--- title: How to Pack Shoes for a Move: Pairs, Boots, Heels url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-shoes/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to pack shoes # How to pack shoes for a move Shoes pack well one pair at a time, with the toes stuffed and the heaviest pairs at the bottom of the box. Three habits do most of the work: keep each pair together, fill the space inside every shoe, and fill the box to the lid. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Shoes look easy to pack, which is why so many end up crushed at the bottom of a garbage bag. A shoe keeps its shape only when something supports it, and a pair stays a pair only when the two travel together. This guide covers everyday shoes, boots, heels and the pair you wear on moving day. ## Start with a pair, a wrap and a box Keep each pair together from the first minute. Loose shoes are the ones that go missing between the closet and the new house, and a single shoe is hard to match once it sits in a mixed box. Wrap each pair in two or three sheets of clean packing paper, or slip the pair into a plain bag and fold the top over. Newsprint can leave ink on light leather and canvas, so use blank paper for anything pale. ## Stuff the toes so they hold their shape Crumple a sheet of packing paper into each shoe, pushing it into the toe first. Boots with tall shafts take a rolled sheet or a rolled magazine inside the leg so the shaft does not fold in half. Heels deserve extra attention. Wrap the heel with its own sheet, then wrap the pair, so a thin heel cannot poke through the paper and into its neighbor. ## Build the box from heavy to light Pick a small or medium box. Shoes weigh more than they look once a few boots are inside, and a large box of footwear becomes a hard lift on a staircase. - Line the bottom of the box with one flat layer of crumpled paper. - Place the heaviest pairs first, boots and work shoes, side by side. - Add a second layer of lighter pairs, such as sandals and canvas shoes, on top. - Fill every gap with paper until nothing shifts when you tilt the box. - Close the box, tape the seam, and label it with the room and the word shoes. ## Shoes that need a little more care Leather dress shoes keep their shape best with a shoe tree or stuffed paper, and a flannel bag over each pair stops scuffs. Athletic shoes are forgiving; they can fill the open space around more delicate pairs. Ski boots, snowboard boots and hiking boots belong with the gear for those sports. Pack the liners inside the shell, buckle the boots closed, and let wet liners dry before they go in a box. ## Where shoe boxes fit in a bigger move Original shoe boxes are tidy but hard to stack, because their lids crush. If you want to keep a few, stand them on their sides in a larger carton and fill the extra space with paper. Packing the closet around the shoes goes faster when you work in order; see [how to pack a closet](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-closet/) and [how to pack clothes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-clothes/). If you would rather hand the whole job over, [packing services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) from O'Brien's cover full packing, partial packing and box packing only. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to pack a closet](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-closet/) - [How to pack clothes for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-clothes/) - [Professional packing services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to pack clothes for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-clothes/) - [How to pack books](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-books/) - [How to pack artwork](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-artwork/) - [How to pack jewelry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-jewelry/) - [How to pack pots and pans](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-pots-and-pans/) - [How to pack and move a mattress](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-mattress/) - [How to pack a kitchen](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-kitchen/) - [How to pack a garage and tools](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-garage/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Should I use the original shoe boxes? They are fine for a few special pairs. Stand them in a larger moving box with paper around them, because thin lids do not hold weight when stacked. ### Can I leave shoes in a bin? A bin works if it is full and the lid closes tight. Anything that can slide or tip gets paper packed around it first. ### What goes on the box label? Write the room it belongs to and the word shoes, on two sides of the box, so it lands in the right closet whichever way it is stacked. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) F Francie H. February 20, 2026 We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future. ### Owner's reply Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity! M Mark S. January 22, 2026 Great company and local. They take great care of your moving needs. They are very accommodating and quick to respond. Highly recommend them for your moving needs and storage needs. Thanks to the O'Brien team for doing a fantastic job. D Debbie G. October 17, 2025 Both movers were courteous, efficient and very carful with my furniture. Also, talking with Janet over the phone was a pleasure. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070