When I first started traveling more often, I used to have a really difficult time packing my suitcase. There are so many things I want to take with me that I simply didn’t have enough space. Shoes caused the most problems but fortunately, I discovered a bunch of tips & tricks that made packing shoes for long travels easy. Today I will show you how to pack your shoes in a way that not only maximizes your suitcase space, but also ensures the shoes don’t get damaged.
How to Pack Shoes for Traveling: Here are the most important things you need to know about packing shoes in a suitcase:
#1 Prepare the Shoes
Before you even start packing, preparing your shoes can make a big difference. For sneakers, using a crease protector can help maintain their shape and prevent them from getting squished. I like the Diagonal One crease protectors because they work great with the pair of Nike Airforce 1’s that I always carry with me.
Make sure to clean your shoes as well; nobody wants to pack muddy hiking boots next to a clean white shirt! Additionally, consider covering your shoes with a plastic bag to keep the rest of your clothes clean. This is particularly useful if you're packing shoes that are difficult to clean or have an odd shape, like boots.
Another great tip for boots is to fill them with small items like socks, underwear, or rolled-up belts. This not only helps in maintaining the shape of the boots but also utilizes the empty space within the shoes for extra storage. It’s an efficient way to pack that helps you bring along everything you need without adding extra bags.
#2 Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a traveler's best friend, especially when it comes to organizing shoes. These small, lightweight containers are perfect for keeping pairs of shoes together and can be easily stacked in your suitcase. They help in separating shoes from clothes and other delicate items, which keeps your suitcase neat and prevents any dirt or smells from shoes affecting your clean clothes.
Using packing cubes also makes unpacking easier. Instead of digging through your entire suitcase for a single pair of shoes, you can just grab the cube that contains them. For families traveling together, assigning a cube per person or per shoe type can be a game changer in keeping everyone’s belongings organized.
#3 Layering Them in Clothes
An effective technique to save more space and protect your shoes is wrapping them in your clothes. Start by laying your shoes along the edge of your suitcase, then wrap them with soft clothing items like t-shirts or pajamas. This method not only protects your shoes from scuffs and scratches but also uses the flexibility of soft clothes to fill in any gaps in the suitcase.
If you’re packing multiple pairs of shoes, you can layer them between layers of clothes. Place a layer of clothes, then a layer of shoes, and repeat. This helps distribute the weight evenly and uses the inherent structure of the shoes to provide additional protection for fragile items packed near them.
What NOT to Do When Packing Shoes
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your shoes and clothes arrive in the best condition:
Do not pack dirty shoes alongside clean clothes without protection such as a shoe bag or plastic bag. This can cause soil or odors to transfer.
Avoid overstuffing your shoes with hard or heavy items like electronic chargers or large belts. This can distort the shape of your shoes or leave unwanted marks.
Do not wait until the last minute to pack your shoes.Packing in a hurry often leads to disorganization and poor placement, potentially damaging your shoes or making your suitcase harder to close.
Avoid packing too many pairs of shoes.Consider the activities you’ll be doing and choose shoes that are versatile. Overpacking shoes can take up valuable space and increase luggage weight unnecessarily.
Do not place shoes loosely in the suitcase without securing them in some way. Loose shoes can move around during travel, which might scuff or damage them and other items in your suitcase.
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