10 Tips to Organize Your Linen Closet

Could your linen closet use a refresh?  Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Once you organize your linen closet, you’ll be able to quickly find your sheet sets, towels, etc., without rummaging through it, and creating more disarray.

It can be stressful to remove one towel only to have several others fall along with it!

Now, whether you have a small linen closet or a large one, it doesn’t matter. These tips will work regardless of the size.

Time to delve into the 10 tips to organize your linen closet.

1. Plan Ahead

The first thing you want to do is open your linen closet and take a good look at it.

How much space do you have?

And, what can realistically fit in the space?

No matter how big or small your linen closet is, you will need to purge some of the items taking up space and relocate other items, in order to keep it organized.

Now, if you’ve envisioned pretty storage boxes or baskets on your shelves to house your items, take out your tape measure.  Yes, measure your shelving to ensure that you purchase the right-sized containers for your linen closet.  And, measure the length and width of the door, as you might be considering over-the-door storage solutions. This adds storage to your linen closet, which is ideal for smaller living spaces.

2. Remove Everything

Take everything out of your linen closet, wipe down the interior, and clean the floor.

If you’ve decided to purchase containers, wait until you have them before taking this step.

After you have emptied the closet, organize all the items into piles. Make separates piles for donation, trash, relocation, and of course, keep.  This is an effective way to see what you have and what you intend to house in the linen closet.

Donate

If the items are old but still useful, you can donate them to your local animal shelter. They always need blankets, towels, pillows, or mats.

If you have towels, blankets, and sheets that are still in good condition or brand new but your style has since changed, these would also make great donations.

If you have 3 pairs of twin sheet sets but no longer have a twin bed anymore, it’s time to donate.

Relocate

Begin with items that can be stored elsewhere, for example, dishtowels could be relocated to a kitchen drawer instead.

Also, blankets can be stored in ottomans or in bedroom closets.

And, if your linen closet is quite small, you can store extra sheet sets in between the mattress and box spring of each bed.   

Trash

If you have anything that is damaged, stained, or threadbare, it’s time to throw it out.

If you keep medication in the linen closet, a good rule of thumb to follow is checking expiry dates on medicine and vitamins at least once a month. Although they come in small packaging, when you have three of the same, they take up a lot of space. Dispose of expired medicine properly.

3. Fold It

I don’t know about you, but I have zero skills when it comes to folding fitted sheets!  They just look bulky when I fold them.  

Anyway, all hope is not lost.

There are a few folding strategies for those of us who are challenged in this area.

One of them is to fold individual sheet sets and store them in one of the pillowcases. Another tip is to place the folded fitted sheet and pillowcases inside of the folded flat sheet. Voila! You now have compact sets that can either be placed directly on the shelves or in containers.  Either way, you’ve got more space to work with.

Next, let’s talk about towels.

If you want to organize your linen closet, your towels have got to be on point. Whether you fold them, or, roll them, symmetry is key. If you’re folding them, fold them all in a uniform way. The same applies if you’re rolling them.

I prefer to fold my towels in sets.  And, the most frequently used towels are placed in the front of the linen closet for easy access.

4. Designate Shelves

Designate your shelving for towels, sheet sets, bath mats, etc.  You decide.

Organizing your linen by type is another step to creating an organized linen closet.  For example, keeping king-sized bedsheets separate from double-sized bedsheets could save you some time when you’re changing your bed linen.

5. Use Containers

Depending on your aesthetic, you might want to store your linen and other items in containers or use a combined approach with some items in containers and some directly on the shelves.

Regardless, there are so many containers to choose from. Between decorative boxes, baskets, clear bins, the options are endless.

There are even shelf dividers to separate your linen and create a streamlined look.

6. Label It

Another tip to organize your linen closet is to use labels.  Cut some adorable labels and label your containers. Stickers will work great too.

Also, consider using gift tags for containers with a rough surface. Gift tags have a neat and clean look.  And, there is enough space to write down the contents of the container.  

When you have decided on what goes where and you are determined to keep it that way, you can label the shelves. 

With these simple ideas, you know exactly what is on each shelf, so you can grab and go, the next time you open your linen closet. 

7. Maximize Space

When it comes to linen closets, you want to use all of the space to its maximum, and then some.

One of the best tips for extra storage is inserting wire door shelves on the inside of the door. This space is ideal for toiletries. Shampoos, soaps, shower gels, deodorants are easy to find when you can see at-a-glance what you have. 

As well, vacuum sealing your winter bedding and storing these bags on top of each other on the floor of the linen closet is another way to maximize the space in your linen closet. Vacuum seal bags come in a range of prices starting as low as a couple of dollars, at various dollar stores.   Look at that – you can stay on budget and be organized!

8. Under-shelf Storage

This is another way to create some additional space in your linen closet.  You can purchase under-shelf storage in stores such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Container Store.

These containers go underneath the shelves and can be used to store smaller items such as cotton balls, soaps, lint brushes, etc.  The bonus is that they are small enough to leave room on the actual shelf for other items. 

9. Ironing Board Holder

Whether it’s an over-the-door model, or, an easy-to-install wall mount, an ironing board holder is another way to keep your linen closet organized.   You will be surprised at how much space you will have left if you hang the ironing board and your iron. And not just that! The next time you are in a hurry to get rid of the wrinkles on your favorite outfit, you won’t waste time looking for the iron and the spray bottle. Spritz, iron flat, and go! 

10. Fresh Scent

To keep your linen smelling nice and fresh, place some open soapboxes, scented candles, dryer sheets, a cloth with few drops of essential oil, or scented clothing protectors. All of them will make your linen closet smell like beautiful flowers blooming in spring. 

Recap

Organizing your linen closet gives you easy access to your items. 

As well as being practical, it’s also visually appealing.

Once again, here are the 10 tips:

1. Plan ahead
2. Remove everything
3. Fold linen
4. Have designated shelves
5. Use containers
6. Use labels
7. Maximize space by using over-the-door storage
8. Make use of under-shelf storage
9. Use an ironing board holder
10. Introduce a fresh scent