How To Organize A Linen Closet: Maximize Space
It always surprises me at just how small the average linen closet is, even in some of the largest of new-build homes. I don’t know how large families manage. Our own bungalow was a new-build when we moved in. And despite it being a relatively small, 2-bedroom home, keeping our one linen closet organized was always a bit of a challenge. But these days, though, I’m happy to say that the configuration and functionality of it is exactly as I want it to be.
5 Tips To Create An Organized Linen Closet – Maximize Space
Decluttering and organizing any space can be a daunting task, but with these simple tips, you’ll have your linen closet tidied up in no time.
Tip 1: Edit, Edit, Edit
Before I organize any space, I ALWAYS start by sorting through what I should keep, toss, or donate. Why? Because when you have fewer things to manage, it’s far easier to keep your home tidy, neat, and organized. It can be tempting to use up every nook and cranny, but don’t do it! Clutter just breeds more clutter.
Tip 2: Do Not Buy More Than Is Absolutely Necessary
How many towels or sheets is considered too many? Only you will know for sure. But what I suggest is to Pay attention to how many towels you ACTUALLY use in a typical week THEN take into account the maximum number of guests you have had overnight. This should give you a better idea as to the maximum number of towels, sheets, pillow cases, etc. that you actually need.
Tip 3: Corral Smaller or Likely-To-Crash-Or-Spill Items Into Bins – Baskets
Smaller items can often get lost or fall to the floor if not contained. Bins and baskets are, therefore, a must to keep them organized. Here is a breakdown of all the bins and baskets I’m using and loving:
- Flexible, Woven Baskets
- Sturdy, Wire Baskets
- Fabric Storage Cubes – 3-Pack
I keep extra toilet paper in these soft, flexible woven baskets on the floor of our linen closet. Because of their round shape, it allows me to maximize the number of rolls I can store in each basket and their pretty, too.
With the exception of a few products under our kitchen sink and in our laundry room, all our household cleaning products are stored in these wire baskets. These wire baskets are sturdy and can carry a lot of weight so that, if I need to, I can pull the basket off the shelf with the products still in them.
I purchased these fabric storage cubes as a 3-pack and love just how versatile they are. I use one to store our paper towels which were previously just stuffed in the closet, still in their plastic wrapping and often falling to the floor. But now they’re contained and easy to retrieve. I use the second storage cube to store additional Kleenex boxes. And the third? I use it to store away some of our ugly towels. Mainly old beach towels that hubby insists on keeping!
Tip 4: Maximize Space Using Undershelf Storage
Once you edit, buy only what you need, relocate, and corral items into bins and baskets, you can start maximizing that empty vertical space with a few undershelf storage systems. I discovered this undershelf a couple of years ago and purchased a few of them to use in my craft room in order to keep my yarn stash a bit tidier.
No hardware is needed for these simple undershelf organizers. Simply slide them on and off any shelf with ease. These undershelf storage baskets are a great way to add a bit more vertical storage in a tight space.
Tip 5: Keep A Small Stool Nearby To Reach for Items Stored Up High
Whether your closet is too high or you just need a bit of extra height to get to items that are just out of reach, a small or foldable stool like mine is great to have around. What I like about this step-stool and others like it, is that you can fold it up and store it away easily without taking up much space. Keeping a small stool like this one on hand also means that you won’t be tempted to simply toss items on the top shelf and mess up your closet.
Sources Mentioned
- Woven Baskets
- Wire Baskets
- Fabric Storage Cubes – 3-Pack
- Under-shelves – 2-Pack
- Foldable Step-Stool or others like mine
Conclusion
Whether your linen closet needs a complete overhaul or you just need to tidy things up a bit, I hope these tips on how to organize a linen closet has given you some fresh inspiration on how to keep your linen closet neat and tidy and maximize the space available. Happy organizing!
Be Inspired!
Check out these other organizing projects:
- Simple Decluttering & Organizing Ideas To Get You Motivated!
- No-Cost Closet Reorganization In Under An Hour
- Organizing My Craft Room/Office Take The Tour
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Leave A Reply
- Reply Darlene Zdero February 17, 2022 at 6:39 am
- Reply Jelica June 12, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Thanks, these are great ideas, I now need to purge my closet lol. A lot of people probably have bins around the house they could use as well, if they don’t want to buy new and it’s a good way to use up things that are just shoved away, to give them purpose as well. Thanks for the folding tool tip, I just bought the one you have, looking forward to using it so I don’t fall off the cheap plastic broken one I have. Always enjoy watching or reading your DIY blogs. Cheers Darlene Zdero
Thanks Darlene! So glad you found this one helpful. Yes, I always like having extra bins on hand and find myself repurposing others that I already have. It’s so useful and such a great way to get organized. I’ve found that places where I’ve used bins tend to be the most tidy and organized areas of my home. Always helpful
Cancel Reply
What is the main purpose of the article?
The main purpose of the article is to provide tips on how to organize a linen closet and maximize the available space.
What are the 5 tips included in the article?
The tips are: Edit, Edit, Edit; Do Not Buy More Than Is Absolutely Necessary; Corral Smaller or Likely-To-Crash-Or-Spill Items Into Bins – Baskets; Maximize Space Using Undershelf Storage; and Keep A Small Stool Nearby To Reach for Items Stored Up High.
What type of baskets and containers are recommended for organizing items?
Flexible, Woven Baskets, Sturdy, Wire Baskets, and Fabric Storage Cubes are recommended.
Why is it important to edit items before organizing?
Editing items before organizing helps to reduce clutter, making it easier to keep the space tidy, neat, and organized.
How can one maximize the vertical space in their linen closet?
Using undershelf storage systems can help to maximize the vertical space in a linen closet.
What is suggested to help reach items stored high in the closet?
A small or foldable stool is suggested to reach items stored up high.
