Key Takeaways

• Before organizing your linen closet, declutter, organize, and donate unwanted items. 
• Utilize all available space effectively with proper folding techniques, as well as storage bins, baskets, and over-the-door organizers.
• Store seasonal items off-site when not in use. 
• Declutter, clean, and reorganize your linen closet twice a year during spring and fall. 

If opening your linen closet triggers an avalanche of sheets and towels, it’s time to organize. An organized linen closet keeps essential items tidy and easy to find. It’s also a great way to maximize your storage space and utilize every available inch.

Read on to learn how to organize your linen closet, including tips for decluttering, folding, and storing, as well as storage ideas for small spaces. 

• How to Declutter Your Linen Closet Before Organizing
• How to Assign Closet Shelf Zones for Maximum Efficiency
• How to Fold Linens to Maximize Space
• Essential Organizers for Linen Closets
• Linen Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Keep Your Linen Closet Organized and Clutter-Free

How to Declutter Your Linen Closet Before Organizing 

Organizing your linen closet begins by inventorying your items, organizing your linens, and getting rid of anything that doesn’t serve you anymore. Follow these tips to begin tidying up.

Remove everything from the linen closet 

The process begins by figuring out what’s actually inside your linen closet. For many people, the linen closet becomes a catch-all for every odd and end they didn’t know what to do with. If that sounds familiar, it’s time to go through it all. 

Take every last item out of your linen closet and into a room with plenty of space. You’re going to do some major sorting, so you’ll need lots of room for piles to accumulate. And remember: linen closet organization always gets worse before it gets better. All you need to do is stay calm. 

Sort linen into different categories

Next, it’s time to sort. Categorize your linens by type. Separate the towels from the handtowels, blankets, sheets, and pillowcases. Create a separate stack or pile for each. 

Follow the rule of two

The “rule of two” is a best practice for linen storage that dictates that you should have two sets of bedding and two sets of towels (full-sized towel, hand towel, and washcloth) per person. That way, you can have one set in use and one set on the shelf or in the wash at all times. This is key to maximizing space in your linen closet. 

Sort through your piles to find your two favorites from each. If you tend to have guests over, consider leaving a spare set for them, too. 

Donate or repurpose old linen 

If you’ve amassed a lot of linens over the years, you may be thinking, “Only two sets of each? What do I do with the rest?” You have a few options: 

• Donate them. Many second-hand stores and charity drives accept linen donations as long as they’re in good condition. If you think someone can still get use out of them, donate them. 
• Repurpose them. There are plenty of ways to repurpose old linens. Sheets can be used for quilts, tablecloths, or curtains. Turn old towels into rags for cleaning. Use them as pet bedding or to stuff crafts. 
• Recycle them. If you have old or tattered linens with holes and tears, recycle them at textile recycling drop-offs. Many cities offer donation bins where you can drop off old linens. 

How to Assign Closet Shelf Zones for Maximum Efficiency 

Now that you know what’s staying and what’s going, it’s time to plan out how you’ll use your shelves. Follow these best practices for organizing a linen closet.

Top-shelf storage 

Top-shelf storage is for items you don’t plan to use often. Store extra blankets and pillows or a spare pet bed. This is also a great place to put seasonal items, such as an extra quilt. Leave about 18” of space for this shelf.

Eye-level: The golden zone

The “golden zone” is for items you’ll use most often. Items at eye level are easiest to find and simple to reach. Put your sheets, pillowcases, towel sets, and other frequently used items here. Eye-level shelves can sit between 12” and 16” apart. 

Lower shelves 

Lower shelves are a safe place to store heavier items, such as your air mattress, heavier duvets during warmer months, and other bulky linens. If they get knocked over, they won’t do too much damage. Leave lower shelves 18” of space to fit those bulky items.

Closet floor space

To maximize space in a small linen closet, store items on the floor, too. You can use large bins or other spacious storage solutions for linen closets to keep extra blankets and towels clean. The floor space is also a great place to store your laundry hamper, spare toilet paper, and other odds and ends. 

How to Fold Linens to Maximize Space

Folding techniques are another easy way to maximize space in your linen closet. Plus, many minimize wrinkles to keep your linens looking their best. 

Folding techniques for towels

If they’re not folded correctly, towels can take up a lot of precious space in your linen closet. To preserve space, give these towel folding techniques a try: 

• Roll. Fold your towels in half lengthwise, then fold them in half again. Now, roll tightly, beginning at one of the short ends. 
• Tri-fold. Fold your towel in thirds lengthwise. Then, fold in half widthwise, and fold in half again. You’ll be left with a small rectangle that’s easy to store. 

Folding techniques for sheets 

Folding a flat sheet is fairly straightforward, but folding a fitted sheet is not for the faint of heart. If you’ve been using the “ball it up and shove it in the closet” method, it’s time to try something new. Follow these steps to turn your fitted sheet into a neat rectangle: 

• Lay the sheet down with the elastic facing up. 
• Fold it in half widthwise, then tuck each corner into the corner beneath it, creating a sort of pocket. 
• Lay the sheet back down, then fold it in thirds width-wise. 
• Fold it in half widthwise, then in half again until you’re left with a rectangle. 

Essential Organizers for Linen Closets

Organizers help keep your linen closet tidy. From bins and baskets to shelf dividers, try these linen closet organization ideas out. 

Bins

Bins are the perfect linen closet organizers for items you don’t use often. They make for a great seasonal linen storage solution. When it’s time to swap out your bedding, just open your storage bins, make the switch, and close them up again. Grab a few linen closet storage bins and stack them on top of each other. You can also store your off-season clothes, such as coats, gloves, and scarves, in bins in the linen closet. 

Baskets 

Using baskets for linen storage helps keep things organized, but also easily accessible. Baskets are a good solution for items you’ll use regularly, such as bedding and towels. A storage basket also makes for a great laundry hamper in small storage spaces.

Shelf dividers 

Do your piles of linens tend to fall into one another? It’s time to get a shelf divider. They turn your shelves into neat compartments for each item. Shelf dividers allow for total flexibility—make any compartment as narrow or as wide as you’d like.

Linen Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

If your linen closet is too small—or if you don’t have a linen closet at all—it’s essential to make use of every available inch. Get inspiration from these creative ways to store linen in small areas. 

Off-site storage 

Totally lacking storage for your linens? Take advantage of off-site storage options. Self-storage facilities allow for easy access whenever you need it. They’re a great place to store off-season linens and clothing. If you have guests infrequently, consider filling a storage bin with your air mattress as well as a spare bedding set and towel set, then stash it in off-site storage. 

Vacuum-sealed bags

You’ll be amazed at how much space is saved with vacuum-sealed bags. They transform your blankets and duvets into flat pancakes. All you need to do is fill them, then suck the air out with a vacuum.

Over-the-door racks

Over-the-door racks allow you to take advantage of the vertical space in your linen closet. Hang one on the back of your door for spare toiletries, accessories, and other small items. You can even hang an over-the-door rack on a hanger, then stash it in your closet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a linen closet be cleaned and decluttered? 

Clean and declutter your linen closet twice a year—during spring and fall. As long as you’re swapping out your seasonal linens, take the time to tidy up.

What are the best ways to store seasonal linens? 

Seasonal linens are best stored in storage bins. Look for large plastic storage bins with lids to keep your linens safe from odors, dust, or bugs. If you don’t have room at home for your seasonal linens, off-site storage is the perfect solution. 

How can I prevent musty odors when storing linens?

Musty odors typically come from humidity. To prevent your stored linens from smelling musty, make sure they’re completely dry before storing them away. Avoid storing them in humid or damp environments. To ensure they stay fresh, you can include desiccants, lavender sachets, or baking soda in your storage bins. 

Keep Your Linen Closet Organized and Clutter-Free

With these best practices for linen closet organization, you can transform your linen closet from a messy nightmare to a tidy space you can be proud of. If you’re tight on space and still struggling to fit your essential items, take advantage of off-site storage. Get flexible space to keep your rarely-used or out-of-season linens. Find a Storage Hub location near you.