I am not quite sure when my linen closet stopped being, well, a closet for housing my linens. Instead over the years, my linen closet has become a catchall for all things that cannot seem to find a proper place in my house. Holiday decorations, home decor not in use and gift boxes and bags appear to take up most of my closet space. It was getting to the point where I would cringe anytime I walked by my linen closet door. So in keeping with the theme of January being the month of reorganizing and refreshing the home, I decided it was the right time to take my linen closet back!
No matter what your storage space capacity might look like in your linen closet, creating a beautiful and organized space really is simple. Take a look below at some of the tips, tricks and steps that helped me reclaim my linen storage closet again!
How to Organize a Linen Closet
Declutter
Because the primary function of your linen closet is to be functional, determine what items do not belong there and move them out! We often accumulate stuff because we simply do not take the time to go through it. Once you purge, categorize those items during your sort and donate items you are not using. For instance, I bought extra storage bins for holiday decorations that I transferred to the basement and I donated home decor items I no longer use.
From here let go of old linens and threadbare towels. Continue to purge old towels, faded sheets, mismatched sets and old or empty toiletries.
Once these tasks are done, wipe down all shelves with a damp cloth.
Make a Plan
Next identify what you want to store in your linen closet. While sheets, towels and pillows take center stage, do you have room for storing extra items like toiletries and paper products? Allocate items on shelves according to what you are reaching for the most frequently or what is currently in season. The everyday items and the current season linens and towels should be stored at eye level, and the special-occasion and out-of-season linens farther from reach, at the top or bottom of the closet. Allocate bulkier, less used items, such as spare duvets, to the top shelf. They can be stored in zippered bags to keep them free of dust.
Choose a Theme
Choose a theme to give the closet a more cohesive, less cluttered look. If most of your sheets and towels are white and neutral, stick to neutral storage bins and baskets as well. If your sheets and towels are colorful, choose white or glass storage containers for easier visual access.
Bundle Sheet & Bath Towel Sets Together
Sheets and towels are the main focus of you linen closet. Keep your linen collections together so they’re easy to find. Bath towels are easier to bundle and keep neatly organized and displayed but unless those fitted sheets are folded perfectly, keeping a set of sheets looking neat and tidy can be tricky. Securing your set of sheets with pretty ribbon offers a polished presentation.
Use Baskets to Store Small Necessities
Baskets keep everything confined, organized, and tidy-looking. Consider storing smaller items like hand towels and washcloths in wire baskets. For toiletries and first aid supplies, I like fabric lined wicker baskets for storage. If your closet has wire shelves, perhaps more baskets to house sheets and towels
Use Glass Jars for Bulk Items
An assortment of glass jars are perfect for storing bulk items like Q-tips, cotton balls and soaps. If you host overnight guests frequently, glass jars are also a nice way to house spare toiletries and washcloths for your guests.
Stash Pillows in Baskets
Pillows take up a lot of space on shelves. Instead use floor baskets to house them! This is also a good time to refresh your pillows. Check in with your local cleaner to see if they offer pillow recovering or re-stuffing.
Label Sheets and Shelves
Break up shelves into sections and label accordingly to where your items now live. Stick bookplates and labels directly onto shelves. You can even tie on tags to the ribbon of your sheet sets indicating the sheet size. This makes life much easier when needing to grab fresh sheets for different bed sizes!
Utilize Empty Door Space
If your linen closet space is small, look for ways to maximize your space. Hang an over-the-door towel hanger on the inside of your closet door or use this system for hanging your iron, ironing board and spray bottle. There are also door hangers with plenty of baskets for storing paper products and toiletries!
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Thanks for stopping by!
L, M