10 Ways to Store Boots in a Small Space

If you live in a place with a cold climate, you probably have a pair of boots lying around.

As much as winter provides an excuse to embrace our homebody tendency in all its glory, sometimes we need to go outside. And when the temperature is bone-chillingly cold, sneakers just don’t cut it. Only boots will do.

Boots can be pretty chunky and take up a lot of room, which is a problem if you live in a small space.

As someone who’s lived through four New York winters in various small spaces, I’ve learnt a thing or two about keeping bulky things (like boots) organized and accessible.

Here are some storage ideas you might want to consider.

Under the Bed

If you’ve not yet discovered the magic of under-bed storage, you’re in for a treat. It’s honestly amazing how much (and what) you can fit.

Consider the following tips to maximize your storage:

• Measure the space: Before purchasing an under-bed storage container, measure the height, width, and length of the space under your bed. You want to buy containers that are just the right size.
• Consider the container(s) size: Under-bed storage containers come in various sizes, materials, and styles. Consider how many boots you have, as well as the size. From there, you can determine how many containers you need and what size would work best for you.
• Protect your boots: To protect your boots from dust, moisture, and pests, consider using a container with a lid or cover. You can add silica gel packets to absorb moisture and prevent mold and mildew.
•  Maximize space: To maximize the space under your bed, consider using stackable containers or wheels you can easily pull out. After all, you want access to your boots when you need to go outside.

Here’s a great under bed container that works well for any space.

Related: Tips for storing comforters in a small space.

Behind Doorways

Don’t overlook the area behind doors when storing boots in a small space. This often underutilized space can be a great spot to store your boots and keep them organized.

One option is to install over-the-door shoe organizers, which you can find in various styles and sizes. Look for organizers with pockets that are large enough and sturdy enough (like the option below) to hold boots.

If door organizers aren’t your thing (or you can’t find one that fits your boots), you can also use hooks or pegs to hang your boots behind the door. Just make sure the hooks or pegs are strong enough to support the weight of your boots.

Wicker Baskets

Wicker baskets are another easy, practical, and aesthetically pleasing options for boot storage. You can get them from any home goods store, and they come in all sorts of colors, models, and sizes.

Here are some tips for using wicker baskets to store your boots:

• Choose baskets that are tall enough to accommodate your boots.
• Line the bottom of the baskets with a soft material, such as a towel or a piece of fabric, to protect your boots from scratches and scuffs.
• Use one basket for each pair of boots, or group similar styles and heights together in the same basket.

What also makes wicker baskets great is that you can use them to store other items like scarves, gloves, and hats. Not to mention their extremely versatile placements—whether you want to put them in the hallway, in your closets, on top of a bench, the choice is yours.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are another great option for storing boots because all you need is an empty wall space (well, and maybe a drill, screwdriver, and brackets).

To install floating shelves, you’ll need to find a suitable location on your wall and mark where you want to install those shelves before drilling.

What makes floating shelves so great is that you can customize them to fit your needs. For example, you can install shelves of different sizes, lengths, and heights depending on what type of boots you have.

Use a Coat Rack

Believe it or not, a coat rack can be an excellent option for storing your boots. You can use a freestanding coat rack or a wall-mounted one with hooks or pegs and hang your boots off them. This storage arrangement allows you to keep your boots organized and off the floor while still having easy access to them.

You can hang your boots by their loops or straps to prevent them from getting tangled up. You can also use boot clips to hang your boots upside down, which can help to maintain their shape and prevent them from developing creases.

Make sure to opt for a durable and robust coat rack, because the last thing you want is for it to tip over or break under the weight of your boots. Look out for one with high-quality materials (like steel or good-quality wood) and a strong, solid base if you opt for a freestanding one.

Storage Bench/Ottoman

Storage benches/ottomans are one of my favorite multi-purpose pieces of furniture for small spaces. They look unassuming because they blend in with the rest of your furniture (unless you opt for a statement piece because they also make great statement pieces).

These days, you can find storage benches/ottomans in basically every color/style/material imaginable (and also at a range of budgets). You can even find options with built-in shelves or cubbies specifically designed for shoes.

When storing your boots under the ottoman/storage bench, consider using boot shapers or stuffing them with newspaper to help them maintain their shape.

Wall-Mounted Boot Rack

Another popular option is a wall-mounted boot rack, which can hold multiple pairs of boots and keep them off the ground to remove tripping hazards. These racks often feature hooks or pegs that can be used to hang boots and other items like jackets, hats, and scarves.

Pay attention to the rack’s weight capacity, especially if you have heavy boots like work boots or hiking boots. You’ll want to ensure that it can support the weight of your boots.

Use Coat hangers

If you have limited space in your closet or room, hanging your boots using coat hangers can be an excellent option. Use this method for boots you might not reach for that often (like that over-the-knee suede one you picked up at TJ Maxx and realized how impractical they actually were…)

If you’re using a regular coat hanger, you can hang them by folding the boots in half and hanging them by the shaft. The best ones, though, are the pant-hangers because they have clips or hooks that allow you to secure your boots securely.

Collapsible/Foldable Shoe Rack

If, like me, you’re a messy shoe storer and don’t have the patience to re-organize them every day, you might want to look for a collapsible/foldable shoe rack. These racks are designed to be lightweight and compact, which makes them ideal for small spaces.

One of the biggest benefits of a collapsible shoe rack is its portability. If you need to move your shoe storage to a different location, fold up the rack and carry it with you. This can be especially useful if you’re living in a small apartment or dorm room and need to maximize your space.

They’re also generally super easy to assemble, so this is a great option if you’re like me and prefer to avoid drills and screwdrivers.

Look for shoe racks that are sturdy enough to hold all of your shoes without collapsing or tipping over (and of course, big enough for you to store your boots). Some models come with adjustable tiers, so you can customize the rack to fit your needs.

Decorative Suitcase

I say decorative, but you can use any suitcases for practical purposes. I just say decorative because the ones that look the most aesthetically pleasing are the vintage ones, which aren’t exactly the most functional.

Having said that, many slick and minimalist suitcases these days probably look just as good as vintage ones. You can leave them open and store your boots upright for easy access, or you can keep them closed and stack suitcases of different sizes and colors.

Step Ladders

Step ladders can also be an excellent option for storing your boots. These ladders come in various sizes and materials and are lightweight, easy to move, and take up minimal space.

To use a step ladder for boot storage, lean it against a wall or place it in a corner. You can then place your boots on the rungs. This method saves space and allows you to see and access your boots easily.

Like a suitcase, a mini ladder can serve as a decorative element in your space. You can choose a ladder that matches your decor or paint it to add a pop of color. And when summer comes around, and your boots are tucked away in your storage room or garage somewhere, you can repurpose them and place your plants, art, books, or decorative knick-knacks.