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September 15, 2016

Linen Closet Organization

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

I wouldn’t say the messiest closet in my house is the linen closet. It’s actually my prop closet, which I hope to tackle soon (another post! another time!). My closet in my bedroom is still going strong (yay!). The linen closet? Ummm. It’s probably the second messiest  closet because I’m constantly in there and when I’m in a rush, things get unkempt. I also have a few people in my house who go in and get bandages from the first-aid kit and leave wrappers on the floor…adding to the mess. Who could that be?! I wonder. 🙂

Here’s a little before of the closet:

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

Things were a little sloppy to say the least. I mean… it could definitely be worse but  opening this closet still made me pretty annoyed.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

I mean… I had the sections labeled once, but you know, laundry doesn’t fold itself and line itself up perfectly ALL THE TIME. Dang, laundry.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

And here’s what it looks like now after an afternoon weekend cleaning session:

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

To start this project off, I made a list of things that belong in our linen closet. That way I could figure out what didn’t belong in there:

  • sheets/pillowcases/duvet covers
  • towels
  • first aid kit
  • cold medicine
  • refills of beauty stuff (soap, lotion, hair stuff)
  • teeth stuff
  • cotton swabs + cotton balls
  • toilet paper
  • paper towels
  • cleaning supplies
  • cat litter (we have our boxes upstairs)
  • clean rags
  • table cloth
  • travel toiletry bag/supplies for travel

When I took everything out, I decided that I would pair down my vitamin/supplement hoard and keep it in my bathroom. I moved the toiletry bag stuff into the linen closet. It left more open space and now I don’t have to look at tupperware full of bottles. I find that clear tupperware is only good if you don’t mind seeing what’s in there. I don’t feel like looking at vitamin bottles, you know?

I went through and sorted things that were in the bins. I tossed old things and evaluated things that I didn’t need to keep/things that were taking up valuable space. It took about an hour to go through everything but it was well worth it. You have no idea how bad the first-aid kit was….

Over the past year, I started using only Seventh Generation cleaning supplies. But I had all these other cleaning supplies in there that I never use, so I weeded them out and put together a cohesive cleaning arsenal that will live in my linen closet. It’s all contained  in a bin so I can easily transport it to any room of the house when I need to clean.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

Here’s what’s in the bin:

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

Cleaning Arsenal:

Before I put everything back onto the shelves, I wiped the shelves down with Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes. I use these all the time (even keep some in the car!) when I need to clean something up really quick. They’re super convenient and they give everything an herbal smell.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

One of the biggest changes was moving the bins around and figuring out a good configuration. Instead of having all of the chevron pull-out bins lined up on one shelf, I dispersed them between three shelves so they are now two to a shelf.

I like that they’re kinda tucked to the side and not taking up prime real estate.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

You can see that I hand wrote the labels for each shelf with tape.

That way I have a mental note of what goes in there. When we first moved into this house, I used a label-maker (which I love) but I think that sometimes writing things down and being more deliberate about the structure I’m setting up helps my brain remember what I need to do.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

Another angle!

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

I put the toiletry bag stuff on this top shelf.

Middle shelf has our first aid kit. I am contemplating labeling it in the same way I labeled my bins in my laundry closet update, but I’m not 100% sure.

Next to it we have a bin with bathroom rugs and some extra toilet paper.

On the floor I have clean rags, my cleaning arsenal and I put the cat litter in a bin so I didn’t have to look at the crazy bags of litter. It’s all contained now.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

Nice and neat.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

It should stay this way for awhile. It just comes down to making good habits and being more thoughtful about putting things away to keep things tidy.

Linen Closet Organization! See more on Shutterbean.com

Hope this inspires you to find a system that works best for you. Happy organizing!

This Linen Closet Organization post was produced in partnership with Seventh Generation. As always, all opinions are my own.

  • Lori

    I moved not too long ago and reorganizing the shelves in my laundry closet and guest bath are next on my list. Right now they are a disaster! I need bins and a couple of hours.. 🙂

    Your makeover turned out great. Looks awesome!

  • Martine

    Thanks for this great post! Our linen closet is a constant mess – it’s an ongoing project trying to organize it. A big problem is the shelves are very deep – at least twice as deep as yours. Do you have any recommendations for organizing a deep linen closet? Thanks!

  • libby

    I don’t even have a linen closet and I’m completely inspired! I love your commitment to the black and white.

  • Adie

    This looks awesome, and so inspiring. Love the Seventh Generation products too, especially the wipes and their laundry detergent.

  • Kimberly

    Ahh! I needed to see this. BRB off to Ikea for storage solutions….. Thank you for the kick in the pants I needed to organize my laundry/linen closet situation!

  • Hannah

    I love your High Straitenance posts! The before and after pictures get me every time!!

  • G

    Vitamins/medication are best kept in the kitchen, as the bathroom can be humid at times. Also, I would have cleaning products on an upper shelf cause I have kids in my home. That being said, your closet looks banging. Definitely better than mine 🙂

  • Catherine McCord

    I totally need this inspiration!! Such great ideas and products!

  • Josephine

    This was just the kick up the bum I needed. After seeing this post yesterday I went and Shutterbeaned my own linen cupboard! So much more usable. Thanks for the prompt!

  • Anne

    Hi! I should start out like they do on radio shows and confess that I am a big fan of you and your work! You mentioned visiting your maj in New Orleans today in a newsletter I receive in my inbox. I couldn’t see where to respond on your website. It will not shock you when I tell you that I am not tech savvy. I think I am super old and not cool. What does that mean? Please do not judge!

    I am going to New Orleans with my son and hubby Sunday morning from Chicago for four days. My son was born October 2, 2007 so he is turning 9 years old!! Any fun ideas I could do with him while hubby is at conference and other ideas as a family? U mention Chicago because we love food and to let you know that we are easy to please. My son does not like seafood or the smell. What is going on with the sno-balls frozen treats? We are all about beignets and Brennan’s. I am concerned that I am not on top of this. I have been overwhelmed lately and evetything lately has been tough.

    Just taking a chance you might get this. If you don’t have time, I will still be a super fan!

    Thank you! Take care!
    Anne

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