How to Organize Your Linen Closet to Maximize Storage Space

In this article, we will go over the following:

• Customizing your closet based on your inventory.
• Getting to know the area you have to work with.
• How to store specialty items.
• Tips on keeping the space smelling fresh.

I firmly believe that if there is a chore you do not enjoy or a room that stresses you out upon entering it, it's time to make new rituals around them, a little positive reinforcement for our well-being. For example, putting the laundry away is annoying, but it is also the perfect time to catch up on your favorite podcast while burning a relaxing candle and feeling good about crossing the task off your list. It's all about perspective. If there is one thing I know, it's that if a space looks good and smells pleasant, chances are you will want to keep it that way.

So, let's talk about organization. I don't think there is any other moment in life where I swear at my shopping habits more than when facing my linen closet, but it's no wonder why. It is by far the easiest thing to forget about and the only spot that contains a little bit of everything: cleaning supplies, linens, toilet paper, electronics like photography equipment— you name it, and it has probably been stored there. I have organized my linen closet in the past, but with any decor, sometimes you need to live with it to know what you need.

‍Here are some tips I've learned throughout my mistakes so you can organize your closet in a way that sticks.

Take inventory of everything in your closet.

The first step to organizing any closet is to take inventory. Everyone has different belongings, so this is the blueprint of the closet's layout. Have a bunch of small items? That might require stackable containers! Do you store cables and electronics in the closet? Zip ties and labeling may come in handy. Whatever you might have, note the most predominant category so you can properly plan for space and, if needed, invest in containers to house the goods properly.

Measure your closet's shelving height and depth.

Maximizing your storage space means knowing the measurements you have to work with. My initial mistake on my first attempt at reorganizing the closet was not measuring each shelf’s height individually. It turned out that each shelf varied, and if I had taken the time to measure the height, I would have bought clear stackable bins instead of the flimsy textile ones. When working with depth, it's important to use as much depth as possible to avoid hiding things behind others. If your eye can see everything laid out, it will be easier to read the labels and get what you need daily—which is key to maintaining the system. This can be a bit tricky to visualize, so taking the measurements and laying it out on Vizi is the best way to ensure that things look the way you envision before purchasing organizational products.

Address bulky and specialty items and find a space for them.

While you can organize small items into cute bins and boxes, bulky items can take up so much space that it requires special containers that will constrict them to minimize their footprint. For bulky comforters, look for storage containers with a mesh or PVC window so you can peek in when needed, or opt for a vacuum-sealed bag if it is stored for a season. Both options can retain odor if they are not breathable fabric, so throw in a dryer sheet so that the fresh scent remains. Fitted sheets can also be a big concern! Some products claim to make this a cinch, and while they seem easy to use, they come at a steep price when they are not sold out! An alternative would be to learn how to fold them. They can be hard to fold, but the Marie Kondo method is very helpful. Check out her illustrated book "Spark Joy" for tips on folding the unfoldable—she can fold anything into a neat little package. Having all the bedding in cohesive storage boxes is very satisfying! I recommend using storage with structure as well so that they are stackable.

Keep things fresh in your linen closet.

Making space for air fresheners in your closet is a must! Nothing is more gratifying than opening the door to your freshly organized closet and being greeted by a lovely scent; this can be achieved in various ways, from budget-friendly to small luxuries. The most cost-effective way of neutralizing smells is by adding baking soda (lemon peels or dried lavender for the scent factor) into a mason jar and swapping out the lid for either a mesh one or a slotted daisy cut. Investing in a vintage potpourri holder can be fun to personalize the scent, or throw Diptique's Scented Oval to your wishlist this year for a bougie touch.

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