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Organizing Your Linen Closet

9
Jan
2013
Blog category

Do you dream of a tidy linen closet, where everything is neatly folded and easy to find? Maybe you've Konmari-ed your wardrobe and are managing to stick to a capsule collection, but your linens are still out of control.

Sometimes a small thing like sorting out your linen closet can make a big difference to how we feel: if life seems overwhelming and too busy, a cupboard full of piles of clean, fresh linen can do wonders for the soul. To help create a sense of calm and order we've got some tips on how to organize your linen closet in just a few minutes. And once you've got your cotton or linen bed linen, towels, tablecloths and other home textiles straight, it's easy to keep them that way too.

Linen closet

  1. Gather all your linen together in one place and sort into categories: pillows, blankets, linen towels, cotton towels, bed linen sheets, tablecloths, linen napkins and other napkins, and table runners.

  2. Limit yourself to two - three bed linen sets per bed and three sets of bath sheets and hand towels per person. Have some sets of guest towels. Of course, we recommend linen towels and sheets because they are kind to your skin and help regulate your body temperature so you can sleep deeply and comfortably. Donate your old, worn or unused linens to charity, or find other uses for them at home (here are some ideas on how to recycle old towels and save on waste).
  3. Clean the closet shelves and adjust them to accommodate your linens. Allow a 10 inch height for sheets and table linens, 12-16 inches for towels, and about 20 inches or more from the top shelf to the ceiling for larger items (e.g. blankets, pillows).

Linen closet - basket

  • Put bulky, infrequently used items (such as pillows, comforters and quilts) on the highest or lowest shelves. Keep them in their original bedding bags to protect them from dust.
  • Now sort your towels by size or type. The best way to fold towels so they’ll stack perfectly and fit most shelves is to fold them in thirds lengthwise, then fold in half (matching the ends to each other), then fold in half again. Another way is to fold towels in half and roll them up like in a spa. Since towels are used frequently, keep them within convenient reach. Store beach towels can go on a separate shelf or behind your bath towels.
  • Sort bed sheets into sizes and/or according to their fabric – linen bed linen, flannel bed linen etc. If you don't want to store pillow cases and duvet covers separately, create a set including a sheet and everything will be easy to find when you're changing the bed. Just grab a pile and go, instead of rifling around for matching covers.
  • Dedicate a separate space for your table linen. Fold tablecloths in half and them in half once more so, then hang on a wooden hanger covered with acid-free paper inside the closet. Cotton or linen napkins and table runners can be sorted according to size or color.

Linen Closet - table linen

Once you've got all your linens in order, occasionally check the humidity and temperature in the closet. The humidity should be at 50 percent and temperatures at 60 to 65 degrees F (16 to 18C). Avoid extreme fluctuations of humidity and temperature levels. Check the closet regularly for mildew and mold.

For more tips on how to clear you linen closet here. Happy folding!

For more linen care tips visits Houserituals website.

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ABOUT

Inga

I'm Inga and this is a space where I celebrate simple, slow living. It's a place to be curious and creative, to share ideas on how to live and work sustainably and mindfully. Being the creative force behind LinenMe.com I also write about my love for linen and natural fabrics. Linenbeauty weaves inspiring stories of slow living with interior style features, travel and cookery tips and outfit ideas. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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