If you’re curious how to organize a linen closet so the sheets don’t tumble out, here are some tips to get your organizing ideas flowing!
Raise your hand if you brace yourself every time you open your linen closet!
Linen closets serve as a convenient spot to store bedding items like towels, sheets, and extra blankets. But these items can often get out of control, especially when the folding job creates tumbling towers of fluff coming out of the small space.
As we know, clutter tends toward chaos over time.
Keeping a linen closet functional and organized is easier said than done, especially when you’re constantly pulling things out without putting them back in an orderly way. Over time, it can become a cluttered mess! I’m sharing some simple linen closet organization ideas to help you keep your linen closet tidy and efficient, so it works for you and not against you.
How To Organize A Linen Closet
When I get ready to tackle a space, I use the same process I use to Organize Anything In Your House: take it all out, sort it, put it back in neatly in groups. Storage bins help tremendously! Let’s get started.
Take Everything Out
Start fresh by completely emptying your linen closet – yes, even the giant comforters. This allows you to see everything you have, its actual shape, and pinpoint what you don’t need anymore. It’s the perfect time to declutter and only keep items you actually use. I used a big box as a donation bin and put several pairs of good-but-no-longer-needed set of sheets inside their pillowcase to take to a hurricane donation spot.
Sort and Categorize
“Sort” of a no brainer (haha!), but you’ll want to put like with like. Once everything is out, group similar items together—towels, bed sheets, blankets, washcloths, etc. This makes it easier to find things and gives you a clearer sense of how much space each category will need. You can decide if you want to put all sheets together or all of one size together (all twin size sets on one shelf vs. all sheets of different sizes on one).
Keep Everyday Items at Eye Level
Place your most-used towels and linens, like bath towels and everyday sheets, at eye level or in easy-to-reach spots. I like to avoid the linen avalanche whenever possible, so put the thickest items on the bottom and the easiest to fold and reach on the top shelves.
Use Baskets or Bins
I love to use fabric bins in closets where you’ll be pulling items in and out because they are the most lightweight. Baskets can’t snag or leave debris and boxes are often heavy (although I do have some in my closet!). Organize small or awkward items like washcloths or hand towels in labeled baskets or bins. You can also corral toilet paper or paper towels if you keep those in here too. Bins keep things neat and make it easy to grab just what you need without messing up the whole shelf. You can also use shelf dividers. The gray linen bins I bought are no longer available, but here are some more beautiful options!
one / two / three / four / five / six / seven
Learn To Fold A Fitted Sheet
I learned this method for folding fitted sheets 15 years ago and am still mastering it! I always forget the “straighten the sides” step. But when you take the time to do it right, the sheet sets look SO much better. If you’re not the best at folding, you can use the bins above to put the fitted sheet on the bottom or fold the pillowcase around them in neat pockets.
Take Advantage of Door Space
The inside of your linen closet door is prime storage space real estate! Install hooks or hanging organizers to store small items like cleaning supplies, ironing accessories, sewing tools, or extra pillowcases and washcloths.
Use Large Bags or Under-bed Storage For Duvets
We trade out our bulky duvets for quilts in the summertime and store them in the linen closet until it’s cold again. Large comforters are hard to fold and come undone easily. I find them to store best inside of a large drawstring laundry bag or rolling under-bed storage containers.
Cute little Birchie!
Where can you store linens if you don’t have a linen closet or need overflow?
Dresser drawers
Dedicate a drawer or two in your bedroom or guest room dresser for linens like bed sheets and pillowcases. We actually moved some of our king sheets to the dresser in our room now that our closets are plenty big post-renovation.
Under-bed storage
Utilize storage bins or bags designed to slide under the bed. This space can be perfect for storing extra sheets, blankets, or comforters. This style is much prettier than the big plastic kind.
Baskets or bins
Place baskets or bins on shelves in closets, bathrooms, or bedrooms to neatly store towels and sheets. These can blend into your decor while keeping everything accessible. I use one for our guest room towels!
Closet shelves
If you have extra shelf space in your bedroom or hallway closet, stack your folded linens there. Sometimes our primary closets are bigger than we need and small linen closets are too small!
Storage Bench
If you have wall space in your room or space at the foot of your bed, a bench or ottoman can be great for your everyday bedding.
Laundry room cabinets
If you have a laundry room with cabinets, use those to store extra sheets and towels.
Please share your organized linen tips in the comments section!
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