A Professional Organizer's Secrets For Keeping a Neat Linen Closet

Getting snuggled into bed, surrounded by a plushness of pillows and blankets, is the best way to relax after a long and tough day. Similarly, wrapping up in a soft and fluffy towel is the perfect end note after taking a hot shower or bath. And while we enjoy these precious linens for our daily habits, we should remember that how we choose to store them while they aren't in use is just as important. We became curious about the most helpful tips and tricks when it comes to keeping our linens clean, orderly, and neatly arranged, so we reached out to Mallory Lindsey, expert organizer and owner of Organize With Mallory, for the inside scoop. Read on as she reveals some key guidelines (and even a few hacks!) we should all follow when maintaining our own linen closets.

01
Don't Focus Too Much on Expensive Organizing Baskets
Julie Blanner

Don't Focus Too Much on Expensive Organizing Baskets

"Don't feel obligated to buy expensive baskets and containers to organize your linens. I think we all can get carried away with spending too much on organization materials. You can fold and place the fitted sheet, top sheet, and additional pillow cases inside one pillow case to keep it all together. You don't have to have a basket for everything!"

02
Only Keep What You Need
Domino

Only Keep What You Need

"Take the time to look at each item and decide if it's necessary to keep. Once you get your linen closet simplified and cleaned out, it's a lot easier to maintain. If an item doesn't belong in a linen closet, take it out," Mallory instructs.

03
Discard and Donate Unwanted Items
Julie Blanner

Discard and Donate Unwanted Items

Mallory suggests we "throw away any [sheets] that have holes, stains, or are worn down. You only need one full set of sheets for each bed, plus one extra set for backup. Notice I said full sheet sets. Discard or donate those that you have been hanging on to for too long or are miscellaneous pieces to the set. This includes pillows too!"

04
Keep Bedding Sets Together
Domino

Keep Bedding Sets Together

"Organize your sheets by keeping full sets together (fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillow cases folded and located in one stack) so everything is easily accessible when needed. It saves space and time and looks great."

05
Keep a Donation Bag at the Bottom of Your Closet
House *Tweaking

Keep a Donation Bag at the Bottom of Your Closet

"At the bottom of my linen closet, I keep a 'to donate' basket/bag. I throw items in there when needed, and when it's full, I take it to Goodwill. Having that basket in sight makes me more eager to downsize and get rid of things that don't bring me joy. I'm also helping out our community by donating!"

06
Take Advantage of Other Free Space
Bed Bath & Beyond

Take Advantage of Other Free Space

"If you don't have a separate space to store linens, keep them in a closed plastic container under your bed. You can purchase containers with rollers on them that create easy access. A lot of us forget about the space under our beds. Don't waste it!"

07
Assign a Space For Each Item
Domino

Assign a Space For Each Item

"Remember, every item has its assigned space, so make it a habit to put the items back where they belong. Organize by category and give each category its own space — sheets, blankets, towels, etc. Don't be lazy!" Mallory recommends.

08
Invest in Good Sheets
Pottery Barn

Invest in Good Sheets

"You don't have to spend a lot to have great linens. I love shopping for bargains, especially at discount retail stores," Mallory advises.

09
Make Your Linens Kid-Accessible
Pottery Barn

Make Your Linens Kid-Accessible

"If you have kids, keep their items (blankets and towels) in reaching distance so they can help themselves to what they need. Holding them accountable for keeping their area neat and organized is a great learning opportunity for them as well," Mallory points out.