Preparing for a move but haven’t packed your shoe collection yet? You may be tempted to throw your shoes into a bag or box at the last minute but shoes can be tricky to pack because they are bulky, delicate and come in different shapes. Packing them carelessly, even for a short move, can leave them scuffed, creased, squished or crushed. Heels can snap and straps can also break during the move.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, using the right packing method can help keep your shoes safe and in good condition. Once you know how to pack shoes properly, getting your footwear safely to your new home becomes much easier. Follow our step-by-step guide to pack your shoes the right way and make sure they arrive in good condition and ready to wear.

Before Packing

  • Get all the packing supplies you’ll need.
  • Decide which shoes you want to keep, donate and throw away.
  • Organize your shoes by type and season.
  • Clean your shoes properly and let them dry completely.

While Packing

  • Keep aside the shoes you’ll need on moving day.
  • Fill each shoe with tissue paper, packing paper or clean socks to help it keep its shape. You can also use shoe trees.
  • Keep each pair of shoes together.
  • Place heavier shoes at the bottom of the box.
  • Wrap each shoe separately and add extra padding around delicate pairs.
  • Fill any empty spaces with packing material to protect the shoes and stop them from moving around.
  • Make sure the boxes are not too heavy to carry safely.
  • Close the boxes securely and label them clearly.

While Unpacking

  • Unpack priority shoes first.
  • Set up basic organization systems before unpacking the rest of your shoes.

Step 1

Gather Your Packing Supplies

Before you begin packing, make sure you have everything you need to pack your shoes easily and keep them protected. Here are the essential packing supplies:

  • Original shoe boxes and/or several small to medium moving boxes
  • Permanent markers or labels
  • Cleaning supplies, such as brushes, microfiber cloths, mild soap and leather conditioner
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing paper
  • Optional: Acid-free tissue paper, clean socks, or shoe trees for stuffing
  • Optional: Silica gel packets or shoe deodorizers

Step 2

Sort Your Shoes

how to pack shoes to move

Shoes come in different sizes, shapes and weights because they are made for different purposes and occasions. Some shoes are large and heavy, while others are light and delicate. Packing all of them together can cause damage. For example, high heels can easily get damaged if they are packed next to heavy work boots. So, before packing, go through your shoe collection and sort your shoes by size, weight, type and season.

Place bulky and heavy shoes at the bottom of your moving boxes, and keep softer everyday shoes, such as sneakers, on top. Dress shoes, delicate pairs and high-value shoes should be packed separately and given extra care. If you find shoes you haven’t worn for a long time, consider donating them. Having fewer shoes to pack will also make the moving process easier. Finally, keep the pair you plan to wear on moving day separate so you can easily find it when you need it.

Step 3

Clean and Air Your Shoes

Packing dirty shoes with clean ones can make everything dirty and may also cause stains, bad smells or even mold. Shoes can trap moisture and their warm, dark inside makes it easy for bacteria to grow. When smelly shoes are packed inside moving boxes, the odor can become stronger and may even spread to other shoes.

Before packing, remove the shoelaces and insoles, then use a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and dirt. Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water and gently clean the shoes with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Dish soap can work for some shoes but make sure the cleaner is suitable for the shoe material. After cleaning, wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them well with a clean rag or paper towel.

Let each pair air out and dry completely for at least a day before packing to prevent moisture and odor problems. For shoes that still smell, you can wipe the insoles with rubbing alcohol or freeze the shoes overnight to help kill bacteria. You can also place tea bags, silica gel packets or shoe deodorizers inside to help keep them fresh during the move.

best way to pack shoes for moving

Step 4

Stuff Your Shoes to Maintain Their Shape

Stuffing your shoes before packing helps them keep their shape and prevents them from getting crushed, creased or flattened during the move. This is especially important for structured, leather, designer or expensive shoes. You can use acid-free tissue paper, packing paper, clean socks or soft rags to gently fill the toes and middle of each shoe. Avoid using newspaper because the ink may transfer onto the shoes.

If you have shoe trees, they can provide even better support, especially for your more expensive pairs. For tall boots, fill the shafts as well so they stay upright and don’t lose their shape during the move.

Step 5

Wrap & Pack Your Shoes Properly

The best way to pack shoes when moving depends on whether you still have their original boxes. If you do, wrap each shoe individually, place them in their designated box, fill any empty spaces with padding and carefully stack the shoe boxes inside a larger moving box, keeping the heaviest ones at the bottom. If you don’t have the original boxes, here’s how to properly pack your shoes for a move:

  • Choose the Right Size Box: Small-to-medium boxes work best, as large boxes can become too heavy and may cause shoes to shift or get damaged.
  • Line Your Boxes: Place a layer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of each box for extra cushioning.
  • Wrap Each Shoe Individually: Wrap each shoe with packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent scuffs, taking extra care with high heels and other delicate shoes.
  • Put Heavier Shoes on the Bottom: Keep pairs together and place heavier shoes, such as boots and sneakers, at the bottom of the box. Place lighter pairs, like flats or sandals, on top.
  • Position Shoes Heel-to-Toe or Sole-to-Sole: Arrange your shoes this way to make better use of the available space and keep the box balanced.
  • Keep Delicate or High-Value Shoes Separate: Pack high heels, dress shoes and other valuable shoes in a separate box to protect them from heavier footwear.
  • Fill Empty Space: Fill any gaps with socks, bubble wrap or packing paper to keep the shoes from shifting. Add a layer of padding between each pair for extra protection.
  • Seal & Label: Secure each box with packing tape, then clearly label it with the contents, season and any handling instructions.

Step 6

Unpack & Organize Your Shoes

Once you arrive at your new home, unpack your shoes as soon as you can. Take each pair out carefully, remove any packing paper, padding, or stuffing, and check for any damage before putting them away.

Organize your shoes by type or season so they’re easy to find and your new closet stays neat. If you have a large shoe collection, shoe racks, clear storage bins or under-bed storage can help you make better use of your available space.

If you need help getting everything packed, transported and settled into your new home, our experienced crew at STI Moving & Storage provides personalized services to keep your move organized and your belongings safe. From packing and transportation to setting up at your new location, you can feel confident that your items are in good hands. Call 847-675-1223 today or request a free online moving quote to get started.