One of the reasons that our house has clutter is that I don’t get rid of things that are still useable. Our linen closet used to be filled to the brim of older comforters, threadbare towels, and overflowing with hotel samples of shampoo/conditioner/shower gel.
I have probably thoroughly cleaned out our linen closet two or three times in the past nine years that we have lived in this house. It is once again time to declutter the linen closet!
I forced myself, during the last linen closet decluttering session, to get rid of my comforter from my college dorm days after 20 years. It was actually in fine shape – not torn or threadbare – which explains why I kept it around for so long. But I had purchased new twin size comforters for my sons and could not justify keeping so many comforters around.
My sons love to sleep with lots of blankets. They will also use them to build forts, as landing pads, and to snuggle in during a movie. This can create a lot of fun and comfort – but also clutter and laundry. Our household does not need any extra laundry! I donated a few older comforters to our local animal shelter.
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The Donate Pile
Recently I realized that our queen size fitted sheets had worn down and had tears in them so I put those in the rag pile, but kept the flat sheets in the linen closet. I tried using them for our queen size bed as a fitted sheet but that really did not work. The sheets kept coming untucked and quickly realized that there is a reason there is a fitted and a flat sheet in every set! I was about to donate them to the animal shelter as well but discovered that they work perfectly on our full size futon as a bottom and top sheet.
Decluttering the Linen Closet: The Process
- I pulled everything out of the closet – sheets, towels, wash cloths, and bins of “extras” from our warehouse purchases.
- I took out all the items from the plastic shoe holder and cleaned the pockets out.
- I threw out most of my hotel freebies and expired medications and ointments that had been forgotten in the shoe holder.
- I pulled out the extra fabric, extra duvet covers, and bed skirts that we won’t use anymore for the donation pile.
- The “extras” were taken out of their boxes and rearranged to fit neatly within our two containers and put back on the top shelf.
- The pockets were carefully and thoughtfully refilled – band aids were put low enough for my youngest son to reach. Do all children have a fascination with band aids or is it only mine?
Before and After Photos
What are you working on this week? Does anyone else have a hard time getting rid of old linens? How many sets of sheets do you keep for each bed?
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I recently decluttered my bathroom. One thing that really helped me was to use the larger disposable food storage boxes (eg Ziploc) to group extras of like items. Sunscreens are in one, bandages/bandaids in another, tooth care related items in a third, etc. The boxes stack neatly, I can label them to easily find what I need, visually it is a cleaner look, and the cost can’t be beat!
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
I did my linen closet recently and made similar decisions. I could barely shut the door to the cupboard before but I am really pleased with how it turned out. I finally used that old internet tip that I kept seeing everywhere of storing sheets inside the pillow case, so when you need a new set you can just pull it out. I have to say – it works – and it looks all nice and neat when stacked in the cupboard. You are encouraging me to keep going with my house and decluttering.
Thanks Michaela! I’ll have to try that tip too!
For decades I have made do with just one set of sheets for my bed. I just don’t have room (no linen closet) to store additional sets. I have purchased new sheets when the ones in use get worn and then donated the old ones or torn them up to use as rags. Most minimalism sites that I’ve seen recommended no more than two sets of sheets per bed. It makes sense that you may need to quickly change them without time to simply launder them, but I haven’t had a problem.
Hi Jones, I think I’m going to give one set for spring/summer a try. We have a flannel set too but it’s too warm to use them now!
I just found your blog and I LOVE it. I have been getting the decluttering itch lately and have been trying to focus on our high traffic areas knowing that will keep me motivated to focus on the less used spaces next.
I am bad and have probably about 6 sets of sheets for our full size bed. We NEVER have enough company to require me to change the bed that frequently without having time to clean the ones that were removed. It is something I do think about each time I change the sheets (about once every four to six months) but never do anything about. I may just have to tackle that area when I get home tonight.
Hi Amanda! I’m so glad you found the blog!! I think you’re right to start in high traffic areas, I know that keeps me motivated too.
I think 3 sets is a good number- except kids beds. What if they get sick and yo only have 2 sets???? I know, I know the old bug a boo “What if”.
Great job- looks great!
Thanks Melinda! We are keeping two sets for now. I think it’s going to work.
Decluttering might be my favorite thing EVER. I swear I always find new stuff to toss. We don’t have a linen closet, but I did and a kid and it was always a disaster!