Linen Closet Organization: 30-Day Organization Challenge (Day 5)
Today’s project came via a request on Instagram. I would be lying if I said the linen closet was my favorite place to organize. From the very first house my husband and I lived in together, I have been on the hunt for the perfect linen closet. I haven’t found it, 20 years and 11 homes later. But when we move this summer, and finally buy a home I get to remodel, I WILL build my perfect linen closet. Until then, I will work with what I have. And she definitely needs revisited!
Luckily for you, I have plenty of experience with inadequate linen closet storage, so I may be able to help you work with yours. But first, we’ve got to go ahead and take everything out, and go through it all. I was dreading this process a little bit today, because it means a giant mess. But there isn’t any other way around it. It ALL has to come out.
Once you’ve emptied your closet, go ahead and clean it out. When was the last time you actually vacuumed and mopped in there? That’s what I was asking myself anyway 🙂
Now it’s time to go through everything. Here is how I decide what to get rid of:
- Any ripped or stained items
- Sheets that don’t have a match
- Any linens we don’t use or don’t love
I keep two sets of sheets per bed. Even when we have company, I never need more than this. I have roughly two blankets per bed as well. We have a couple extra blanket’s down in the living room, for movie nights. I keep extra pillowcases and pillows on hand as well as seasonal linens and lots of beach towels (you can never have enough in Hawaii). We have four large bath towels per person, so 12, and as many washcloths and hand towels as I want. I can’t seem to hold on to either of these items.
Because we are military, I have kept curtains from previous homes over the years. Today, I finally donated them. It felt good! There was a moment of “should I keep this set? It could work.” But then I snapped out of it and put it in the donate bag. I get to decorate and stay in my next home as long as I want. I don’t need just in case curtains. Besides, I don’t even like those curtains. Y’all, don’t hold onto curtains you don’t like, “just in case.”
I let go of two bags of stuff this go around and it felt so good! My hubby always gives me a funny look when I start donating all the things. But I think he should be used to it by now 🙂
Okay, now for some of the tricks I have learned over the years.
- There are SO many ways to fold a blanket, towel, pillowcase, etc. I thought about demonstrating some of them, but I am literally writing these posts daily, as I organize. It would’ve taken too much time. Do yourself a favor and do a quick google or Pinterest search. Find a method you like and that you can stick with, and that fits your linen closet. For years I swore towels had to be folded the same way. Well, then we moved to Belgium where I didn’t have a SINGLE closet. My linen “closet” was an IKEA shelf, and the only way my towels fit, were rolled. It worked for three years. But I’m back to my old ways now. Play around and find what you like. And if you don’t know how, google how to fold a fitted sheet. It will change your life!
2. Consider putting seasonal linens, in bins, and store them where you store your seasonal decor. This works really well, especially if you have a smaller linen closet.
3. If you have the drawer space in your kitchen, or a China cabinet, consider storing any cloth napkins, table runners, placemats, etc., away from the linen closet. It’s nice to have them nearby where you actually use them.
4. If you have the space, grab a basket or bin and throw the smaller items in them. Bins and baskets look so pretty on shelves, and they can hide lots of things. BUT only things that you love.
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That’s it for today’s project. I hope you are finding some easy, useful tips, to help you get your home organized. It really doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it. And remember, just take it one step at a time. Yes, I am trying to do one project a day. But if you find that overwhelming, or you “fall behind” just slow it down. I have 20 years of habits built into my “quick projects.” So, what takes me 30-minutes, might take you a couple hours. That is okay. Go at your speed, and feel free to reach out for extra help! I love helping 🙂
