Yesterday while my baby slept, I went around the house and gathered up all my shoes. There were some in my bedroom, some in the hall closet and some under the desk and dining room table. I brought them all into one clear space and laid them out in a grid. My objective? Toss my six least-favorite pairs of shoes.
Setting up the grid was satisfying. I was able to see how many shoes I have in the Sneaker category, Dress Up category and Boots category. It was a revelation and quite a trip down memory lane. I picked the worst shoes in each row and moved them to the toss pile. Then I struggled to come up with two more pairs I can do without. I have two pairs of running shoes and I rarely ever run (tossed the pair with the most miles on them).
Dear Clunky Pink Boots (back row) purchased on Haight Street: Alas, I am too old for you. I will miss you. But probably not too often.
The positive outcome is that I fit my remaining shoes into existing storage containers and I was reminded of some great shoes that I had forgotten about.
Confession #1: When my husband got home and I told him what I had done, he said that I had some shoes in the car as well.
Confession #2: I had 34 pairs of shoes, and I counted my husband’s shoes to make sure I was not insane and he had 34 as well. Now I can gloat about having a more streamlined shoe collection.
Confession #3: I took numerous photos of the grid of shoes. I also color-code my books.
What’s stopping you?
Related entry: Do the 27-Fling Boogie
i have issues with shoes. i need prayer. thanks ladies 🙂
You’ve inspired me again ladies! I posted the results on my blog.
Hi. My name is mama k and I’m a shoe-aholic.
Ooops! My post is up now. Same site.
Ok, I did it. 23 pairs of shoes most of which are these fancy dressy pumpy shoes that I never wear (that are probably also woefully out of style thanks to my resistance to the pointy toe). If I purge a few pairs, can I get some more cute funky sneakers?
I also decided to get rid of my beloved Campers from my ex-boyfriend circa the London years. They’re cute but they just don’t fit anymore. Thanks swollen feet.
Is it thoroughly dorky if I photograph each of the shoes I’m planning to keep so I might see the picture and choose them more often? I think I already know the answer to that.
You should sell them on ebay or recycle them. I run a thrift store we do that. We buy any old pairs that women want to get rid of of any style of shoes and boots. Even pairs with broken heels, straps, ect. b/c I can fix that stuff, plus, whatever doesn’t sell, gets sent to a textile company or Nike Grind to recycle them. That way instead of throwing shoes out and creating more trash, they get recycled to help save the environment.
The whole time I was reading this, I cringed when you said ‘toss’. So I second Mary’s comments – perhaps you could donate them to a missionary or something? I know at our church they have a shoe drive for the missionaries in Haiti, Africa, Dominican Republic, etc. Many people in the world have no shoes (I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this so I’m sorry if I sound condescending) and even worn out ones w/decent soles are better than nothing =) That being said, I appreciate the way you ladies have used your blogging influence in other areas and I just wanted to suggest another way to encourage mommas out there to share what we’ve been given w/others. Thanks for the inspiration you provide and the chance to share ideas!
inspired. http://becshulba.blogspot.com/2009/11/so-many-shoes-and-nothing-i-like.html thanks!
much work ahead of me here. What a great idea for fall cleaning!
I kind of want to chastise you for having so many pairs of shoes… but I’d better count my own first! I’ll get back to you on that one… 😉
I did this with my mom’s closet, my aunt’s house, and to some extent with my own shoes (though I confess I’ve never been a big shoe hoarder). If the shoes weren’t in TERRIBLE shape, we donated them to local shelters/thrift stores for use by other women who would appreciate them. 🙂