Linen Closet Layout

This guide on setting up an efficient Linen Closet Layout will help you streamline where you keep your towels, sheets, bedding, and personal items. Turn your cluttered space into an area that is organized and easy to keep that way.

Get tips and insider ideas on how to organize this small but important area in your home.

linen closet layout

For years, I lived without a linen closet, and I struggled to find space to store our family’s personal items. When I finally had a home with a linen closet, I still struggled. I had so much crammed into that little space that finding anything was nearly impossible.

What I was missing was a plan. A layout of where to keep things that made sense so I could keep items where they belonged in a neat and organized way.

What does it mean to be organized?

The main definition of organized space means you can easily find the items you are looking for. But it means something else that is more important. An organized space helps you to put things back where they belong.

If you have a space that is organized in a way that makes sense to you, you should never have to deal with clutter in that area again.

Hands holding a basket of folded towels in a linen closet

What To Store in a Linen Closet

A linen closet is typically used to store personal items for you and your family. Things such as linens, towels, sheets, and other bedding. It can also be used to store bathroom supplies, hair care and personal items, medicine, and sometimes cleaning products.

It’s not just a storage spot—it’s a central hub for keeping this area of your home running smoothly. By taking the time to plan an efficient layout, you’ll find it easy to keep this area neat and put away.

Prime Real Estate

The first step in organizing your linen closet is using the space efficiently by utilizing the shelves that are easiest for you to access. Here is a good rule of thumb to follow whenever you set up an area.

If you use it often, keep it within easy reach. This is usually any area from your chin to your hips, which I call your prime real estate.

  • Frequently used items – everyday towels, extra toothpaste, soaps, loofahs, or hair care items. Store these items at chin to chest level.
  • Weekly use – spare toilet paper rolls, bed linens, and cleaning supplies. Store these items higher up or lower down.
  • Seasonal items – guest linens or beach towels can be stored on the highest shelves or in a tote on the floor.
an empty linen closet with arrows showing the prime layout for storage

This not only makes everyday items more accessible but also encourages keeping everything in its place, reducing clutter.

Decluttering for a Fresh Start

Before you start organizing, declutter your linen closet. Remove one item at a time, sorting as you go. Place things into categories to help you create a layout that matches the items you have.

  1. Linens and any bedding. Let go of anything that is stained or torn.
  2. Towels and washcloths. Toss any that are torn or frayed.
  3. Hair care. Toss any half-used bottles.
  4. Cleaners. Keep on the essentials for cleaning the bathroom or bedrooms.
  5. Medicines. Toss any that are expired.
  6. Misc. Keep only what you use and donate what you no longer need.
a woman putting lotion into a donation bag in a bathroom

The purpose of decluttering is to keep a reasonable amount of items needed to run an efficient home. The less you have, the easier it is to keep an area neat and put away.

Start fresh

Once you have everything out, take a few minutes to clean. Start at the ceiling and work your way down using gravity in your favor.

Make any updates or repairs if needed. Add contact paper to the shelves to give a fresh, clean look, or change the lighting.

Organize for an efficient layout

Organizing your items into categories creates a simple system that’s easy to maintain. Separate linens, towels, bathroom supplies, and cleaners into distinct groups.

Use labels to help you remember what belongs where. You can label each shelf, container, or designated area. Labels act as a visual reminder to return items to their correct spot, making it easy for everyone in the home to follow the new layout.

4 linen closet labels-sheets, cleaners, hair care, medicine

Use Organizers to Streamline

No matter what size your linen closet is, organizers will help you make the most of your space.

  • Open containers such as bins or baskets work great to hold items that fall over easily. Things such as toothpaste, shampoo bottles, or body wash.
  • Zipper bags are perfect for holding sheets, pillows, or bedding.
  • Deep baskets work well to hold extra toilet paper.
  • Buckets are good for holding cleaning supplies.
  • Lazy Susans are great for holding makeup and lotions.

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Clear bins and containers allow you to see what’s inside without rummaging through everything.

Space-Saving Hacks

When space is limited, being creative can help you make the most of your space.

  • Go vertical to make more room on a shelf by adding stackable organizers.
  • Hang hooks along the side of the closet to hang bags for more storage.
  • Install an organizer on the inside of the door to double your storage space.
  • Make the most of the floor by using bins with wheels, allowing you to pull them out to more easily access what you have inside.

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Keeping Things Organized

There is nothing quite as frustrating as organizing an area only to find it a mess a short time later. To prevent this from happening, use these tips.

#1. Use clear labels. These will remind everyone where items belong and hopefully encourage them to put things away where they belong.

#2. Do a weekly reset. One day a week, check this area and tidy up where needed. This is also a good time to do an inventory check. Add to your shopping list any items you see you are getting low on.

#3. Declutter as needed to keep your closet from becoming overcrowded. Keep just enough for your family and home and free up space.

How many towels and linens does a family need?

It can be tempting to have a large supply of towels and sheets but these items can take up quite a bit of space in a linen closet.

In our home, we have two towels per family member and 1 set of sheets per bed. If you have younger children, you may want to have an extra set in case of an emergency that tends to happen at 1 am.

An organized linen closet is easy when you have a layout and a plan. Be sure to keep things you use often within easy reach, let go of any damaged or unnecessary items, keep a reasonable supply of towels that match the size of your family, and do a weekly reset to ensure this area stays neat and organized.

With these tips and a plan you can set up a linen closet that is efficient and easy to keep organized.

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