A KonMari Expert Explains The Best Way To Organize Your Linen Closet

Quickly shoving items into a nearby linen closet is a common fix to an unsightly mess, but once it's time to go back and grab a towel or a set of bed sheets, the feeling of regret sets in when we see the disaster we've created. If you're guilty of doing this, it's time to change your habits in order to make your life easier. According to On Task Organizing, creating designated areas for things like different sizes of sheets is beneficial because it makes it easier to find items when you need them and store everything in a tidy manner later.

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Strategic Interior Design Advisor at Real Estate Bees Alexis Peters reveals all you need to know to thoroughly declutter and reorganize your linen closet. Previously, when she worked as a production designer for low-budget feature films, Peters garnered experience in transforming homes across the U.S. for a reasonable price. Since then, her interest in organization megastar Marie Kondo is what really makes her the best person to teach us decluttering tips. To get started developing your own healthy organizational habits, take a look at what advice Peters has to offer.

If you're serious about tidying up your linen closet, then get ready to let go of some items. "When organizing linens remember to only keep linens that thrill," advises Alexis Peters. "That's always the starting point for any type of organization. You must ask yourself 'Does this item thrill me?' — no matter what it is." Although this may sound simple, everyone knows it's easier said than done. However, we can all agree that it's time to donate those Pottery Barn bed sheets you bought on sale five years ago. 

First, start off easy by tossing anything that is ripped, stained, or discolored; this will hopefully get you into a purging mood. If you're still having trouble letting go of items that are taking up space, try writing down an inventory of everything you have, as well as a description of each item's purpose and your reasoning for keeping them. After reading through your notes, ask yourself if you realistically need to keep everything, and let go of items anytime the answer is no. Having trouble giving an item a clear yes or no answer? Then, it's likely a no.

Cleaning out your linen closet is only the first step in Alexis Peters' organization strategy. She also shares the skills she's learned from renowned organizational expert, Marie Kondo. "Once you have identified all of the thrilling linens, you can begin to fold," she says. "I fold my linens the KonMari way: into little squares and place them in columns ([don't] stack them on top of each other). When I open my linen closet it looks like I'm admiring beautiful squares of colors."

Although folding laundry may take longer with this tactic, Peters assures the end results will pay off in more ways than one. "There is more to the folding than we are used to," she notes. "It's almost like we fold it twice as many times to get to the small square shape, but it's worth it because more items can be stored and the look is a lot cleaner." Once you've mastered this folding technique, storing your items is sure to be a breeze.

Of course, it's not all about folding; it's also important to consciously choose a space for all the items you plan to store inside your linen closet. "I separate the linens according to type, size, fit, and color," Alexis Peters reveals. "When storing linens, consider like items with like items: towels with towels, flat sheets with flat sheets, and so forth." Peters goes on to mention which linens she prefers to keep separate, saying, "I also like to make sure I place all towels on one shelf, sheets on another. I don't like towels next to sheets."

Placing your towels on a different shelf can help prevent lint from sticking to your sheets, which in turn, preserves a fresh and clean set ready to be fitted onto your bed. This is far from a tedious tactic. It's a great way to keep your closet looking tidy while ensuring the quality of your linens is maintained.

It's common knowledge that labels are a must when it comes to organization, and Alexis Peters even has advice on which product will best fulfill your labeling needs. "For labels — and yes, the labels thrill me too — I use the Phomemo Label Maker Machine, D30 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer. It prints cute little labels and I can pick from several fonts," she shares The different font options are a plus, as you can choose one that best fits your personal style. Is your home the embodiment of eclectic design? Perhaps a swirly, cursive font will be your go-to choice.

In addition to making your shelves more aesthetically pleasing, labels reduce stress, encourage productivity, and give you a simple way to save time when searching for items. They're also relatively affordable. Use labels to clearly identify different items and start organizational habits that will not only benefit your linen closet, but the rest of your home, too.

As an interior designer and KonMari consultant, Alexis Peters knows how to organize with style. "For visual appeal I love to add baskets to break up the folded items. [On] one shelf I may do three baskets and organize all like items inside the baskets, and on another shelf I may not use any," she suggests. Ultimately, Peters is confident this approach will look great no matter how you arrange your baskets. "This is up to you, but as long as baskets are used to break everything up, the linen closet will be spectacular."

Woven baskets can work in every part of your home, and they can be used to create a timeless design for your linen closet. There are various patterns available, as well as different shades of natural tones that will help maintain a neutral color scheme. Baskets with large gaps may not be the best idea for a linen closet, though, because sheets and towels have a tendency to poke through and look untidy.