How To Organize A Linen Closet & Maximize Space

Get some tips and tricks on how to organize a linen closet and maximize space. You’ll have all those towels and sheets tidied up in no time!

 

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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 be.  

It may not be the prettiest nor the most ‘Pinterest-worthy’ of closets, but it is a practical, no-nonsense space that is just so darn usable for us 🙂

So if you’re struggling to get your linen closet under control, let me share with you some of things I’ve learned not only about organizing a linen closet, but about maximizing the space available.

5 Tips To Create An Organized Linen Closet & Maximize Space

Tip #1:  Edit, Edit, Edit

Before I organize any space, I ALWAYS start by sorting through what I should keep, toss, or donate.

(See:  Simple Decluttering & Organizing Ideas To Get You Motivated.)

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. Better to have a little extra space, in case you need it later on.

BUT if you MUST keep more items than your closet can practically contain – even after ruthlessly editing – avoid overstuffing by relocating a few key items.

Our guest bedroom, for example, contains an extra set of sheets, allowing my linen closet to remain neat and tidy. 

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:

1. Pay attention to how many towels you ACTUALLY use in a typical week
2. 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. 

(The same goes for those other items that you store in your linen closet (as I do) such as toilet paper, kleenex boxes, and cleaning supplies). 

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

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 🙂 ).

Sturdy, Wire Baskets

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. 

In the past, we had our cleaning products in a large, plastic bin, but I was always losing track of which household cleaners were inside it.

Now, I can see them all and not inadvertently duplicate any purchases.  

Fabric Storage Cubes (3-Pack)

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, re-locate, and corral items into bins and baskets, you can start  maximizing that empty vertical space with a few under-shelf 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.

(See:  Organize My Craft Room/Office With Me.)

I was so pleased with how they kept my collection of yarn tidier and easier to manage that I decided to purchase three more for our linen closet.

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)

Underselves (2-pack)

Foldable Step-Stool (or others like mine)

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 🙂

 

 

 

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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)

 

Feeling Overwhelmed? Check Out These Simple Decluttering Tips: