The Ultimate Guide to Linen Closet Organization

Whether located in your bathroom or hallway, a linen closet is an essential feature in many American households. While it may not get as much attention as the laundry room or pantry on Pinterest, it still plays a vital role in storing extra linens, toiletries, cleaning products, and more. Since the linen closet is often tucked away and out of sight, it's easy to toss things in without considering how to best organize them. Here’s how to arrange your linen closet in a way that suits your needs.

How Often Should You Clean Your Linen Closet?

While your linen closet might not be at the top of your cleaning checklist, organizing it annually ensures that you can easily locate what you need. If multiple family members are using the closet, you might want to consider a biannual decluttering session.

Things to Consider Before You Begin

These guidelines are designed for an average-sized linen closet. A typical reach-in linen closet, often found in bathrooms or hallways near bedrooms, usually measures between 30 to 36 inches in width and 15 to 24 inches in depth, according to Scott Davis, vice president of product development and marketing at Closetmaid, a leading storage solutions company.

What You Will Need

Tools / Equipment

Materials Required

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Tidy Up Your Linen Closet, Step by Step

Empty the Closet Completely

Take everything out of the closet to evaluate what's inside. Is there anything that doesn’t belong in this space? Although the contents of linen closets can vary, Davis recommends resisting the temptation to store "anything and everything" here.

"This is valuable closet space, so try to reserve it for items like towels, bedding, toiletries, and anything related to the bathroom or bedroom," he suggests. Remove any items that should be stored elsewhere. If you have sheet sets, blankets, or duvets you haven't used in five years, consider donating or selling them. Get rid of any worn-out towels. While the closet is empty, take the opportunity to vacuum or sweep the floor and wipe down the shelves.

Modify Shelf Heights

If your shelves are adjustable, changing their height can enhance your closet's storage capacity. Here are the optimal measurements to follow:

• Floor space (bulkier items): 18-20 inches
• Lower shelves (small, light items): 16-18 inches tall
• Middle shelves (bed linens): 10-12 inches tall
• Upper-middle shelves (toiletries/cleaning supplies): 10-12 inches tall
• Top shelf (seasonal items): 16-18 inches tall

Store Heavy Items on the Floor

Reserve the floor space for heavier items or large quantities of bulkier linens. Examples include:

• Bulk toilet paper or paper towels
• Pillows for the guest room or seasonal duvets (stored in storage bags)
• Thicker towels (rolled and placed in wire or mesh baskets)
• Laundry basket
• Handheld vacuum

Store Lighter Items on Lower Shelves

Use these shelves for larger, lightweight items that are easy to handle, even if you have to stretch or bend. The advantage of these shelves is that even young children can help put things away or grab a towel when needed. These shelves are perfect for the following items:

• Bath towels (folded or rolled)
• Hand towels and washcloths (stacked with the folded sides facing outward)
• Cleaning rags (stored in a small basket or canvas tote)

Store Bed Linens on the Middle Shelves

Shelves positioned between your waist and eye level are prime storage space, as they are the easiest to reach and view. These shelves are ideal for your bed linens.

• Neatly fold sheets.
• Sort them by size and set.
• Bundle sheet sets together. Place the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases into the corresponding pillowcase.
• Consider downsizing (limit to two sets per bed).

Store Toiletries and Cleaning Supplies on Upper-Middle Shelves

These shelves, located just above eye level, are perfect for items you don’t need frequently or things you’d prefer to keep out of reach from children. Use open-weave baskets or bins to organize and label these items, making it easy to pull them down without disrupting everything else.

• Extra soap, shampoo, toothpaste, or other toiletries
• Beauty and hair products
• Hair styling tools
• Cleaning supplies

Store Seasonal Items on the Top Shelf

Because it’s harder to access, the top shelf is ideal for storing items that are used less frequently, such as a quilt or a comforter meant for colder months, or holiday-themed pillows.