Linen closets often become a catchall for all things bathroom and linen. Toiletries hanging out with towels, sheets stuffed in along with tablecloths without any order which makes you scared to even open the closet for fear of things falling onto you. We’re all guilty of holding on to things we no longer need and as a professional organizer I see the linen closet as one of the major problem areas for holding onto things. Sheets that don’t fit the beds you have now, so much product that you wouldn’t use in a year, towels with holes, you name it, I've seen it.  Stuff accumulates because we don’t have time to go through it but by spending a little time organizing your linen closet will save you time, stress, and money in the long run. 

The first step in organizing your linen closet is to take everything out.

You have to go through everything and decide what you’re keeping and what you can let go of. 

My rule is two sheet sets and duvet covers per bed in your house. The theory is one in the wash, one on the bed. The same goes for towels two sets per person in your house.  Plus a set for guests 

The great thing about the linen closet is you can do it without any product at all. If you are an overstock shopper I do suggest baskets and risers to keep your overstock items organized and clutter-free.

Find the Right Place for Everything

As the focal point of the linen closet,  it's important to keep towels and bedsheets front and center. Overstock items can go at the top if you have seasonal bedding (flannel sheets, or holiday towels), store them behind regular bed sheets or towels. Things like beach towels should be stacked behind regularly used towels or higher up with other less-used items. And bulky items like comforters, quilts, and pillows that are for guests or that are rotated seasonally can be stored in vacuum-sealed storage bags and should be stored in the room they belong to. 

Towels: To get the most storage space for bulky towels, it's best to fold them in thirds, see my video here. Place on shelves at your eye level or below, so the edges face toward the back for a neat appearance.

Sheets: My Favourite way to store sheet sets is inside the matching pillowcase. This way your sets are all together and you don’t have to worry about getting that fitted sheet flat because, I don’t know about you, but I've watched all the videos and can’t seem to figure it out. If you have a lot of beds in different sizes, try buying different colored sheets for each one so you don't mix them up. Store them by the room on the shelf to make it easy on yourself. 

Toiletries: If you’re buying in bulk or making the most of sales you can keep your overstock in the linen closet. I recommend keeping things in baskets. Depending on what you have, one for soap and lotions, one for toothbrushes and toothpaste, one for feminine hygiene products, etc. and use a label for the basket so you know exactly what’s inside. Now, remember to shop your closet before heading to the store!

Dining and Antique Linens: I prefer dining linens to be stored in the dining room, Tea towels in the kitchen. If you have no other space fold them flat and stack them on a shelf lined with acid-free tissue paper or inside of lined baskets to prevent snags.

Happy Organizing!

Jocelyn