| A few months ago, word started getting out that I knew how to fold fitted sheets. Now I don’t know how many of you are getting up at 3 o’clock in the morning to watch the Olympics, but I do have to tell you that I feel this is truly an Olympian accomplishment. No sir-ee, my fitted sheets aren’t wound up in balls shoved in the back of the linen closet, a way-station of disarray that smells like damp dogs and looking like the back alley of the Salvation Army. Also, there are no old bowling shoes, strands of Christmas lights, or a dustpan, and I don’t have to launch an archeological dig every time I want to change my sheets or have an avalanche of linens every time I open the door, “just in case I have 100 people spend the night at once.” Yes, this achievement is designed to keep otherwise accomplished people humble. (I am prepared to wave off compliments on my Olympian skill.) |
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Which brings me to help you stage a Linen Closet Intervention. Now this is where the soap meets the washcloth. Some may feel that organizing a linen closet is as pleasant as cleaning a polar bear’s teeth, and also a chance that some of this could be disappointing…nevertheless, here it is. |
| 1. Let It GoFirst, take everything out of the closet.Then sort and retire the mis-matched sheets, worn-out facecloths, and any ratty beach towels that go back to the Roman conquest. 2. EditGroup like items together. Limit yourself to 2 or 3 sets of sheets and towels per bedroom.Guest rooms should have 2 sets of sheets, towels, extra pillows and a blanket. 3. FoldFold items so no raw edges show.Treat the closet like a bookcase by bringing items to the front of the shelf.Fold items so they take up the entire depth of the shelf to allow for maximum storage. This may involve folding a towel in thirds one-way, and then in half. Lay out each size and see what works best.Stack towels and sheets by colour.Eliminate visual noise by sticking to neutral colours if possible, such as white, crème, grey or beige. |
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4. StyleUse glass or opaque canisters and bins for storing small items, using matching and same-size containers, so it looks straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine.If there is a shortness of storage space, the closet may also be home to cleaning products and extra toiletries.For toilet paper, remove the plastic wrapping and stack neatly in rows.Corral small items such as bottles and supplies into plastic containers. |
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5. Consistency Keep sheets folded together in sets, bath-sized towels together, hand towels together, and washcloths together or in a basket. |
Now go for Gold! |
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