How to pack shoes during house shifting to avoid damage?

While shifting homes, one of the toughest tasks is to move your stuff carefully. Everything needs to be handled differently. One thing that we often forget to take care of is our shoes. As moving is hectic, we often tend to throw our shoes in a random bag. But, this causes a lot of damage to the shoes. If you are a shoe enthusiast, then you probably know how it feels to get creases on your favourite pair of shoes. This article tells you how you can pack your shoes so they remain in perfect condition.

See also: How to clean white shoes?

 

Shoes packing: Essentials

 

Start preparing

• Large and strong cardboard boxes: If you plan to keep your shoes in a single place, get a large and sturdy cardboard box. 
• Packing wrap and packing paper: To wrap delicate footwear.
• Tape: To secure the cardboard
• Marker: For labelling boxes.
• Plastic wrapper or bags: To protect your shoes from dust and dirt.

 

Sort your shoes

The first step towards packing your shoes is to declutter your shoe rack. Discard the shoes that are too old to be repaired or the ones that you do not wear. Once you have sorted out your shoes, you can further begin the process.

 

Clean first

Now that you are packing the shoes, you should also clean them before moving them into your new place. Wash your shoes or wipe them with the shoe cleaning solutions. Also, polish leather shoes properly. It is important to clean your shoes because they make packing more convenient and stay in good condition while being transported.

 

Wrap with packing paper or bubble wrap

Start by packing every pair of shoes differently using either packing paper or bubble wrap. Use bubble wrap for delicate shoes; it prevents them from getting scratched. If you have an expensive pair of leather or suede shoes, wrap them in a tissue and then in a packing paper.

 

Source: Pinterest (BuzzFeed)

 

Separate shoe box for valuable shoes

If you have delicate shoes that are expensive or a rare pair of footwear, consider packing them in a separate box so they don’t end up getting damaged in the moving process.

Stacking, lining, nesting: Ways to pack

Stacking: You can put one shoe on top of the other with their soles touching and wrap them together. This method ensures that the shoes take less space and are generally good for flats and sneakers.

Lining: As the name suggests, in this method, you line shoes side by side. 

Nesting: For boots, you can stuff them with newspaper so that they maintain their shape.

 

Label the boxes

Label the shoe boxes neatly so that there is no confusion while unpacking shoes. This also helps when you don’t immediately unpack all your shoes but need to wear your shoes. 

 

Tips for maximising your space

You can maximise your space by packing shoes neatly and as closely as possible and also make sure you do not use a box too large. 

Fill up the space inside shoes by putting accessories or socks in them.

Source: Pinterest (Home Hacks)

 

Shoes packing: Additional things

• Shoes need to be protected from moisture as it can ruin them. Make sure you properly wrap them in plastic before packing them in a box. 
• Some shoes do not do well in extreme weather conditions, so make sure you keep them stored at a suitable temperature. If there is excessive heat, keep your shoes in a properly air-conditioned vehicle only.
• Always store expensive and rare shoes separately. 
• Once you reach the new place, unpack the shoes first and inspect for any kind of damage.

 

FAQs

Is it necessary to wrap all the shoes individually?

Yes, if you don’t want your shoes to get damaged, dirty or get creases, you should pack them separately using either packaging paper or bubble wrap.

Can plastic wrap be used instead of bubble wrap?

Yes, you can use a plastic wrap, too, but it does not provide the same level of cushioning as a bubble wrap does. A bubble wrap also protects the shoes in case they accidentally fall.

Can I pack my shoes and my clothes in the same box?

You should probably pack clothes and shoes differently because shoes can damage clothes and make them dirty or add a bad smell to them.

How do I prevent my shoes from getting scuffed?

You can prevent your shoes from getting scuffed by packing each pair separately.

Can I use a shoe bag instead of wrapping paper?

Yes, you can definitely use a shoe bag instead of wrapping paper, but it may not provide the same level of protection and cushioning.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com