Ah, the linen closet and coat closet—two spaces that, despite their small size, have a sneaky way of becoming cluttered and chaotic. Whether it’s the avalanche of towels when you open the linen closet door or the hunt for a coat buried beneath a sea of scarves and gloves, these areas can cause some serious frustration. But fear not! With a little common sense organization magic, you can turn these closets into functional, neat spaces! Ready to conquer the clutter?
Linen Closet Organization Tips: Wrangle Those Sheets and Towels
1. Sort and Declutter First
First things first, let’s get real about decluttering. Take everything out of the closet and assess what you actually need and use. Old towels that have seen better days? Out! Sheets that have the corner that always pops off? Donate or repurpose them. By trimming down your collection to the essentials, you’ll create more space for the things you love and use regularly.
2. Group Similar Items Together
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to categorize. Group your towels, sheets, and other linens by type. You can even go a step further and organize them by size (bath towels, hand towels, etc.) or by room if you have multiple bedrooms. This makes it easy to find what you need in a flash!
3. Invest in Baskets or Bins
Baskets and bins are lifesavers for linen closet organization. They keep items contained and create a clean, uniform look. Use different-sized bins for different items. For instance, smaller bins work well for hand-towels and washcloths, while larger bins can hold blankets and towels. Be sure to label them so you can find exactly what you need.
4. Find Your Folding Method
When it comes to storing towels there are many variations on the ideal fold. You may like a rectangular fold but your spouse may prefer the square fold. Find the method that works best for you and your closet space and is easiest to stick to right out of the dryer. You may even want to consider rolling your towels instead! This can save a surprising amount of space and rolls are easy to grab.
5. Store Sheet Sets Together
If you dread folding a fitted sheet, don’t worry about making your sheet sets look pinterest-worthy in the linen closet. Instead, using baskets may be the best option to keep your sets contained. For smaller spaces, try storing each sheet set together in one of the pillowcases. This keeps everything in one neat bundle! If you have multiple bed sizes in your home, try these handy elastic labels to quickly see which size sheet set you need to grab.
6. Use Vertical Space
I love this one! Maximize every inch of your linen closet by utilizing vertical space. Install extra shelves or add an over-the-door organizer to hold smaller items like spare toiletries or cleaning supplies. You can also use shelf risers to create more room for stacking towels or bins without everything toppling over.
Coat Closet Organization Tips: Tame the Outerwear Jungle
1. Outerwear Elimination
Much like with the linen closet, start by taking everything out. Evaluate which coats, and accessories you actually wear and which ones are taking up valuable space. Seasonal coats you haven’t worn in years or kids have outgrown? Time to donate. Single glove with no mate? Toss it! Keep only the items that you use regularly or that serve a specific purpose (hello, rain jacket!). Consider moving “fashion” outerwear like jean jackets, moto-jackets, or cardigans to your clothes closet instead.
2. Use Matching Hangers for a Sleek Look
Nothing elevates the look of a coat closet like matching hangers. It may sound simple, but ditching mismatched, bulky hangers for a set of slim, uniform ones can instantly create a more streamlined appearance.
3. Add Hooks for Accessories
Install hooks on the inside of the closet door or on the wall for easy storage of scarves, hats, and umbrellas. This keeps small items from getting lost or crumpled at the bottom of the closet, and it’s super convenient when you’re heading out the door.
4. Utilize a Shoe Rack for Boots and Shoes
Keep the floor of your coat closet clear by using a shoe rack for boots and shoes. Not only will this make the space look tidier, but it also prevents dirt and mud from getting on your other belongings. Have a small space? Try keeping seasonal footwear or workboots here (rainboots, winter boots, yard shoes or boots) and your daily wear and fashion shoes in your clothes closet.
5. Use Bins for Gloves, Hats, and Other Accessories
Much like your linen closet, bins work wonders for keeping accessories organized. Designate a bin for gloves, one for hats, and another for miscellaneous items like sunglasses. Label them so you know exactly where to find what you need. Bonus tip for smaller spaces: If bins are too big try packing your knit hats, gloves, scarves or other accessories into a travel packing cube like these. Items stay neatly contained and the cubes are easy to pull out and put back without causing more chaos.
6. Rotate Seasonally
If your coat closet is overflowing, consider rotating your outerwear based on the season. Store heavy winter coats and boots in another area during the warmer months, and bring them back out when the weather cools. This helps keep the space functional, relevant to the season, and tidy year-round.
The Final Touch
Once you’ve organized your linen and coat closets, maintaining them is key! Make it a habit to do a quick check every few months to ensure things are still in their designated spots. A little upkeep goes a long way in keeping the chaos at bay.
Fall and Spring are perfect times to tackle these spaces but if you need help I’m here for you any time of year! Set up a free consultation with me so we can find your perfect solution to organize your closets, or any other space in your home!