I need an idea for boot storage. It is snow/mud season and if I don't find a spot for wet, snowy, muddy boots it's going to drive me nuts. I can't put them in the basement because they will not dry. My "coat closet" is under repair and has no room for
shoes. Right now I have a nice basket to throw them in, but it's quickly becoming a not so nice basket with wet boots and mud ruining it. I've seen benches, but I need something big enough to hold 5 pairs of boots - 4 adult size and one child size. Any suggestions are appreciated.

By Paulas on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 08:17 pm:

I don't have any ideas as I have the same problem. Our coat closet is at the top of the stairs and is carpeted so putting our wet/muddy boats isn't an option. I've heard of the benches you are referring to but DH wears a size 12...are they deep enough?

By Annie2 on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 08:19 pm:

I went to walmart today. All of the plastic storage bins are on sale. Try one of the flat ones which are normally used to go under a bed. Poke holes in the bottom for drainage then place the lid under the bin to catch the run off.

By Kate on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 - 08:23 pm:

Annie has a good idea. Mine sit on a latex backed entryway rug. The carpet part of it helps them dry and the waterproof backing protects my hardwoods.

By Colette on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 07:55 am:

I've tried the plastic tub thing before, it works, but I am trying to find something kind of attractive that will hide them. It's for my foyer.

By Kaye on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 11:15 am:

Collete could you decorate the plastic tub? You could decopauge it with a theme to match your room, OR you could weave that paper twist ribbon to make it look like a basket. Also you could just line the inside with some sort of fabric, just use a hot glue gun to tack it int he lower crease, then up the side creases then fold over the edge somehow. If you like fabric best you could also buy foam stuff and do the outside fabric, but cushy if that makes sense.

By Kaye on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 11:16 am:

Or what a bout a nice rug? You could sew one that looks more like a towel, put a fancy edge on it.

By Conni on Saturday, January 1, 2005 - 09:01 am:

What about a wooden crate? You could build one and paint it or you coulod buy one somewhere.

Or place a pretty bench in your entryway, place your boots on a towel or clear plastic mat underneath the bench, then find a fabric you like and sew a skirt that hangs down from the bench and hides the boots underneath...

Bookshelf type thing with cubbies for boots. Put baskets or shallow tubs in cubbies and label for each member of the family.