Linen Closet

Nothing says springtime like fresh, clean sheets on a sun-drenched line. As the warmer months arrive, a quick declutter can bring some of that light, fresh feeling right into your linen closet. Follow these three simple steps to transform that crowded cave of blankets and sheets into a peaceful, organized haven.

1. Closet Cleanout!

Like all decluttering projects, this one begins with taking out everything in the closet and evaluating it. Chances are, you’ve got more sheets and towels than you need, and some are in worse shape than others.

First things first: Get rid of anything that is stained, worn or torn. Items beyond repair can go in the trash. Towels and linens in good condition can be donated. The same goes for beauty products, travel shampoos and other bath items: toss what’s expired and donate the excess. If you need to keep a few, set them aside for your travel or bath section. Shelters (women’s, homeless, animal), Veterans and The Salvation Army are eager for donations of bath supplies and linens. Contact your local chapter for more information.

What to keep: As a rule of thumb, you should have two sheet sets per bed—one on the bed and one in the linen closet. That’s it!

Exceptions: flannel sheets for winter, extra twin sheets for kids for camp, an extra towel for bathing your pet. The same goes for towels: two bath towels per person, plus hand towels.

2. Assign & Label Shelves

Once you’ve emptied your shelves and wiped them down, decide what you want each one to hold. You can assign shelves to: daily bedding, towels, seasonal bedding, bath products and first aid kids, toiletries, toilet paper and other cleaning supplies. Some categories might not need a whole shelf to themselves.

Items you use all the time—like daily bedding and towels—belong at eye-level. Seasonal items, like extra blankets and pillows, can go higher up. And bulky things like toilet paper and paper towels can sit on the floor in bins. Once you’ve decided where you want everything to live, label its place on the shelf or bin.

Don’t forget to use the back of the closet door as storage, too. It’s a great place to hang your ironing board, or for a step stool you can use to reach items on the highest shelves.

3. Organize & Store

Now that you’ve lightened your load and you know where everything goes, you can put your things away.

Use bins and baskets that fit the closet space to keep items in their zone and to prevent stacks of linens from toppling. Some people prefer sheet organizers and shelf dividers. Small bins are great for small items like washcloths, hand towels and bath products. Larger baskets on the floor can hold larger items, like toilet paper, pillows or cleaning supplies. I like clear, stackable bins for bath essentials.

The Joy of What's Essential

Sheets and towels have a way of piling up in the closet. You’ll be surprised how refreshing it feels to cull them down to the essentials, and to know that clutter no longer lurks behind that closed door. And, who knows: if the kids know which linens belong to them, maybe they’ll even be willing to change their own sheets?

Overwhelmed at the idea of doing it yourself?

Don’t forget I’m always here to help.

Best,