How to Organize Your Linen Closet
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I’m in purge mode right now. I’ll never be able to be a minimalist but I certainly feel as though Nate and I just have too much stuff. Eventually we’ll be moving – either into a house here in Portland or to another town – and I don’t want to take things with us that we don’t need and use. Instead of waiting until we start packing, I’m beginning the process now. Room by room, closet by closet, I’m getting things organized.
One of the most chaotic areas in our apartment is the linen closet. Since it’s pretty much our main storage area, it has to hold A LOT. And, unfortunately, we’ve stuffed a lot into it. This weekend I took the time to get the linen closet organized and I figured a lot of good tips out along the way.
How to Organize Your Linen Closet
Take Everything Out
The best way to start is by removing EVERYTHING from the closet! Start a huge pile on the bed, on the floor, in another closet… Anywhere that allows the closet you’re trying to organize to be completely empty. The only things that go back into the closet are things you’re going to keep.
Throw Out Everything Expired
We all have products with expiration dates sitting in our cupboards and I’m sure that for the majority of us some of those products are expired. Before putting products away check the dates on sunscreen, medication, and other products with expiration dates. Throw out anything that is expired. Be sure to look up the proper ways to dispose of medications.
Be Realistic About What You Use
Do you have 13 towels for two people? Do you have 12 blankets and only one bed? Do you have 7 extra pillows? Figure out how many of each you actually use and take the rest to Goodwill. As ladies we’re constantly being given lotions and body sprays. Go through all the products you have and get rid of some of them. Pick out your favorite smells and donate the ones you’re not going to use. Only put things you’ll actually use back in the linen closet.
Invest in Baskets and Drawers
Keep like with like. I enjoy labeling things so all the drawers in my linen closet are labeled. I have drawers with lotions, tooth products (extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss), razors, chapstick… I have one basket with cleaning supplies, one basket with hair things, one basket with first aid supplies… Having baskets and drawers keeps things corralled and in their places.
Remove Wrapping
Do you buy products in bulk? Do you get Costco sized toilet paper, paper towels, diapers…? If so, remove the wrappers. It’s so much easier to access and store products that have 4 layers of plastic over them. Throw out any outside bags, boxes, or packaging of any product you know you’ll use. If you keep these tips in mind you’ll be that much closer to an organized linen closet.
Your Turn:
What area of your house needs a good purging?
What tips would you add to get your linen closet organized?
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