When we move, we often think about how to pack all our belongings quickly. However, we often forget to pay attention to the condition of our belongings during the moving process. We carefully pack valuables such as furniture and appliances, but with shoes we often do things hastily and carelessly. If you pack your boots or leather shoes without proper care, they can get badly wrinkled or damaged. So that you don’t have to run out to get new boots after moving, it’s important to know how to pack and pack your shoes properly. Proper packing can save you time and money and make it easier to settle into your new home. Here’s a simple guide to packing your shoes for your upcoming move.
Step 1: Revision and sorting of shoes
First, it's a good idea to do an audit of your shoes. You may find that some pairs are no longer needed and can be thrown away, given to charity or sold. Critically evaluate all found things: outdated shoes, worn sneakers, children's shoes, from which the children have already grown up. Put these in a separate box and find another use for the shoes or send them to be thrown away.
Step 2: Preparing the shoes for transportation
After sorting, you need to properly prepare the shoes for transportation. First of all, clean the shoes from dirt and rinse the soles. If you used water for cleaning, make sure the shoes are completely dry before you pack them - check for mold. Once dry, treat the shoes with a special spray or cream depending on the material: suede and nubuck should be treated with a water repellent, while leather shoes should be treated with a special cream or wax. If you have mold holders, use them to protect your shoes from deformation. If not, stuff the shoes with cloth, paper or old newspapers. For tall boots, use heavy cardboard to help keep the shank shape and prevent creases.
Step 3: Gather packing materials
Before packing your shoes, prepare the necessary materials:
- Boxes: It is best to pack the shoes in the original boxes in which they were sold. They are the perfect size and often contain protective inserts and moisture absorbers.
- Other boxes: If you have suitable boxes, make sure they are clean and odor-free to avoid absorbing unpleasant odors into the shoes.
- Packing paper and bubble wrap: These materials will help protect your shoes from damage. Fill the inside of the shoes with paper to avoid warping and lay the paper between pairs.
- Packing tape: Be sure to seal boxes airtight.
- Labels and markers: Clearly label shoe boxes to make them easy to find when unpacking.
Organizing shoe packaging
- Box labels: Write down what's in each box so you can find pairs quickly. For example, specify “white leather sandals” or “black spring boots.” If there are many shoes, assign a number to each pair and write it down.
- Packing in large boxes: Small boxes can be put into one large box. This will make it easier to carry and easier to unpack.
- Do not place heavy items on top of shoe boxes: It is better to place shoe boxes closer to the top when loading them into the car. Label the box as “fragile” so the movers know it should be loaded last.
Properly packing your shoes will protect them from damage and protect you from waste and frustration.