How To Get Rid Of Shoes By Donating Them
You’ve finally tackled that long-awaited decluttering project and purged your closet of clothes you no longer wear. But what about all those shoes taking up space? If you’re like most people, you probably have a mix of shoes in good condition that you no longer want and ones that are well past their prime. So, what should you do with them?
Ways To Get Rid Of Shoes
If you have a lot of worn-out shoes, it’s time to get rid of them! Here are several ways that you can get rid of your old shoes:
Sell Them Online
There are many websites and apps where you can sell your shoes. For example, you can list them on eBay, Poshmark, or Vestiaire Collective. You can also sell your Nike shoes through consignment stores or private sellers.
Recycle Them
Recycling shoes is another option by the shoe recycling programs in your area. If you have old pairs, too worn down to be sold or donated, you can recycle them. You can either take them to a local recycling center or send them off to be recycled by a company, like Nike’s shoe recycling program.
Throw Them Away
If your athletic sneakers are beyond repair, you can simply throw them away. However, we recommend recycling your old pair if possible.
As you can see, there are many ways to get rid of old shoes. Choose the method that best suits your needs and start decluttering your closet today!
Donate Them
Our top suggestion is donating your shoes. It works for every shoe type and there are so many people that can’t afford shoes. Even running shoes can be donated. If you don’t want to sell your running shoes, you can donate them to a charity after repairing them at a local shoe repair shop. This is a great way to declutter your closet and help those in need. Donating shoes, especially children’s shoes, is really a nice thing to do. Too few of us do that.
What To Think About When Donating Shoes
Here are a few things to think about when deciding whether to donate your shoes.
Who will benefit?
When you donate clothes or shoes, it’s important to consider who will benefit from your donation. For example, if you have a lot of professional clothing, donating to an organization that provides free or low-cost business attire to job seekers would be a great option. On the other hand, if you have a lot of casual shoes in good condition, donating to a local shelter would be appreciated.
Clean Your Shoes Before Donating Them
If you’re donating shoes, make sure to clean them first. This will help the recipient get more use out of them. You should also donate shoes that are in good condition and not too worn out.
Another thing to consider is whether the intended recipient is likely to actually use the item you’re donated. For example, while baby clothes are always in demand at shelters and donation centers, donating adult shoes may not be as useful since most shelters only have limited storage space and adult shoes are often in short supply.
Quality matters
It’s also important to consider the quality of the items you’re donating. While it’s tempting to donate anything and everything in an effort to declutter your home, only donate items that are in good condition. Clothes that are ripped, stained, or otherwise damaged are unlikely to be worn by anyone and will likely just end up taking up space at a crowded donation center. The same goes for shoes—if they’re worn out or damaged, it’s best to toss them rather than donate them.
Donating Shoes to the Homeless
The winter season is upon us and for many of us, that means breaking out the heavy coats, scarves, and gloves. But for those who are less fortunate, winter can be a time of struggle. shelters are often overflowing and there are not enough resources to go around. One small way you can help is by donating shoes to the homeless. Here’s why donating shoes to the homeless is so important this time of year.
1. Donating shoes helps keep feet warm and dry.
One of the biggest dangers of being homeless during winter is exposure to the cold weather. When temperatures drop, it’s imperative to have a good pair of shoes that can keep your feet warm and dry. Unfortunately, many people who are homeless don’t have this luxury and as a result, their feet are often exposed to snow, rain, and ice. By donating shoes, you can help protect someone from cold-related illnesses like frostbite or hypothermia.
2. Donating shoes gives people a sense of dignity.
When you’re living on the streets, it’s easy to feel invisible and like your worth doesn’t matter. Something as simple as a new pair of shoes can help restore a sense of dignity and self-worth. Shoes are often one of the first things people notice about someone else, so having a nice pair of shoes can also help break down barriers and make it easier to connect with others.
3. Donating shoes helps people find employment.
A big part of getting out of homelessness is finding employment. But in order to get a job, you need to have presentable clothes – including shoes. Many employers won’t even consider an applicant if they’re not well-dressed, so having a nice pair of shoes can be the difference between getting hired or being passed over. By donating shoes, you’re giving someone the opportunity to get their foot in the door – literally!
This winter, consider donating shoes to the homeless in your community. It’s a small act that can make a big difference in someone’s life. Shoes are essential for keeping feet warm and dry, they give people a sense of dignity, and they can help people find employment. So before you throw out that old pair of shoes collecting dust in your closet, think about how they could improve someone’s life this winter season.
How To Organize Shoes
Once you have gotten rid of your old shoes, it’s time to organize the shoes you have left. Here are some tips on how to organize your shoes:
Sort Them By Type
The first step is to sort your shoes by type. For example, you can put all of your sneakers in one place and all of your dress shoes in another. This will make it easier to find the right pair of shoes when you need them.
Store Them By Color
Another way to organize your shoes is by color. This can be especially helpful if you have lots of shoes in multiple colors. For example, you can store all of your black shoes together and all of your pink shoes together.
Store Them By Season
If you have seasonal shoes, it’s a good idea to store them by season. For example, you can store your summer shoes in one place and your winter shoes in another. This will make it easier to find the right pair of shoes when the weather changes.
Store Them Properly
As we mentioned before, it’s important to store your shoes in a cool, dry place. This will help them last longer. You can also use storage bags or boxes to keep them organized and dust-free.
Storage Options For Shoes
Now that you know how to get rid of and organize your shoes, let’s discuss some storage options.
Use Shoe Racks
If you have a lot of shoes, we recommend using shoe racks. This will help you maximize your storage space and keep your shoes organized. You can find shoe racks at most home goods stores.
Store Your Shoes In Storage Bags Or Boxes
Another option is to store your shoes in storage bags or boxes. This will protect them from dust and moisture.
Use A Hanging Shoe Organizer
If you have a small closet, you can try hanging a shoe organizer on the back of your door. This will help you save space and keep your shoes organized.
How To Properly Take Care Of Your Shoes
It’s of great importance to take of your shoes. It’s better for the environment and for your wallet. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Clean Them Regularly
It’s important to clean your shoes on a regular basis. This will help them last longer and stay looking new. You can use a shoe brush or cloth to wipe away dirt and debris.
Use The Right Products
When cleaning your shoes, be sure to use the right products. For example, you should use a leather cleaner for leather shoes. You can find shoe care products at most stores that sell shoes.
Store Them Properly
As we mentioned before, it’s important to store your shoes in a cool, dry place. This will help them last longer. You can also use storage bags or boxes to keep them organized and dust-free.
Use A Shoehorn
When putting on shoes, be sure to use a shoehorn. This will help them keep their shape and prevent creases.
Rotate Your Shoes
If you have multiple pairs of shoes, rotate them often. This will help them last longer and stay in better condition.
By following these tips, you can keep your shoes looking new for longer. And, when it’s time to get rid of them, you’ll know how to do it properly.
Final Thoughts About Donating Shoes
A couple of options have been described on how to get rid of shoes. We strongly suggest you donate shoes that are in good condition.
Donating clothes and shoes is a great way to declutter your home and help those in need—but it’s important to donor wisely. Consider who will benefit from your donation and make sure the items you donate are high-quality and likely to be used. With a little thoughtfulness, your donations can make a big difference in the lives of others.
Patricia Merken
Interior design blogger
Neat freak and shoe lover. American expat in Switzerland.
Blogger and mom. Blogs mainly at Footweardrobe.
Frequently Asked Questions: How To Get Rid Of Shoes By Donating Them
There are many places you can donate old shoes. Some local organizations will take them, or you could try a national charity. Contact your local shelter. Many homeless people need shoes.
One option for donating old running shoes is at a local charity or thrift store. You could also check with running stores in your area to see if they have a donation program. Some stores may also accept shoes through postal mail. Make sure to clean your running shoes before donating them. Sometimes you also need to repair them.
There are multiple ways to dispose of old shoes, depending on their condition. If the shoes are still wearable, you can donate them to a local charity or sell them online. If they’re in bad condition, you can recycle them or throw them away.