I’ve talked a lot about progress at Acorn House on Instagram. However, I haven’t posted any progress here on the blog. If you follow on Instagram or Facebook (which you totally should so we can be friends) you’ve seen images of progress and lots and lots of story clips about what’s been going on. Today I’m sharing the first piece of the remodel I completed: our linen closet. It might sound lame, but I think I can sell you on the idea. Read on for my easy, real-life, linen closet organization ideas.
When I moved into Acorn House Derek was away for months on work. I was tasked with settling into a major project house with an 18 month in tow. The house had been vacant for several years. Before that, it had been flooded and haphazardly repaired. Before that, the second floor had been converted to an apartment–virtually untouched since the 1960s.
I found myself in a tricky and overwhelming situation. Our personal belongings (read: all our worldly possessions and furniture and comforts of home) were still at our previous home in South Dakota. I had moved a load of “essentials” up to North Dakota. A list that included a dining table, beds, the couch, linens, meager kitchen supplies and a TV.
Overwhelming Disorganization
As I looked around my heart sank. I had a growing knot in my stomach. Here I was alone, with a dirty house in complete disrepair. It seemed like a good idea when we bought it, but the reality was completely overwhelming. Nearly every inch of the house needed some kind of attention. Whether a complete overhaul, or just basic repair–no matter where my eyes settled I saw work to be done.
The biggest, most pressing struggle for me at first was the house’s tremendous lack of storage space. There is one small linen closet on the main floor. When I moved in, it the space was nearly unusable. For me, disorganization makes an overwhelming situation much worse.
My parents came to help me get settled. While in town, my dad and I put together a simple, but oh-so-effective linen closet. It’s hard for me to describe the impact this very quick project has had on me.
Having a place that could supply me with clean towels, fresh sheets and easy-to-find first aid supplies was a true gift. On my dirtiest, messiest days I could open the door and glimpse something pretty and finished. As bigger project started (and mishaps occurred) I found solace being able to look into my single, organized space.
The Linen Closet Points Me to Jesus, Seriously.
I tend to see everything as an anecdote of spiritual matters. So let’s go on a quick tangent. My small, peaceful closet bring the old hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus to mind.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Helen Howarth Lemmel, 1922
Also this verse:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Heb 12:1-2a
See, in the midst of the chaos, overwhelming tasks and unforeseen obstacles–I can still come back to this one, completed space. Opening the door and breathing in the smell of clean linens and essential oils calms me and reminds me to be positive and intentional. Progress is being made. Projects will get done. We prayed over the decision to buy this house and God led us through the front door.
In the same way, no matter what is happening around us, God has given us the strength we need to persevere in the race set before us. We can fix our eyes on Christ and be refocused on what matters. The chaos, overwhelming tasks, obstacles and unhappiness all grow dim in light of His grace.
Easy, Realistic Linen Closet Organization Ideas
My linen closet isn’t going to go viral on Pinterest. For how much I love it, you’d think it might be prettier. Honestly, in person–it is prettier than in photographs. But it still won’t compare to the perfectly staged types you’ll see online or in home magazines. My closet might not be cover-photo-worthy–but it’s easy, realistic to maintain and doable for everyone.
I love this space because it is finished, polished and perfectly utilitarian. It houses lots of items and I know where each and every one lives. My closet is small, but I believe use of space is much more important than square footage.
Here are my seven best tips for creating a linen closet you love.
1. Eliminate
First, only organize the things you actually need and use. Eliminate unneeded and unnecessary items. How many towels do you really use? Washcloths? Bottles of lotion? Sheet sets?
Toss, donate, recycle or upcycle items that you are hanging on to but never use. Keep things you use and need. You’ll be surprised at the facelift this simple step will give your space.
2. Find a Fold That Fits Your Space
Next, it’s time to make sure the items you are keeping fit in your space. Find the folding style that best fits your space. In our previous Minot house I had a very deep, but very small linen closet. Rolling towels instead of folding them was best for that space.
In most of my other linen closets, this fold style has been best–it only takes a couple seconds. Here are other options for finding your best fold.
3. Fold Sheet Sets Together
This is a game changer. Learn to fold sheets well and fold entire sets together. You’ll never be looking for misplaced pillowcases again. Better yet, you’ll never have a pile of wadded up fitted sheets clogging up your closet.
This video from Marie Kondo shows my preferred method for storing sheet sets. But Martha also has great ideas here.
4. Create a Simple Storage Plan
Originally, in my closet there was only one shelf positioned too high to easily access sheets and towels. My dad and I installed a simple shelving unit to solve the problem. My solution uses hang rails and wire shelves. Be sure to secure shelves to studs to be sure they can hold enough weight.
No matter what solution you come up with, plan it out so you’ll be able to reach the things you need. If your space is deep, consider installing drawers to prevent items from being lost in the back of the closet. If it’s shallow, shelves will be your best friend.
5. Use a Storage Tower
There is almost always space for a storage tower. It doesn’t need to be huge, but it will help you. This is the best way I’ve found to keep medications and first aid supplies organized.
6. Make Things Look Neat With Storage Bins
Keep like items together in bins. Usually, these are things that are small and get lost, or aren’t often needed. In my closet, I use bins to organize lotion/hair products, first aid supplies, wash cloths, travel toiletries, essential oils and nail polish.
Within some of the bins, I use zippered pouches to store subcategories of items. I hold travel toiletries, guest toiletries and essential oils in the yellow striped bin, but each is in it’s own pouch to keep things neat. I hate sifting through lots of loose items to find a particular thing.
Putting items together keeps them at hand when you need them, but decreases visual clutter.
7. Pretty Extras
You’ll be more apt to keep your closet neat if its also pretty. I painted the walls a dark teal (it looks almost black in photos). The dark color makes the space feel more fresh than the dingy white.
Treat yourself to pretty storage containers. Get towels and sheets you love. Use items you already have on hand to make your space pleasant to look at.
Easy Linen Closet Organization Ideas : Conclusion
I hope this gives you some ideas–and some hope for your own space. When many things feel out of control and overwhelming, claiming and taming a small space can be empowering. How do you organize your storage spaces?
Most importantly, I hope you’ll remember that Jesus, more than an organized closet, will bring calm to the storms going on around you. And maybe, next time you see a happy, finished space in your home you’ll remember me and my silly linen closet anecdote.
Last, remember to join me on Instagram. I’ll be saving my linen closet details to highlights so you can see how I fold my towels and sheets. If I can do it, so can you.
xo Amy
