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Organizing a Linen Closet Efficiently

SarahClark | Aug 12, 2010 |

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An organized linen closet can make many everyday tasks much easier. Not only will you be able to find just what you need without having to dig through a disorganized closet, but you will also be able to care for your linens in a much better fashion. There's a certain amount of pleasure involved in being able to go to the closet and pull out a fresh set of neatly folded sheets, or being able to grab a bath towel without causing a towel avalanche.

While you would likely rather go shopping for a new tree wall art hanging or tree of life wall decor, even if your linen closet is currently a mess, there are a few easy steps you can take to get your closet efficiently organized in a hurry.

Start by Emptying the Closet

Just as is the case with most closet organizational tasks, the first step to organizing a linen closet is to remove everything from the closet. Sort the items into categories, such as sheet and pillowcase sets, blankets, towels, tablecloths and napkins, and seasonal linens. Once you have everything sorted out, go through and remove any linens or towels that are mismatched or worn. You can donate these to charity, or make cleaning rags out of old towels and linens. As a general rule, you should never need more than three sets of sheets for each bed in your home. Also, three or four bath towels, wash cloths and hand towels per family member are generally adequate. Once everything is out and sorted, clean the shelves.

Maximize Your Linen Closet Space

One problem with many linen closets is poor shelf height. If your shelves are too high, you will be tempted to create high stacks of linens, which can then fall over and create a disorganized mess. Ideally, shelves designed for bed or table linen storage should be no more than a foot high. Shelves for towel storage generally are most effective when they are around sixteen inches high. One tall shelf on the top for bulky items such as blankets can also come in handy. If your current linen closet shelves don't fit your needs, take the time to add new shelves.

Efficient Storage Methods

Before you begin putting your linens back into the closet, think about what you use most frequently. Most families do best to put frequently accessed items such as towels and wash cloths on center shelves, while bed linens such as sheet and pillow case sets can be stored slightly higher. Fold sheet sets together for easy access, grouping the fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillow cases together. Towels often fit more efficiently on a shelf if you roll them instead of folding them. If you have seasonal items such as beach towels or flannel sheet sets that you only use during the cold winter months, store them on higher or lower shelves during the off season, since you won't need to access them. Try not to stack linens too tightly in the closet, since they will stay fresher if you allow enough space for air circulation in the linen closet.

If you have heirloom or fragile items such lace or linen tablecloths, try storing these over a tissue paper-covered hanger, which you can hang on a hook on the inside of the closet door. This method will help prevent creasing fragile items, as this could possibly damage the fabric. Always control the humidity inside the closet to prevent damage from mold or mildew.