Laundry + Linen Closet
The Highlands | Denver, CO
Do you have a laundry/linen combo closet?
Does this feel familiar?
If so, here are four organizing tips to getting your laundry closet ultra functional and pretty!
FOUR TIPS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR LINEN/LAUNDRY COMBO CLOSET
#1: Give it a purpose.
It's critical to give your closet a purpose to avoid it becoming a drop zone for everything. This client was already pretty clear on what she wanted to store in this space (linens), which was great! So the first step for me was to pull everything out and categorize by like-item. I made the following piles on the floor outside of the closet:
Blankets
Sheet sets
Towels sets
Once everything was broadly categorized, then my client pulled out anything she wanted to get rid of, such as mismatched sheets, junky towels, etc., and then we broke down the categories even further to align with how she wanted to store things:
Blankets
Comforters
Duvet Covers
Pillow Cases
Sheets
Hand Towels
Wash Cloths
Towels (for humans)
Towels (for dogs)
Towels (for the swimming)
Towels (for exercise)
#2: Choose BIG baskets and bins to contain the crazy!
Linens, blankets, and towels are always hard to keep organized, mostly because they're large and awkward. So once you have your categories confirmed, it's important to choose bins and/or baskets based on the specific size of your categories.
Sometimes it helps to break your categories into smaller groupings. For example, if you have a lot of sheet sets, you can organize by sheet size (twin, full, queen, king, cal king), sheet type (pillow cases, regular sheets, fitted sheets), sheet color or fabric type, or even the room that the sheets go in (kids' rooms, primary bedroom, guest room, etc.).
It's also important to measure your shelves to ensure the baskets you purchase will fit. I always try to find solutions that will maximize the space as much as possible by filling the shelves from edge to edge. So be sure to know your shelf width, depth, and height before making a purchase.
Lastly, choose bins and baskets that match the aesthetic of your home! You are making an investment in these products, so make sure you like them, they look nice, and are cohesive with your style. This will ensure longevity!
#3: Utilize the door(s) to maximize storage space.
Doors are often overlooked but can be a GREAT way to expand your storage space. I forgot to take a photo of this part (oops!), but for this client, we used one door to hang the iron and ironing board and the other door to house laundry cleaning products and supplies.
Just be sure to allow for clearance when the doors are shut. For example, in this closet, we had to find solutions that cleared the top of the washing machines to ensure the doors would close, as there were only a few inches of space between the machines and the doors when they were shut.
#4: Label.
Labels keep everyone organized. It's the cherry on top of the system. It gives your belongings an address. They help you remember where items live and where to return items home to. Don't skip this part.
You can use bin clips or even label directly on the shelves (if it makes sense). The Brother P-Touch Label Maker is a great tool to have on hand. It's inexpensive and easy to use. The labels are also easily removable, which makes it simple to change labels as your needs change, and they don't damage surfaces. Win, win, win.
Ok, that's it on this one! I hope you found it helpful. If you need assistance, you know who to call (and it's not the Ghost Busters)!
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