Smart Organization Tricks To Keep Summer Sandals Neat & Tidy

As the days start getting hotter in the summertime each year, you're probably ready to trade in your warmer boots for breathable summer sandals. Imagine pairing your summer-esque outfits with your enviable collection of platforms, slip-ons, espadrilles, mules, flip flops, and sporty sandals to make a fashion statement and enjoy the increased daylight hours. There's just one teeny-tiny problem: your cute summer sandal collection can soon resemble a hoarder's den if left unattended. 

Fortunately, there are multiple simple ways to arrange your summer sandals in an orderly manner. You've probably heard people recommend investing in a shoe rack (or cabinet or shelf), placing it near the front door, and neatly arranging your entire range of summer footwear. You may have also discovered some easy shoe storage hacks that will organize your closet in a pinch. However, while these can be great solutions, we recommend some even simpler storage tricks: just stack them in a large bin or in a multi-compartment shoe organizer.

Although basic ideas, a simple bin or organizer will help you keep track of all your pairs and easily find the sandals you're looking for so you don't commit a fashion faux-pas. You also won't accidentally wear two different pairs of sandals while running out the door. The key to keeping your pairs organized is to replace the sandals in their original spot, or you'll have an incredibly visible mess on your hands. Find out more about the type of bin or organizer you should use.

Before we get into the tips for organizing all of your shoes, it's important you assemble all your summer sandals (yes, including your partner's and kids') and go through them with a critical eye. Be thorough and chuck out anything that doesn't fit anymore or is past its prime, no matter how cute. As for the ones you bought out of necessity or because they were on sale (it happens) and you don't like anymore, donate or sell them. Once you're left with only your must-keep pairs, it's time to organize your summer sandals.

TikTok creator @keepitsimplesparkles suggests storing all your sandals in a large bin. No, don't chuck the pairs in the container willy-nilly or you'll be in a worse state than when you started. The trick is to interlock the matching pairs and stash them vertically to retrieve them as needed and put them back easily. When you're dealing with a large number of summer shoes, sort boxes based on color, occasion, or footwear type. Otherwise, label and keep a bin reserved for each individual and only store their footwear inside. On the flip side, this can get messy with too many bins in the mix. Alternatively, invest in a dedicated shoe organizer with collapsible compartments to maintain a visible barrier between your footwear. We like LUVHOMEE's clear foldable shoe storage bin that fits 16 pairs. It's sturdy, waterproof, and available on Amazon for about $40.

After your sandals are sorted in the bin(s), stash them under the bed, inside your closet, in the dead space above your wardrobe or cabinets (if you'll be using them occasionally), or near the entryway. The point is to store them in a spot where retrieval would be easy and you'd be motivated to put them back where you found them. In case the bins don't sound like a good idea, replace them with a tufted ottoman with hidden storage and tuck away your summer sandals in plain sight.

Another clever closet hack you didn't know you needed is to invest in over-the-door hanging shoe organizers. Using these, you can fit both sandals in a single pocket, making the most of the limited storage. Simple Houseware's 24-pocket clear shoe organizer costs about $14 on Amazon. A wall-mounted shoe rack organizer is another way to maximize available vertical space and tidily store your footwear. Lavezee's wall-mounted shoe rack organizer can hold eight pairs of sandals and costs under $23 on Amazon. But if you'd rather not spend money on dedicated organizers, substitute them with a horizontal plate rack. Your old and drab file or magazine holders can come in handy, too. Just stash a few flat pairs (think flip flops and ballet flats) vertically before hiding your makeshift storage unit in a cabinet. Finally, clip a few lightweight sandals onto both ends of a hanger and hang them.