Organize Your Linen Storage

We highly recommend decentralization of linen storage. Store as close to the point of use as possible.

• Towels, washcloths, and bathroom linen in or near the bathroom.
• Dish towels in the kitchen.
• Table linens in or near the dining room or eating area.
• Bedding in or near the bedroom.

To save time and keep your linen closet neat, stack tablecloths with matching napkins between cardboards, then lift the cardboards and remove the set you want, without wrinkling the others.

When putting away linens, place the necessary number of matching pillowcases in the final fold of each sheet, making them easily available. This method can also be applied to other paired items, such as towels and face cloths.

Unfortunately most new homes have only one linen closet, and that is usually to small. If you are in that predicament, here are some things you can do:

Store the bathroom and bedroom linen in a closet near them-or else on shelves or in a chest you might purchase for the purpose. Reserve one drawer in the kitchen specifically for towels. Or organize the linen closet you are using to the hilt. This may require some ingenuity, but it will pay dividends. (If you are building or remodeling, certainly give plenty of thought to the size, design of linen, clothes, cleaning and glassware closets.)

Organization of the Linen Closet

It is a good idea to know the dimensions of linens when folded. Shelves for linen should be narrow, just deep enough to fit the size of the folded items. Consider a drop-leaf or pull-out shelf for straightening and sorting.

Rubber pull-out drawer fittings or trays are ideal for storing folded tablecloths, place mats, and small items such as guest and face towels.

Install deep shelves at the top for storing blankets, quilts, and infrequently used bedding. If you can build your bottom shelf high enough you may have room to install a rod for hanging table linen on hangers for easy accessibility and less wrinkling.

Label outer edge to indicate placement of linen, once good order is established. Things won't get mussed up so quickly this way.

Don't forget the specialized storage cabinets designed to match dining room and kitchen furnishings. They include many shallow slide-out drawers for flat storage of cloths, napkins, and mats.

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