Organizing the Linen Area
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-417 -- More Projects »
Organizing expert Pam Hix provides tips on stocking and organizing a linen area.
- If linen storage space is limited, decorate the bathroom with towels. Hand towels and face cloths can be rolled and stored in wicker baskets or layered on a shelf in the bathroom.
- Make more room on shelves for towels and sheets by keeping dishtowels and place mats in a kitchen cabinet.
- Stacking towels with folded sides out, like they are displayed in stores, will make it easy to remove the towels one at a time. When towel edges face out, it's tough to grab just one.
- A great tip when organizing a linen closet is to slip sheet sets inside their coordinating pillowcases. It keeps the closet neater and saves time when making beds because there's no need to go through a mess of odd sheets. Put a lavender sachet in with the linens to keep them smelling fresh while stored.
- Have one set of sheets for each bed in the house. That way there is no wasted time folding, and extra sheets are not taking up space in the closet. Keep one emergency backup set of sheets and a mattress pad for each size of bed in the home.
- When putting away fresh linens, be sure to rotate them so that one set does not get more worn than another. Put the newly washed towels and sheets on the bottom, and always work from the top.
- Store seldom-used linens by folding them wrong side out. This prevents dust from showing on the crease line. Little-used linens should also be stored away from the linen area that is used daily. It does not make sense to use a valuable storage area for something that is not used often.
- Try hanging tablecloths on towel racks mounted on the back of the linen closet door to save space.
- Keep toilet paper on the floor under the lowest shelf. Keep extra soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and other items in a basket on the floor next to the paper. They can be placed in bins and categorized, according to use, then labeled. Keep any items that are hazardous to children out of these low areas.
- Store bed linens in the bedroom where they are used. They can be stored on a shelf or even tucked between the mattress and box spring.
- Linens with a holiday or seasonal theme, such as flannel sheets, should not be stored in a linen area during the off season. They can easily be boxed up and stored in the basement, attic or even under the bed.
Guests Pam Hix
Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services
13012 June Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55305-2740
Phone: 952-939-8080
E-mail:
pjhix@aol.com
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