How to Easily Organize a Linen Closet in a Day

Written byMichelle Dickson Updated

Small space, big impact: creative ways to organize a linen closet.

It’s that time of year! Welcome to organizing season, that magical time of the year when we say goodbye to clutter and embrace order and tranquility.

And would you believe it’s one of my favorite times of the year?

No question, I get a thrill out of organizing a space! It just makes my heart sing!

Today, let’s dive into the heart of our homes – the linen closet.

It’s the unsung hero of household organization, and it’s high time we give it the attention it deserves.

Truth be told, I had every intention of giving my linen closet a makeover last January, but other projects took priority.

So, get ready to conquer the chaos as we share simple and effective tips on how to organize a linen closet.

Because nothing says peace and serenity like neatly folded linens, right?

Before we get started let’s take a look at my linen closet and analyze what’s working and what clearly needs a change.

Linen closet before organization. This closet was a catch all from games to home decor and no room for linens.

As you can see this closet is a catch all, from bathroom toiletries to random home decor.

Really! are there any linens in this closet?

Truth be told, there’s a few sheets tucked away on the top shelf, but so much junk was in the closet there wasn’t room for sheets, blankets and towels.

Because of this clutter, I kept sheets in the bedroom closets and that wasn’t ideal either.

The other problem with this space is I used black boxes as storage and the trouble with this is you can’t clearly see what’s in each container.

Last year I organized all of our board games and placed them in labeled zippered pouches and then alphabetized them in baskets.

Gray and white baskets are used to organized games in labeled zippered pouches.

And I’m happy to report that this system is working beautifully and the games will remain in the closet for now, because I don’t have any place else to store them.

The other problem with this closet is the random home decor.

Do you have seasonal and random decor tucked away in various closets like me?

I’m happy to say that all of the extra home decor now is neatly organized in the office closet in the basement.

Now let’s organize this linen closet!

Step 1: Empty the Closet

Kickstart your linen closet transformation by going all in – empty it out completely.

It’s like hitting the reset button for order and organization.

Take a deep breath, pull everything out, and let the empty space inspire you.

This step not only clears the slate but also allows you to assess what you’ve got and what truly deserves a spot in your well-organized linen haven.

It’s the no-nonsense beginning that paves the way for a clutter-free and efficient space.

So, dive in and embrace an empty canvas ready for a tidy refresh!

Step 2: Sort & Purge

With the linen closet now a clean slate, it’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and embark on the sorting and purging expedition.

Group like items together, giving you a visual inventory of what you’ve got.

As you sift through the stacks of linens and towels, seize the opportunity to say farewell to the items that you no longer use.

Whether it’s that mismatched sheet set or the towel that’s seen better days, be ruthless in your decluttering mission.

By parting ways with the excess, you not only free up valuable space but also ensure that every item in your linen closet earns its keep.

So, toss the unnecessary and make room for the essentials that will transform your linen closet into an organized oasis.

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Step 3: Prepare the Shelves

Now that your linen closet is stripped down to its bare bones, turn your attention to the shelves themselves.

Take a good look at your shelves and inspect for wear.

Clean shelf scuff marks on shelves with a magic eraser.

Grab a damp cloth and give the shelves a good cleaning.

Once I pulled everything out of my linen closet, I thought I’d need to definitely repaint.

But with a little elbow grease and a magic eraser they look good as new.

As you assess, consider whether you need a fresh coat of paint, or if a simple shelf liner might be all you need.

And if you’re feeling really ambitious you can even wallpaper or paint the walls.

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Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.

Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.

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Set 4: Organize by Categories

With your linen closet shelves primed and ready, it’s time to bring order to the chaos by organizing items methodically.

Keep toiletries organized in a linen closet in clear labeled stacking containers.

First group similar items together – sheets with sheets, towels with towels, and blankets with blankets.

If you’re like me, you keep a backstock of items you use regularly.

Nothing is worse than running out of a staple when you’re getting ready for work.

Again group like toiletry items together and then you can assess what type and size of storage containers you need.

I purchased all of my clear containers and baskets from Target.

The baskets were all purchases last February when I organized the games and it looks like they are now discontinued.

So sad! I loved these baskets and they were so affordable.

Click here to see similar strapping baskets.

Designate specific sections of your linen closet for each category.

As you stand back and witness the transformation, you’ll be amazed at the progress you’re making in your linen closet.

Step 5: Use Baskets and Bins to Organize Linens

Keep your linen closet neat and orderly with baskets and/or bins.

First select bins and baskets that make the most of your space.

Then assign each container a purpose—sheets, blankets, or towels—and watch the chaos transform into order.

Let me tell you, I’ve always struggled keeping my sheets neat and tidy until recently I found these sheet storage boxes on Amazon.

Keep sheets neat and tidy in labeled containers, organize linen closet.

They open up flat and then have a zipper and velcro closure to keep everything neat and tidy.

They are the perfect way to keep the sheets orderly.

And I found that if the sheets aren’t bulky, like a flannel, I can store 2 sets of sheets per box.

In my linen closet I find the best way to store bulky towels is to fold them in thirds lengthwise, then fold the long length into thirds again.

Then I stack the towels vertically in a basket.

Another option for towels is to roll them and then stack them in a basket.

Finally stack blankets and quilts in baskets along with tissue and toilet paper.

Organize a linen closet with baskets and clear labeled lidded containers.

With everything neatly corralled, finding what you need becomes a breeze.

It’s a simple yet effective solution that adds both style and functionality to your linen storage.

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Step 6: Use Clear Bins for Toiletries

Optimize your linen closet organization with clear lidded containers for toiletries.

By using transparent containers you not only create a visually clean and cohesive look but you can also see what you’re getting low on.

Keep. toiletries organized in a linen closet with labeled clear lidded containers.

Next, label all of your containers.

Then everyone can easily find what they are looking for.

I used my Silhouette machine to cut my vinyl labels, but you can also stick an Avery label on each containter.

With a quick flip of the lid, access becomes a breeze, making these containers a practical and stylish solution for maintaining order in your linen closet.

Step 7: Vacuum Storage Bags

When dealing with the space-hogging challenge of comforters and pillows in the linen closet, vacuum storage bags are the unsung heroes of organization.

Vacuum seal bags to reduce space in linen closet for bulky items like comforters or pillows.

These nifty bags let you reclaim valuable real estate by compressing bulky items, such as comforters and pillows, into a fraction of their original size.

The simple act of removing excess air not only minimizes storage space but also helps protect your linens from dust and moisture.

It’s a game-changer for those like me, who found their linen closet overstuffed with bulky comforters.

Vacuum storage bags bring a breath of fresh air to your organization game, allowing you to tuck away those bulky items with ease and grace.

Step 8: Designate a Place for Everything

In the quest for a neat and tidy home, the golden rule is simple: designate a spot for everything, including your linen closet.

Assign specific shelves or sections for sheets, towels, blankets, and more.

Neat and tidy organize linen closet with baskets and labeled clear lidded containers.

And if you need, label the shelves so there’s no question where items go.

When every item has its designated home, chaos is replaced with order, and the hunt for that missing pillowcase becomes a thing of the past.

This deliberate organization not only ensures efficient storage but also instills a sense of calm in your linen closet.

And witness how a well-organized space becomes the cornerstone of a tidy and peaceful home.

Organize a linen closet with baskets and clear labeled lidded containers.

Useful Organization Tips

  • Don’t stuff your linen closet, allow space for new items.
  • Fold towels and linens so they take up as little space as possible in the closet.
  • Group like items together.
  • Keep a small step stool in the closet to access the top shelf.
  • Be consistent and always put items away in their designated spot.
  • Purge items you don’t use on a regular basis.
  • Shift your mindset – focus on the value of a neat and organized home.
  • Take 15 minutes each day to tidy up.
  • Give yourself grace, and know that as long as you’re moving forward you’re doing great!
Organize a linen closet with baskets and clear labeled lidded containers.

More Organization Ideas

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As we wrap up these ideas to organize a linen closet, let’s revel in the triumph of order over chaos.

From the initial purge, to the categorization and the strategic use of containers, your linen closet has undergone a remarkable transformation.

It’s no longer a catch all hiding behind the doors, it’s a beautiful organized and functional space.

So, here’s to a clutter-free linen closet, to towels neatly folded and sheets methodically stored.

Happy organizing!

Thanks for spending some time with us, we hope you found a little inspiration here today!

And please share your linen closet organizing tips with us.

We’d love to see photos of your organized space too!

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I have always had a passion for transforming spaces and creating organized, functional homes. Even as a child, I loved rearranging furniture and decorating my childhood home. In fact my dad would comment he was afraid to come home from work and sit, for fear the furniture would be rearranged. I enjoy the challenge of turning ordinary items into extraordinary pieces, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an entire room. My creativity and attention to detail drive me to find unique ways to breathe new life into any space.

As a wife (to a supportive and patient husband, Steve), mother of three, and grandmother of five, I balance my love for home improvement with family life. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring nature. I also frequent yard sales, thrift stores, and vintage markets, always on the lookout for my next project.

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2 Comments

    1. Michelle Dickson says:

      Thank you Renae, you’re too kind! I’m just getting started. 😂

      Reply

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