Traveling can be a great experience, but it can also be quite stressful. Many people refer to a beginner-friendly travel guide to start their journey on the right foot. However, one of the most significant sources of stress is packing – especially when it comes to shoes. Shoes take up valuable suitcase space and are often oddly shaped, making them difficult to fit in your bag without taking up too much room or getting damaged.
Luckily, some easy ways to pack shoes for travel will ensure enough room in your luggage for all your other belongings and protect your shoes from damage simultaneously! This article will share helpful tips on packing shoes to maximize storage space and keep your footwear safe during transit.
Choosing What Footwear to Bring
Before you start packing, you must consider which shoes you should bring. How many shoes do you need to bring? Limit yourself to just a few pairs of shoes to save space in your suitcase. Consider the purpose and destination of your trip to determine which pairs are necessary. You might need to bring a few extra pairs depending on how long you’re traveling.
For example, if you visit popular tropical destinations, you may want to bring a casual pair of sandals, flip-flops, and lightweight sneakers. Flat shoes and ballet flats are great for sightseeing, while dressy shoes and heels should be left behind if you don’t need them. This way, you won’t have to bring too many pairs or wear the same shoes on consecutive days.
Shoe Prep Before Packing
Before packing your shoes, ensure they are clean and in good condition. Dirty shoes can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so cleaning them thoroughly before packing is essential. Check the soles of your shoes for excess dirt and debris, and remove any caked-on mud.
If you use leather or suede dress shoes, buff them with a shoe brush. This will help maintain the appearance of your shoes and keep them in good condition throughout your trip. You should also ensure they are dry before packing them in your suitcase.
Wrapping Shoes For Travel
Because shoes are usually bulky and oddly shaped, wrapping them properly is essential to prevent them from being scratched or damaged during transit. There are various ways to wrap shoes for travel, including the following:
1. Use plastic bags
If you’re traveling with delicate shoes, put them in a plastic bag. This will help to protect them against dirt, moisture, and other environmental elements. And you’ll be reusing the bags, so you’ll be helping the environment, too! Of course, you can also use a grocery bag to pack boots or a duffel bag for athletic shoes.
2. Use a shoe bag
The traditional way to pack shoes for a trip is to put them in a travel shoe bag. Shoe bags will help prevent your footwear from scratching anything else in your luggage and keep them organized. They also help absorb moisture and keep the shoes inside clean. You may even reuse a shower cap or dry-cleaning bag to cover your shoes.
3. Use bubble wrap
You can use bubble wrap to protect shoes with hard surfaces or soles from getting scratched. Wrap your shoes individually in the material and place them in your suitcase. This also works for heavy-duty leather shoes or pointy stiletto heels.
4. Stuff them with paper
If you can’t access wrapping materials, stuff your shoes with newspaper or packing paper. Not only will this help keep the shape of your shoes, but it will also absorb moisture and odors. But you can also stuff them with other things like socks to save more space.
Organizing Shoes In Your Luggage
Once you have determined which shoes to bring, it’s time to get packing. How you organize your shoes in your luggage will depend on the size and shape of your suitcase. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Big to small
Start by putting the biggest and bulkiest shoes in first, as these can be used to support other items in your luggage. Place other things around the bulky shoes, like soft clothing or rolled-up socks. Then add smaller items like dress sneakers,
2. Keep them together
When packing shoes in a suitcase, it’s best to keep pairs together. This will help you save space and easily access them when needed. You can also bundle all your shoes together in a shoe bag to make unpacking and finding them easier.
3. Use corners
If you are packing a larger suitcase, use the corners to store smaller items. For example, when you pack flip-flops, place them in the corners of your bag and use them to prop up other things like folded clothes or toiletries. But you can also store smaller items in your suitcase’s mesh or side pockets.
Bottom Line
With these tips, you can pack shoes for travel easily! These simple steps will help you save space in your suitcase and keep your shoes organized while traveling. So, no matter where you go, you’ll have the perfect pair of shoes for every occasion! Always double-check that you have all your shoes before leaving the house, and enjoy your journey!