Linen "aka the black hole" Closet
Most of us have a black hole for a linen closet - things go in and are sucked into a vast wasteland rarely to be seen again. This project has been on my organization list for 100 years (well 3 at least). It's so much easier to ignore a project when you can shut away the insanity behind a door.
We all get enticed by beautifully displayed linens in stores - how do they get all those towels stacked up perfectly? (well no one actually uses them that's how). And don't get me started on EVEN trying to fold a fitted sheet - no way, no how. My favorite trick now is putting an entire sheet set inside one pillow case. That way everything is in one place - you don't have to pull down an entire set of not-so-neatly stacked linens in search of a set. Bed Bath & Beyond - this is not.
So, what can we do to get our linen closets into some semblance of order?
EMPTY
As with any organization project, you first need to empty the space - basically moving the big mess that's behind a closed door into an even bigger mess on the floor.
SORT & DISCARD
This is when you have to be brutal - a take-no-prisoners, keep no extra sheets and towels and comforters and pillows and .....(even though they're so cute and you'll use them one day right?). DECIDE how many you ACTUALLY use and DETERMINE how many (if any) extras you want to keep on hand. I decided that if it didn't fit into my storage boxes, then donation time it went. Keep entire sets - odds and ends and stragglers go bye bye.
STORAGE
Find boxes/baskets/bins that work in the closet (and in your budget). Buy these AFTER you've downsized. I've often found myself purchasing organizing supplies before I even knew what I needed. (Like we even need a reason to buy cute organizing bins)
(Optional) COVER THE BOX
I went with inexpensive banker's boxes - they fit tons. For each box, I wanted a pretty front (you can use contact paper, wallpaper, scrapbook paper, etc.) I first covered the front of the boxes with white full-size labels for some extra strength.
I then chose a variety of scrapbook paper, cut them into strips and got out the mod podge to glue them onto the front in a random color pattern. Let them dry for a few hours.
LABELS
You know I'm all about the cute labels, so I headed over to Canva to design and print up some box labels in a color that complimented the paper. Printed them on more of the white full-size labels (it was helpful to use the Avery TrueBlock Shipping labels as they cover everything underneath.)
Stick on the labels. Put everything back in the closet, take pictures to commemorate your success, invite the media (or at least a few friends to help you celebrate), threaten anyone and everyone that things had better go back in the labeled box or (insert a great punishment here). Feel inspired and start all over again (maybe after a Netflix binge).
More Pretty Linen Closet Ideas
