How to Arrange a Linen Closet

Rearrange your linen closet to easily find towels, bed sheets and blankets.

Digging for a new set of sheets while balancing a stack of towels is a good indicator that your linen closet needs an organizational makeover. An organized linen closet makes it a lot easier to locate exactly what you need, saving you time and frustration. The exact organization of the linen closet will vary from person to person based on the contents and personal organizing style. The important thing is that you create a sense of order and arrange the linen closet in a way that makes sense to you and your family.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Cloth
• Shelf liner
• Storage baskets

Instructions

1. Remove everything from the linen closet. Clean the shelves and floor of the linen closet. Dust them with a damp cloth or gently spray them with a mixture of vinegar and water before wiping them clean. Cover the shelves with a scented shelf liner to keep the contents fresh. The shelf liner also will prevent snagged towels if the shelf has any rough spots.

2. Sort through the items to decide what will go back into the closet. Get rid of any old, torn towels that you no longer use. Find a new storage place for items that don't belong in the closet.

3. Organize the remaining linen closet contents by type. Keeping everything together with similar items makes it easier when you go to find something. Categorize the items by how often they are used.

4. Choose a location for the items based on the frequency of their use. Place the items used on a daily basis such as towels and washcloths on an easily accessible shelf. Designate the highest shelves for things used less frequently, such as blankets for the guest room.

5. Arrange extra toilet paper, bottles and other small items in baskets or storage boxes without lids. This prevents them from falling all over the closet and makes them easy to find.

6. Teach your family about the new linen closet organization. Ask everyone to do their part by carefully removing items from the closet so they don't knock over an entire pile.

7. Take the time to fold the linen closet contents neatly every time they are washed. Put everything away in its assigned spot to maintain the organized linen closet. Straighten up the linen closet on a regular basis to prevent it from getting out of control.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using vacuum seal bags for things not used very often. This will give you more space in the storage closet and keep the items clean.

References

• Family Circle Magazine: Organize Your Linen Closet