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As any fashionista knows, accessories are everything. But if you have so many belts, shoes and hats at home they’re starting to take over – or worse, get squashed – it’s time to get organised.
From clever tips for tidying at home to a break-out storage unit, here’s how to store your precious accessories perfectly to avoid fashion disasters.
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Belt Storage Hacks
There are lots of clever belt tidies out there, including hangers with special hooks, clear plastic organisers that keep rolled-up belts organised in drawers, pull-out hangers that affix to the inside of the wardrobe door and even cylindrical display cases so you can always find the belt you’re looking for.
If you opt for self storage, it’s important to pack the belts up properly. This will keep them in perfect condition until you need them.
Breathable fabric storage bags in lidded boxes are the best choice for storing most materials. Although belts made of canvas, cotton and twill will be happy in plastic boxes.
Roll your belts loosely to avoid cracking and distortion. Indeed, take extra care packing up nubuck and suede, which can easily mark. And finally, beware buckles. They can scratch, so either wrap them or use them to hang the belt.
Watch out for patent finishes too as they can stick to other plastics over time. Wrap them in cotton or acid-free tissue paper.
Leather is tough. However, bonded leathers may degrade if they’re not somewhere dry with a stable temperature.
If elastic or delicate beading is involved, store flat if you can. And store loosely rolled if not.
Organise by season, colour or material, whatever suits you best. And make sure everything is labelled and easy to find exactly when the right outfit calls for it.
Shoe Storage Ideas
Shoes can easily start spilling out of cupboards and from under beds when you have too many favourite pairs. There are many ingenious ways to deal with the problem.
Over-door shoe storage is cheap and requires no complicated installation, while compartmentalised shoe storage boxes are a good option if you have closet or attic space to stash them in.
Wall-mounted shoe hangers are also brilliant for stashing shoes in cupboards.
Shoe racks near the front door are the obvious choice for the shoes you need regularly. If you’re keen to keep things tidy but find the shoe rack is never big enough, invest in an expanding rack that can be squeezed back down after every decluttering session.
Under-bed boxes are another way to keep the clutter out of sight, while those who enjoy gazing at their favourite pairs may prefer clear stacking boxes.
While shoe racks in cupboards, under-bed solutions and dedicating the spare room to a collection are all useful options, a secure storage unit is a guaranteed way to free up space.
When preparing your shoe collection for self storage, clear shoe boxes will protect your shoes and ensure you’ll be able to locate the perfect pair in a hurry.
Stuffing shoes with acid-free tissue paper or socks (genius) helps them keep their shape without getting slumped or squashed.
If you have limited space at home, seasonal rotation is the order of the day. Stand ready for winter slush, a dressy Christmas party, manicure-maxxing summer mules and even the inevitable return of the gladiator sandal.
Before storing, add a moisture-absorbing sachet to each box. And be careful not to stack heavy items on top of delicate shoes.
Hat Storage Ideas
Hats do two things very well. They make a bold fashion statement. And they take up way too much room at home.
Beautiful hats hung on wall-mounted racks and hooks look terrific. And baseball caps can be stacked in drawers or stowed in hanging wardrobe storage. Wide-brimmed hats are happiest stored upside down on shelves to maintain their shape.
Storing hats in a unit? Here’s how it’s done:
Store hats in strong, stackable storage boxes. Preferably clear for easy hat-hunting. And never overfilled, which may well result in a squashed brim or dented crown. If you’re using a hat box, don’t forget to add a clear label. A photo on the outside will help speed up the search next time you need to complete an outfit.
Stuff hats with tissue paper and ensure they’re not crushed.
Keep it seasonal. Straw boaters and celebratory fascinators with wide-brimmed sun hats, felt fedoras and flat caps with cosy wool baker boys. If you can section your entire accessories storage into seasonal gear, even better!
A Little Unit Goes a Long Way
With belts, shoes and hats cleverly packed, a small self storage unit can free up precious space at home. Storage units in Enfield from just 15 square feet are available, and you can configure them exactly how you need to – why not add shelving units to make access to your boxes even easier?