5 Problems Everyone Has With Linen Closet Organization and How to Solve Them

Is your linen closet 2 steps away from being declared a natural disaster? Summer is a great time to organize that space! Here are the answers to the top 5 questions and struggles with organizing linen closets.

With summer’s arrival, we hope, just hope, there’s a little more time to play AND get a few things done around the house. Why not start with a simple, do-in-an-afternoon project? Let’s tackle organizing the linen closet! Here are 5 tips to help you create an efficient and organized space for your linens, towels, and other supplies.

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Question 1: Where do I even start with the process of organizing my linen closet?

Answer: Gather and sort

Does this photo look familiar? This is where our contributor Crystal, from The Weathered Fox, began her organization project. Gather all the items you wish to corral in your linen closet. Take them out of the closet if need be and sort the items into piles. This is a great time to dejunk! With all those sets of sheets and towels it may seem overwhelming, but you’ve got this! See how Crystal organized her linen closet here.

Question 2: How many sets of sheets and towels do I really need to keep?

Answer: 3 per bed (max) and 3 sets of towels and washcloths per person

As with any other new purchase, it’s a good practice to get rid of the old when the new linens come in. No one needs 30 old towels, right? It may be helpful for you to assign certain colors to bathrooms or bedrooms. You may even wish to store the sheet sets inside a pillowcase or try these amazing and stylish sheet keeper bands! Another great idea is to store extra blankets and bedding inside beanbag covers. Those can remain in a room without taking up much needed closet space!

Question 3: What is the best way to maximize space in the linen closet? How can I make all this stuff fit?

Answer: Things that are used often go in the middle shelves and less-used and seasonal items get stored on the top or bottom shelves.

If you have heavy comforters or seasonal items, they should be stored higher or lower since they won’t be needed as much. Towels and sheets should be stored on the middle, more accessible shelves. Glass containers can be used to house cotton balls and other cosmetic needs. Toilet paper needs a place too, so a large basket might be a nice way to separate it.

Question 4: What do I do with the larger, awkward items in the linen closet?

Answer: Hang them on the door

That’s right! When space is tight, we want to maximize it. Simple hardware can be hung on or over the door to free up space on the shelves for other items. This would be a great place for an iron and ironing board using a wall-mount or over the door organizer. Some people even install curtain rods to hang delicate tablecloths or other linens. If you have a little more in your budget, you may wish to consider this pantry door and wall rack since it has a lot of storage options for various items.

Question 5: How do I keep my linen closet from reverting back to chaos? I’d love it to stay organized for more than 30 minutes.

Answer: Use baskets and labels

We recommend these storage baskets because they come in several colors.  If you prefer storage baskets with liners, there are wonderful options too. We love these farmhouse storage baskets! Once you have everything placed where you would like it, then add the labels. Looking to customize and print your own labels?  Check out our free printable chalkboard labels. If you are one who changes things often, avoid sticking labels directly on the shelf. Use clothespins or clips to attach labels to containers.

If you are going for a cohesive and uncluttered look, you may wish to avoid various colors of containers. We love what @miriamkeoshian did with her closet organizing baskets! She used similar colors to create a lovely organized closet! What color would you feature?

If you are ready to tackle organizing other closet spaces, you may wish to check out this small coat closet organization tutorial or this Ikea hack closet organization post. Need whole-house organization ideas? Check out this Fabulous Home Organizing Ideas post. Ready to gather some supplies? Check out our shopping links below.