How to Pack Shoes for Moving

A Detailed Step By Step Process On How To Pack Shoes For Moving

The thing about moving is that your belongings are all different shapes and sizes, needing different strategies and methods to pack and relocate. Shoes are  get them from A to B without causing damage. So, if you’re wondering how to pack your shoes for a move, then this is the guide for you.

Let’s take a look:

Step 1. Decluttering and Sorting

It may be tempting to dive right into packing, but this is a great chance to look through your collection, ditch the shoes you never wear, and generally have a tidy. It might seem like some upfront work, but it’ll save you time for when it comes to packing and unpacking.

• Start off by gathering all your shoes and deciding which ones you can part with, either by donating or selling them – or if they have seen a little too much use, recycling.
• Next, categorise the survivors by occasion, season, or type. For instance, all winter shoes and boots in one group, lighter summer sandals in another, then formals, casuals, and so on.
• Finally, pack the shoes that you’re not going to need for when it comes to moving. If you’re moving in the winter, you’re going to want a few pairs handy. And also keep a pair for the move itself which need to be comfortable, versatile and easy to slip on and off.

Step 2. Get Your Packing Supplies

You’re going to need to do a little more than throwing your shoes in a suitcase when moving them. To prevent damage, scuffing, or wetness, here are some things you’re going to need:

Shoe boxes: If you still have the original shoe boxes for some of your footwear, then that’s a great start as they are already going to be the right shape and size for that particular pair. If you don’t have the original boxes, you can try going to a shoe shop to see if they have any spares.

Packing paper: Is essential to wrap your shoes, and to fill in any gaps in your boxes. By filling those spaces, you’ll be able to prevent your footwear from rubbing against each other when being carries or transported. Newspaper is a good alternative, but do bear in mind that there is a small risk of ink rubbing off onto the shoes.

Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is ideal for wrapping delicate or expensive shoes that need extra protection from impact or moisture. You can also use old towels, socks, or clothing as alternatives.

Plastic bags: If you have any shoes that are very dirty, such as outdoor boots, putting them into plastic bags before packing them away will stop the mess spreading to other items in the cargo. It’s important to make sure your shoes are dry before wrapping them in plastic, as wet ones will may become mouldy or generate mildew.

Tape and labels: Odds are that you’ll already have packing tape and labels from the rest of your moving project, so go ahead and use the tape to seal any plastic bags and boxes shut to keep the footwear from shifting when in transit. Then, label each box so that you know what’s in there without having to open it.

Step 3. Now It’s Time To Pack

Now that you have sorted and decluttered your shoes and gathered the right supplies, you’re ready to get packing.

Clean And Dry

• Before packing your shoes, make sure to clean and dry them thoroughly to prevent dirt and dust from damaging or staining your shoes during the move.
• Use a brush or a cloth, paying attention to materials such as suede or leather.
• Remove any laces or inserts from your shoes and wash them separately if needed.
• Air dry your shoes in a well-ventilated area, or use a hair dryer on low heat if in a rush.
• Apply conditioner or shoe polish to create a protective layer and restore shine or colour.

Stuff Them

Putting soft but firm material in your shoes will help them maintain their structure and shape during a move. Some materials you can use include:

• Packing paper
• Newspaper
• Bubble wrap
• Old socks
• Tissue paper

Simply crumple up the material and fill the inside of your shoes until they are firm and snug. Be careful to not overstuff, as this might deform or stretch them.

Choose Your Box

Shoe boxes: As mentioned above, if you still have the original shoe box, this will always be the best choice as it will be perfect fit and size. But, if you don’t, no worries – there are plenty of other options to try out.

Regular small or medium boxes: If you don’t have shoe boxes, you can use normal small or medium packing boxes that are strong and spacious. You can get these from any online retailer or moving supply store, or, you can reuse any cardboard boxes that you have at home, such as book boxes, wine boxes, or sturdy packaging from appliances or electronics.

Speciality shoe boxes: You can actually buy purpose-made shoe boxes that are specifically designed for moving. These are usually made of plastic, but can even be metal, with dividers and compartments inside to keep shoes extra safe. These can be found from most online retailers.

Step 4. Arrange And Optimise

Knowing how to pack the shoes into the boxes will help you maximise the space and minimise the movement of your footwear during the move. Here’s what you can do:

• Put heavier and sturdier shoes at the bottom of the box, and the lightest and most fragile ones at  the top.
• Keep similar shoe types and sizes in the same boxes, which will make the packing and unpacking processes easier.
• Put the shoes side by side, or heel to toe when in the box, which will make it easier to fit more pairs and optimise space.
• If you have any gaps or spaces still in the box, remember to fill them with packing paper or bubble wrap to stop them shifting during the move.

Step 5. Secure And Close

• After arranging your shoes in the box, you need to secure the box with some tape and labels to make sure it stays closed from door to door.
• Use strong packing tape at the top and the bottom of the box, with extra reinforcement on all corners and seams.
• Label the box with a marker and paper with details on the type of footwear inside the box, and where they need to go. For example, ‘sports shoes – garage’, or ‘formal shoes – wardrobe’.
• Add any special instructions or warnings if needed, for shoes that are especially fragile, expensive, or not stackable.

Remember:

Keep temperature-sensitive shoes in separate boxes: If you have leather, suede, or footwear made with lots of glue and rubber, they will be more sensitive to high or low temperatures. You should keep them separate from the rest of your shoes so that you can keep them in a climate-controlled environment.

Conclusion For How to Pack Shoes For Travel

There’s already enough to worry about when it comes to packing and moving, so we hope that the above guide on how to pack your shoes for a move has been useful. The main thing to keep in mind is to treat your shoes like you would any other fragile cargo, and not just throw them all into a suitcase.

Here Are The Key Points To Remember When Packing Shoes For A Move:

• Use clean packing paper or bubble wrap to protect your shoes from damage.
• Stuff each shoe with socks or other soft materials to help maintain its shape.
• Pack heavier shoes on the bottom of the box and lighter shoes on top.
• Label your boxes clearly so you can easily find your shoes when you unpack.
• If you have any valuable or delicate shoes, consider packing them separately in their own box.

By following these simple tips, you can pack your shoes safely and securely for your next move.

You can also make your life a lot easier by letting our removalists handle it instead! Our expert packers and movers will come to your property armed with all the materials and boxes needed, and will get your shoes secure, protected and ready to go in no time.

Get Sydney Removalist Quotes Today