More often than not, each pair of shoes needs its original shoebox. This calls for having not just one but a bunch of shoeboxes to fit all. If you are a shoe fanatic, this spells disaster since you will need to have enough space to fit all those stacks of shoe boxes.
Dries out the shoe
There is also a point where storing shoes in boxes for the long term makes them dry out. In particular, due to lack of natural airflow, the shoe soles, leather, fibers, or other materials warp or wither after long storage.
Despite the downside, cardboard shoeboxes still remain the most popular mode to store shoes. Of course, this depends on several factors on your part. Here are the best tips to try out and make your cardboard box shoe storage less of a hassle.
- Clean shoes before storing and apply leather conditioner for leather designs
- Stuff the shoeboxes with acid-free paper to absorb any moisture
- Wrap packing paper in ball sizes and stuff inside each shoe to maintain shape
- Insert silica gel packets to control humidity in fragile shoe materials
- Place the shoes in wrapping papers to ensure they remain clean and dry
- Seal and secure each shoebox lid with tape in case of long-term storage.
Also Read: Can you put leather shoes in the washer?
Best Shoe Box Storage Alternatives
In the event shoe boxes do not work out, there is a convincing argument of other storage alternatives. The following are some of the options to try out in case cardboard boxes are not your thing.
Storing Shoes Using Ziplock bags
Ziplock bags or pouches are sometimes available with a shoe purchase, depending on the type or brand. The shoe bags can be non-woven material, fabric, or polyester with drawstring closures to keep the shoes safe. Most are only suitable for short-term shoe storage, for example, while traveling.
Plastic Storage Boxes
Plastic storage shoe boxes come as clear models that allow you to view the contents inside. They are available as single or multiple storage containers that allow you to store all kinds of shoes together. However, like their cardboard counterpart, plastic designs also face similar advantages and disadvantages if you decide to invest in them.
Shoe Cabinets and Racks
If space permits, shoe cabinets, racks, or open cubes can also act as alternative safe shoe storage solutions. Storing them on such open shelves allows for a natural flow of fresh air while still protecting them from direct exposure.
Shoe Trees
Shoe trees or pegboards are also excellent if your aim is for open and organized closets. While they are not actually direct storage options, they do work to save shoes from warping or distorting. However, the convenience of shoe trees is quickly overwritten since one tree fit can stretch shoe fabric or leather in the long-term. It may even distort the shoe silhouettes over time if out to use more frequently.
Conclusion
Of course, shoe boxes are better and convincing options for storage since they simply keep them safe and free from dust. However, consider that cardboard boxes are only best for the first few months after purchasing from store shelves. For long-term storage, especially in extreme climates, it would be best to look for alternative ideas.