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I know firsthand that a disorganized linen closet can feel like a black hole of mismatched pillowcases and random items. But with a little time and the right strategy, even the smallest linen closet can become a functional clutter-free space! Here’s how I tackled mine:
Assess Categories
Working in sections from top to bottom, pull everything out of your closet and make piles based on item categories. Every linen closet should have these basic categories:
- Sheets
- Bath Towels
- Hand Towels
- Washcloths
Depending on what other closets/spaces you have in your home, you may also be able to add a few of these categories:
- First Aid
- Medicine
- Travel Items
- Toiletry Backstock
- Home Utility
- Cleaning Backstock
Once you have all your items out of the closet and sorted into categories, decide what you can realistically keep in your linen closet. Some categories will likely need to be relocated to a different space.
Declutter & Minimize
Decluttering is the most important step to any organization project, and a small linen closet is no exception. With all of your categories laid out, go through each item and ask yourself:
- Do I use this item regularly?
- Is it in good condition, or is it stained/torn?
- Do I actually need this many of it?
For example, I suggest keeping two bath towels per person in your home + two guest towels. Any additional towels I recommend donating. Same thing with sheets, I recommend two sets per bed in your home and donating the rest.
Donate any damaged linens or towels to an animal shelter or use them as cleaning/project rags. Keeping only what’s truly needed makes organizing so much easier!
Choose Space-Efficient Organizers
Maximizing vertical space and keeping items contained is our first priority in a small closet! Start by measuring your closet and then choose organizers that use as much vertical space as possible while maximizing the depth of your shelves.
Here are some of my favorite organizers for small linen closets:
- Sheet cubes: These are game-changers for keeping sheet sets tidy. I highly recommend them!
- Shelf dividers: These are perfect for keeping stacks of towels or sheets neat and upright.
- 2-tier organizers: These slide-out organizers are perfect for toiletry, first aid, or travel items. They use extra vertical space and are easily labeled. I have three in my small linen closet and I love them.
- Tall bins: I love using labeled bins to group backstock or home utility items. These tall multipurpose ones are my favorite!
- Baskets: I recommend adding a basket to the bottom of your closet to store vacuum-sealed pillows or larger backstock items. You can also add baskets to your shelves to contain towels or sheets.
By choosing the right organizers, you’re not just tidying up—you’re giving each item a specific home within the closet. Doing this will keep it organized for years to come!
Label, Label, Label
An organized space will be fleeting if it isn’t clear where items belong after being used. Clearly labeling makes it obvious that even your kids and husband will be able to put things back where they go! There are two ways you can go about labeling:
- Use a label maker. If you have one, you can use your label maker to make customizable labels. Here is the label maker that I have and love!
- You can make your own DIY labels with my templates and print them at home. Get the templates and instructions by clicking here.
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Taking the time to assess categories, declutter, and use smart organizers transformed my chaotic linen closet into a space I actually enjoy using. Whether your closet is overflowing or just needs a refresh, these steps can help you reclaim order in one of the most overlooked spots in your home.
What are your favorite linen closet organization tips? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!
