(Newswire.net — December 4, 2018) — Few of us give thought to how to pack things correctly when moving. People seem to forget that they can damage their shoes if they squish them or if they leave them in a moldy environment. Packing shoes for moving requires you to be mindful of where you pack them, and more importantly, how you pack them. Here is what you need to know.
Decide What Shoes to Pack
It is important that you figure out which shoes you’ll take with you and which ones you’ll leave behind. Avoid bringing along torn, deformed, outdated, or small pairs of shoes as these will only add to the clutter at your new home.
Start by setting apart the shoes that are in good condition, and that you wear regularly. In the “discard” pile, put the shoes that are too small for your feet, those that are outdated, those meant for wearing on specific occasions that have already passed, and those that won’t be needed in the climate you are moving to. Try as much as possible to only carry footwear that is still functional and practical. This way, you will save money in moving costs as well as save on storage space at your new home.
Preparing Shoes for Packing
Make sure all the shoes you’ll be taking with you are in perfect condition. Check them for tears and damages that can be fixed with minor repairs and have them fixed before you pack them. Next, clean them thoroughly, making sure to get all the dust and dirt off them, and check their soles for embedded debris that should be removed as well.
Before sticking them into the packing box, make sure they are completely dry. Shoes are vulnerable to humid conditions, especially leather, and if packed while moist, they will develop mold. Pack them with some crumpled, absorbent sheets of paper or a desiccant material that will draw out the moisture.
Stuff the insides of your shoes with crumpled papers to help them retain their shape during the move. This will prevent them from being squished and losing their form when packed. Bubble wrap can be used to protect fragile bits (such as heels) from breaking off.
Lastly, use the right packing materials for your shoes to keep them protected. A plastic bin is recommended since they are sturdy, sealable, and good at keeping out moisture. If your boxes are heavy after packing them with shoes, be sure to lift them correctly so you avoid being at-risk of injury. You will also need lots of packing paper and a marker to label the boxes where you’ll pack the shoes for convenient unpacking. If you are unsure you have enough boxes for all of your shoes, you can remove drawers from your dresser, and use them to place your shoes. You can put the drawers back in the dresser once your shoes are packed.
Packing Shoes for Moving
In conclusion, you should remember to leave a pair of comfortable, but durable shoes, unpacked so that you have something nice and comfy to wear come moving day. When packing shoes for moving, try to pack footwear separately based on when you are going to need them in your new home. Be sure to use boxes or bins to pack your shoes; avoid using plastic bags as they get torn too easily and can trap moisture. Pack the heavy shoes first (boots, dress shoes, etc.) then pack the lighter ones on top, and don’t put too many shoes in one box.