You don’t need a Sex and the City-level shoe closet to feel overwhelmed by your footwear situation. As a former NYC resident with a cozy studio apartment, figuring out where to store my kicks, how to organize them, and which pairs to Marie Kondo sent me spiraling more times than I care to admit. But after years of obsessively saving TikTok tutorials and Instagram posts, I’ve fiiiinally cracked the small-space-big-shoe-collection code, and I’m determined to help you (yes, you) do the same.
Step one? Starting with a positive—and realistic—mindset. No, we're probably not turning your storage sitch into a Kardashian-esque walk-in closet (sorry). But what I can do is give you some major visual inspo from organizing pros, plus shoppable products to get you set up for success. Spoiler: It might be as simple as investing in a shoe cabinet that's teeny-apartment friendly, or an over-the-door closet organizer that takes up zero floor space.
So, whether you’re trying to wrangle a hoard of heels or just want your stash of sensible sneaks neatly tucked away, here are 10 ways to store your shoes in a small space without hiring an interior designer or a full-time organizer. (Though, trust me, visitors might think you did.)
Make use of the space on the back of your closet door.
No matter how short you are on space, I'd bet some serious cash that you’ve got room for an over-the-door shoe organizer or two. All you need is the front or back of any ol' door! The pockets make it easy to see and grab all your shoes, and they typically only cost around $30, which is great if your bank account is looking small these days, too.
Invest in a shoe cabinet.
The beauty of a shoe cabinet is that it can hide (and organize!) your shoes and look chic while doing it. They come in tons of aesthetically pleasing styles that barely take up any space. I've got the one below from Ikea, and I recommend it to anyone who'll listen. It's basically an optical illusion—it sits flush against the wall and only sticks out about 11 inches, blending in like any other piece of furniture (without looking bulky or awkward). But, it easily stashes ten pairs of shoes, though you can squeeze in even more if you stack in slimmer styles like sandals.
...or a shoe-storage bench.
You might not have enough vertical space for a cabinet, but maybe you’ve got room for a storage bench? The one above fits perfectly in a hallway, under a window, or anywhere you’ve got about four feet to spare. If that sounds like a go, I recommend getting one with three tiers (like the good-looker below), which will give you room for at least 15 pairs of shoes. Plus, since it’s a bench, you get a cozy lil seat to plop down on while you slip them on.
Give versatile shelving a go.
Unlike furniture designed specifically for shoes, a multifunctional rack gives you way more flexibility, should you choose to switch things up in the future. Use it to show off your small but mighty collection or keep your most worn pairs within arm’s reach (and stash the extras elsewhere!). You can put in your closet if you've got the space, but it's worth showing off, if you ask me.
Use stackable shoe containers.
Stacking plastic shoe containers vertically is a seriously smart way to (a) keep your shoes protected from all the elements, and (b) maximize space. They’re ideal for the neat freaks among us (I say that lovingly, okay?) who crave that super-organized, Pinterest-perfect aesthetic. And when your shoe collection inevitably grows? Just add more containers and grow upwards. No more playing hide-and-seek with your shoes, either, since these babies are transparent.
Give 'em a whole cabinet.
I know what you're thinking: "I don’t have a lot of space, remember!?" Trust me, I didn’t forget—this is just a bit of inspo for those who've been blessed with a little more room to spare and have a knack for DIYing. While the shoe and accessory storage setup above looks fancy, you can make it yourself by placing a few bookshelves side by side. And while I have nothing against books (I <3 reading), this is so brilliant I might suggest you find another home for yours.
Streamline your seasonal essentials.
Unless you’re lucky and live in a place with a consistent climate year-round, your shoe collection probably looks like mine: lighter and breezier kicks for spring-summer, heavier and cozier options for fall-winter, and a few go-to sneakers that work no matter the month. If that's the case, consider separating your shoes (and 'fits!) by season, and organizing them on a clothing rack with a bottom shelf. Bonus: it’s also a super smart way to plan your outfits a week or so in advance (no more morning meltdowns)!
Stash them under your bed.
If you're tight on visible square footage, why not take advantage of some space you can't see, like under your bed? The below option from Amazon is a favorite of mine because the price 👏 is 👏 right 👏 and the colors are chic. But there are plenty of other versions on the market if you do a little searchin'—some with wheels for easy access (no dragging required), and others with adjustable dividers to fit shoes of all different sizes.
When in doubt, mount.
If you're looking around your apartment and stressing out about the lack of floor space, it’s time to turn your attention to the walls and build some floating shelves. You can test your own skills (you've got this!!!), treat a handy friend to lunch for helping out, or call in a TaskRabbit pro. Install as few as one or two, or go ham and add six or seven, like in the inspo pic. Another option? Mounting a floating shoe rack (peep the Elfa, below!).
Just straight up hide them.
No, no, I'm not going to suggest you store your shoes in your oven (no matter how much you love Uber Eats). But I do have the next best solution. If you're out of wall space, consider stashing your shoes in a chic basket—open if you don’t mind visitors seeing them, closed if you do—or a storage ottoman. Both double as home decor, so it’s still a win for your cozy little space.
