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Small Space-Linen Closet
by Christine Vick
Maybe it’s the Murphy’s Law of closets: The more you desire an organized (and perhaps slightly lavender-scented) linen closet, the more likely yours is to be an unsightly jumble of towels and toiletries (with a faint odor of gym socks emanating from the hamper stored beneath the bottom shelf). It is possible to sort and stack your way to a calm, composed closet, and even to teach your family to keep it that way!
A bed requires only two sets of sheets, period, says organizer Lorie Marrero: “One to wash, and one to ‘wear.’” The rule of twos applies to towels as well: two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths per family member. (Have some extras for guests, but not too many.) Another rule: “Learn to fold properly,” advises Marrero. “It doesn’t matter so much how you fold as long as you fold everything the same way, so you create neat stacks that won’t fall over.” Other tips:
 “Color code linens for easy sorting, or simplify and go all white,” recommends stylist Susan Webb-Shah. “Nothing is more refreshing than opening your linen closet and seeing it stocked with crisp white linens.” Keeping whites clean is easier too, since you can wash them in hot water with bleach.
Mark sheet sizes K (king), Q, (queen) and T (twin) on the lower left-hand corner with a laundry marker (try Sharpie’s Rub-a-Dub pen), so you won’t have to unfold sheets to see the size.
Fold a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and one pillowcase, and place them inside the remaining pillowcase. The sheets sets will stack up perfectly.
Assign each family member a color and purchase sheets, towels and a toothbrush in that person’s identifying color. No more mixed ups!
Comforters can be big space wasters, especially if they’re just sitting on a shelf.
Marrero recommends investing in Space Bags (large zip-closure bags that can be compressed by vacuuming out excess air) for blankets you want to keep but only use occasionally. Caution: Don’t use the bags for heirloom quilts; such blankets need to “breathe.”
Display quilts on a wall or rack instead of storing them, or lay a favorite throw over the back of a chair.
 Most linen closets do double duty as storage for toiletries, cleaning supplies and medicines, so put some thought into how to make the space efficient and aesthetically appealing.
Unwrap toilet paper and stack rolls neatly. Remove soaps from cardboard boxes and arrange in a large glass container. Unwrap extra toothbrushes and store them upright in a glass canister. Now, when you grab a refill, you won’t have to deal with any trash.
Contain extra toiletries in labeled boxes, organizer drawers or baskets. (It’s easier to get things in and out of a container without a lid).
Medications not taken daily should be stored on a top shelf in a locked or childproof box labeled “Rx Drugs,” “Children’s Medicines,” etc.
“Storing the toilet bowl cleaner alongside clean sheets isn’t very appealing,” observes Webb-Shah. “Instead, make a cleaning kit for each bathroom.” Buy a caddy, fill small spray bottles with cleaners, and add a roll of paper towels. Store your mini-caddy in the bathroom vanity for quick and easy cleanings. However, if you have small children, be sure to place this supply out of reach.
Oh, and about that laundry hamper. Consider finding it a new home.
Christine Vick
Christine Vick is a Senior Editor at Organize.
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