As the mainstays of the linen closet, it's important to keep towels and bedsheets front and center. Kendall-Tackett recommends active storage: keeping your frequently used items accessible. That means storing seasonal or occasional items in the back or top of the closet, or in another place entirely, like the front hall closet. Things like beach towels should be stacked behind regularly used towels, or higher up with other less-used items. And bulky items like comforters, quilts and pillows that are for guests or that are rotated seasonally can be stored in vacuum-sealed storage bags called Space Bags. "Space Bags work wonders," says Peterson, "They're good for sealing [linens away] from moisture and bugs."
Towels: To get the most storage space for bulky towels, it's best to fold them in thirds lengthwise, then into a rectangle. Place on shelves at your eye level or below, so the edges face toward the back for a neat appearance. If your closet is on the smaller side, consider rolling your towels for extra space.
Sheets: A clever way to corral multiple sets of sheets is by storing them neatly in a matching pillowcase. "It's always a good idea, especially if you're a busy family, to have two sets of sheets for each bed," says Peterson. If you have lots of beds in different sizes, try buying different-colored sheets for each one so you don't mix them up. Then, stack sheets in collapsible linen storage containers like the ones from KangaRooM Storage. Their three sizes of canvas containers come with preprinted labels and fold flat when not in use.
Dining and Antique Linens: Things like tablecloths and antique linens should be hung on a non-wire hanger. Otherwise, fold them flat and stack them on a shelf lined with acid-free tissue paper. If you prefer to store your linens in baskets, be sure to find ones with a lining to prevent snags. Dinner napkins and table runners are best grouped together. If you don't use them that often, be sure to keep them on the sides or at the top of the closet, or in a storage space in your dining room
Toiletries: When it comes to toiletries, having a well-stocked linen closet can be a tremendous timesaver, says Kendall-Tackett.
Keeping Things Fresh
Linens, like clothing, can become stagnant when they aren't frequently used. To keep your linens smelling fresh, place a box of baking soda or a lavender sachet on the shelf. Sachets are easy to buy or make from a scrap of fabric and ribbon, but the scent does wear out over time. "It's a good idea to take out everything and launder it periodically — six months to a year just to freshen it," says Peterson.
Wool items should be stored in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent damage from critters. Moth larvae — not moths — are the culprits for fabric disasters, and cedar is known to keep them at bay. But Kendall-Tackett recalls a cedar closet she had once: "The problem with cedar is that it loses its scent. I remember losing a whole bunch of sweaters one time. The moths had actually chewed an arm off a sweater."
"Probably one of the best deterrents is to simply put things away clean," says Kendall-Tackett.
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