There are two kinds of people in this world — those who own two pairs of sensible shoes that they can pair with anything they wear, and those who pride themselves on having exclusive work shoes, dress shoes, running shoes, walking shoes, first date shoes, break up shoes and so on, and who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing their shopping shoes to a wedding! But whether you’re as minimalist as they come, or a regular Sarah Jessica Parker, you’d agree that packing shoes for a move can be a tricky task.
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Shoes, especially boots, are oddly shaped items that don’t fold easily, and under excess weight, may lose their shape. But a bit of patience and ingenuity will get the job done faster than you can say, “Hush Puppies”. These expert packing hacks will help you pull your socks up, allowing you to breathe easily.
Give Yourself Plenty Of Time
Some start packing weeks before a move and are all but ready to load their arranged-by-size, color-coordinated bags in the truck when it arrives, while some others wake up on moving day and realize they still have a load of laundry to do! If you belong to the second category, get ready to devote some time to sorting out your boot collection to avoid last-minute panic. Gather moving boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap, socks, sponge, and tape. Preparation is key to a successful and problem-free packing experience.
Get Rid Of The Ones You Don’t Wear
As painful as it might seem at first, a mini closet purge is always necessary before a big move. Line up all the boots you may own and pick out those that are worn out or that you know you wouldn’t get much use of. Depending on the condition they are in, donate them to a local charity or simply trash them! This might seem ruthless and even wasteful, but ask yourself if the bulky, unwieldy, bright green pair you bought on a whim one Friday afternoon are ever going to see the light of day again. Is it really worth it to lug them around? Take a deep breath, and go Marie Kondo on them. You’ll thank yourself later.
Clean And Dry The Boots Thoroughly
Remove any dust or dirt from your boots to ensure you don’t bring it into your new home. Check the soles for small pebbles that may have lodged themselves into the treads. Before you start packing them, it is important that they are completely dry. Any dampness could lead to mold growing inside them. Use a hair-dryer or sweat-absorbing powder to absorb the moisture. Another clever tip is to place unopened tea bags at the base of the boots to remove bad odors from them.
Stuff Them With Socks Or Soft Wrapping Paper
Once you have thoroughly cleaned and dried the boots, stuff soft socks or wrapping paper inside them. This will help them hold their shape and absorb any remaining moisture. This hack also gets your socks packed and saves space. You could go one step further and stuff them with thin scarves or blouses, as long as you ensure the stuffing doesn’t deform them. Avoid using old newspapers or colored packing paper because the ink could run and stain the shoes. Use plain white packing paper to avoid smudging on the inside of the shoes.
Pack Them Up In Moving Boxes
Wrap each individual boot in soft packing paper or bubble wrap to avoid them from rubbing against each other inside the box. Place the boots wrapped in paper inside the box and fill any empty spaces with a sponge or crumpled paper to avoid any shifts during transit. It is best to use the original box the boots came in as it would be an appropriate size. If you did not keep the original box, use a box made of thick, high-quality cardboard that the boots would fit comfortably in. Seal the box carefully with tape. If you are packing more than one pair in the same box, place the heaviest pair at the bottom. Another general moving tip is to place heavier boxes on the floor of the vehicle and lighter, more delicate boxes on top of them.
Packing can be overwhelming and nerve-racking, but with a bit of planning and foresight, it can be a total breeze. There’s no need to panic or call a professional in your frustration. Follow our step-by-step guide for an efficient and hassle-free experience.
FAQs: How to Pack Boots for Moving
How far in advance should I start packing my boots for a move?
It’s advisable to start packing your boots well in advance of your moving date to avoid last-minute stress. Giving yourself ample time allows for proper cleaning, drying, and packing without rushing.
What items do I need to pack my boots effectively?
You’ll need moving boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap, socks or soft wrapping paper, a sponge, and tape. These items are essential for organizing and protecting your boots during transit.
Should I get rid of boots I don't wear before moving?
Yes, decluttering your boot collection before a move is recommended. Assess your boots and discard any worn-out pairs or those you don’t anticipate wearing in the future. Donating or disposing of unnecessary boots reduces the amount of items to pack and transport.
How do I ensure my boots are clean and dry before packing?
Thoroughly clean your boots to remove dust and dirt, and check for any lodged pebbles in the soles. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent mold growth during transit. You can use a hairdryer or sweat-absorbing powder to expedite the drying process.
What's the best way to pack boots to maintain their shape?
Stuff your boots with soft socks or wrapping paper to help them retain their shape and absorb moisture. Avoid using old newspapers or colored packing paper to prevent ink stains. Wrapping each boot individually and filling empty spaces in the box with a sponge or crumpled paper prevents shifting during transit.
Any additional tips for packing boots during a move?
Prioritize packing heavier boxes containing boots at the bottom of the moving vehicle to prevent crushing lighter boxes. Label boxes containing boots for easy identification during unpacking. Following these tips ensures a smooth and stress-free moving experience for your footwear.
