This Is Exactly How You Should Organize Your Linen Closet (2024)

Updated on April 20, 2023

How to Organize Your Linen Closet Step-by-Step

1. Take Everything Out

   Remove everything from the closet so you can assess what's in there. Is there anything that doesn't belong in this storage space? While exactly what people store in their linen closets varies, Davis suggests you resist the urge to store "anything and everything" here.

   "This is premium closet space, so try to only use it for items like bedding, towels, toiletries, and things related to the bathroom and bedroom," he says. Set aside any items that should be stashed elsewhere. And if there are sheet sets, blankets, or duvets you haven't used in five years, it's time to donate or sell them. Toss threadbare towels. While everything is out of the closet, vacuum or sweep the floor and wipe down the shelves.

2. Adjust Shelf Heights

   If you can adjust your shelf placement, you can make your closet a more effective storage space. Here are the measurements that work best:

   • Floor space (bulk items): between 18-20 inches
   • Lower shelves (small, lightweight items): between 16 and 18 inches tall
   • Middle shelves (bed linens): between 10 and 12 inches tall
   • Upper-middle shelves (cleaning supplies/toiletries): between 10 to 12 inches tall
   • Top shelf (seasonal items): between 16 and 18 inches tall

3. Place Hefty Items on the Floor

   Use the floor for heftier items you buy in large quantities or bulkier linens. Here are some examples:

   • Toilet paper or paper towels bought in bulk
   • Guest room pillows or seasonal duvets (enclosed in storage bags)
   • Thicker towels (rolled up and stored in wire or mesh baskets)
   • Laundry basket
   • Handheld vacuum

4. Put Lightweight Items on Lower Shelves

   Use these shelves for sizable but lightweight items that are easy to move even if you have to bend or reach. The good thing about these shelves is that even the youngest kids can help put the items away or find a towel when needed. This is a good spot for the following items:

   • Bath towels (folded or rolled up)
   • Hand towels and washcloths (stacked with the folded sides facing out)
   • Cleaning rags (stashed in a small basket or canvas tote)

5. Store Bed Linens on Middle Shelves

   Shelves between your waist and eye level are the prime real estate because they're easiest to see and access. These shelves should be for your bed linens.

   • Fold sheets neatly.
   • Store them by size and set.
   • Bundle sheet sets together. Place the fitted sheet, the flat sheet, and the pillowcases into the set's matching pillowcase.
   • Downsize if necessary (limit sheets to two sets per bed).

6. Keep Toiletries and Cleaning Supplies on Upper-Middle Shelves

   Slightly above eye level, these higher shelves are good for items you access less often or items you don't want the kids to be able to reach. Organize (and label) these items in open-weave baskets or bins, so it's easier to pull them off the shelf without knocking everything over.

   • Extra soap, shampoo, toothpaste, or other toiletries
   • Beauty and hair products
   • Hot tools
   • Cleaning supplies

7. Stash Seasonal Items on the Top Shelf

   Since it's hard to reach, the top shelf is a good spot to store lesser-used items like a quilt or comforter you only use in the colder months or holiday accent pillows.