Shoes and bags are light but bulky and easy to ruin — a crushed toe box or a scuffed leather bag is a small, avoidable loss. Pack them with a little structure and they take up less room than you'd expect.
Declutter as you pack
Moving is the moment to be honest about the shoes you haven't worn in a year and the bags with broken straps. Donate or toss them now rather than paying attention (and tote space) to move them.
Shoes
- Clean off any dirt so grime doesn't transfer onto everything in the tote
- Stuff each shoe with a balled sock or paper to hold its shape
- Wrap each shoe (or each pair) in paper so buckles and soles don't scuff their neighbors
- Keep pairs together with a rubber band or by bagging them
- Heavy boots go on the bottom of the tote, delicate flats and heels on top
Handbags and purses
Empty every bag and check inside pockets — this is where stray keys and cash hide. Stuff structured bags with paper or a small towel so they keep their shape, then put each in a dust bag or pillowcase. Don't let metal hardware from one bag press against the leather of another. Fill a tote with bags nested loosely, not crammed.
Leather and suede
Use paper, not plastic, against leather and suede — plastic traps moisture and can cause mildew or sticking in a warm truck. Keep these totes out of direct sun during loading and unloading.
Labeling
Mark shoe and bag totes with the room they belong in (usually the primary bedroom or a closet) so they don't get scattered. If you have a lot, a "closet — shoes 1 of 3" style label makes unpacking the closet a single task.
See tote packages by home size and book your delivery date.
View Residential PricingFrequently Asked Questions
How do you pack shoes so they don't get crushed?
Stuff each shoe with a sock or paper to hold its shape, wrap pairs in paper, put heavy boots on the bottom of the tote and delicate shoes on top, and don't over-pack the tote.
How should I pack designer or leather handbags?
Empty them, stuff structured bags to hold their shape, wrap each in a dust bag or pillowcase, use paper rather than plastic against leather, and keep hardware from pressing on other bags.
Should shoes go in the same tote as clothes?
It's fine if the shoes are clean and bagged or wrapped, with shoes on the bottom and folded clothes on top. Otherwise keep them separate so dirt and polish don't transfer.
Questions about sizing, coverage, or what's included? Check our FAQ page or email info@nicetotesrental.com.