When was the last time you organized your linen closet? Unless you’re obsessively organized (which is a super power we do not possess), it’s probably been a while. Life gets busy, homes get messy, and the linen closet is usually where we find ourselves shutting the door and forgetting the mess inside.

A lot of linen closets are small as well. The most common is a hall closet, or a freestanding closet, neither being a walk-in space full of endless room. And we shove a lifetime’s worth of bedding, sheets, blankets and towels inside. It gets a little out of hand. 

So we say why not purge? Get rid of the stuff you never use (find a list of homeless shelters that accept donations in The U.S. here). Once you get started – it won’t be as overwhelming as you think. A little DIY linen closet cleanup can go a long way.

Start by vacuum sealing and storing seasonal blankets and other rarely used items (no one needs easy access to a wool blanket in the dead of summer). And large items like duvets can be made half their size when sealed tight. After this, you should have a bare linen closet, ready for a good wipe down and makeover.

 

(Insurhouse.com)

 

STEP 1- Shelving and baskets.

Take a look at your closet and your linens and decide how many shelves you want to use for open towel/sheet storage. Maybe your closet has 4 shelves. Perhaps choose the top shelf for towels, the second for sheets, the third for blankets and the fourth for baskets.

Baskets are perfect for storing smaller dish and hand towels, toiletries and even toilet paper. And a larger, woven or open-air basket on the floor makes the perfect place for dirty laundry or toilet paper overflow. We suggest wicker baskets with linen lining, or linen fabric baskets that have some added support. Both materials will allow open-air flow and help contain the must and the dust.

 

(By Stephanie Lynn)

STEP 2 – Towel racks

On the inside of the door it’s easy to add your own towel rack. This makes a great space for hanging soon-to-be-used or lightly used towels and washcloths. And it offers another space for storage rather than just throwing things inside.

Stop over stuffing your linen closets and use the towel racks to help create a more manageable space. This is also a feature you can have a little fun with. Choose a style and material that suits your personality and interior style.

 

(by Womans Day)

STEP 3 – Labels  

We just adore the rustic and romantic look of these handmade labels from The Organized Mom (below). Linen itself is pure shabby chic – the two go hand-in-hand. To stick with the style purchase pre-cut squares and paint them with chalky finish white paint. Use stencils or stickers and find whatever you can to tie the labels to your shelving (twine, ribbons, lace, anything works!)

(Organized Mom) 

If your closet doesn’t have wire shelving, you can choose to glue labels to the shelves. Try smaller, flat bracket labels with an antique or vintage finish. Use your imagination. And if baskets are more your style, add labels to them instead of directly onto the shelves.

 

(Deliciously Organized)

 STEP 4 – The cute stuff

Even though it’s a closet that is hardly seen, we love the idea of throwing some dried lavender or vanilla sticks inside. Not only do we love the look, but the scents will help keep your linens, beds and bathrooms smelling fresh and lovely at all times.

Other accessories like cotton swabs, bath salts and body wash can be stored in appropriate jars or containers.  Look for secure closures and glass or transparent material so your items stay clean and you know what’s inside.

Even though it may get messy all over again, it always feels good to give our linen closet the the makeover it deserves!