True confession: Sometimes I leave clean, folded sheets and blankets on the chair in my bedroom because I do not want to deal with the linen closet.
Linen Closet Mayhem
See what I mean?
Trying to find a spot in there can take a LONG time and can cause my version of a temper tantrum: Searching, pushing, shoving, scowling, eventual cursing because I have scraped my knuckles on the lovely wire shelves, smashing, and dashing in a huff. (In case you don’t do sarcasm, I am not a fan of the wire shelf!)
Today, I found these motivational photos. I might not end up with a replica, but whatever I end up with has to be better than what I started with! Scroll down for my suggestions on organizing a linen closet.
Notice the neat bins with labels--photo by Mo' Belle
Love the solid shelving--photo by orgjunkie
Neat as a pin--photo by Spice_Diva
Notice the efficient use of the door--photo by happylittlehouse
Completely functional--photo by Dazed81
Motivated? I thought so…
Steps to organizing a linen closet:
- Clear the guest bed (or any large, flat surface. You can use the floor if you vacuum first!)
- Get a pad of paper, pen, and tape measure.
- Begin clearing out the closet. Completely. But sort as you go. For example, group full sized linens together, twin, king, whatever.
- If you keep medicines or first aid supplies in your linen closet, check expiration dates and pitch as indicated. Note items that need replacement on the pad of paper.
- If something got shoved in that does not belong, put it in a separate pile to be correctly distributed later.
- Include a Donation pile, but check first with charities to see if they accept used bedding. As always, if something is in bad shape, use it for a dropcloth or rag. Do not donate trash.
- Inventory what you have, and decide on a location in the closet. Keep frequently used items where they are handiest.
- If you have a little extra cash, you might consider buying some canvas (or plastic) bins to keep items neat. Be sure to measure shelf dimensions first–width, depth, and distance between. Note this on your pad and take with you to shop. Try a Big Lots, Old Time Pottery, or other discount stores for bins. You might be pleasantly surprised at the deal you find!
- Be sure to label locations or bins. It is not easy to tell by looking which are twin and which are full sheets. Labels do not have to be cute (although that would be fun), just functional. Do not skip this step!
- Make a vow to yourself to use your linen closet to its fullest potential–not as a messy catch-all–and encourage insist other family members do the same!
One last note, check out Carmen Coker’s blog here. She offers many ideas and tips for organizing, as well as some free printable labels! Take some time to look around. You will be glad you did!
How does your linen closet look now? We haveonly one in this house, in Bret’s bathroom – a make-shift one in the Master clsoet – it needs a little attention – maybe next week!!!
LOVE your new look! Just like cleaning the closet (only more fun).
You could come do an Extreme Home Linen Closet Make-over on my upstairs linen closet.
Come on…pictures and everything!
Also, I have a shoe bag hanging on the back of the door in my Kitchen that goes to the basement, and I use it for my cleaning supplies – - swifter duster in one pouch, windex in another, rags in the bottom pockets, batteries and A/C adapters in another pocket. I love not losing the space in my cabinets to the Endust and Lysol.
P.S> I love the new website skin! Very cute!
Thanks, Cathy. I appreciate your stopping by!
Hello. This is kind of an “unconventional” question , but have other visitors asked you how get the menu bar to look like you’ve got it? I also have a blog and am really looking to alter around the theme, however am scared to death to mess with it for fear of the search engines punishing me. I am very new to all of this …so i am just not positive exactly how to try to to it all yet. I’ll just keep working on it one day at a time Thanks for any help you can offer here.
Hello, Small Woodworking Projects! Sorry I can’t help with any site design questions…This one is a free theme from Wordpress. I like it except for the Navigation buttons. I can’t figure out how to enter info on the FAQ, in particular. Good luck!