An Organized Linen Closet Makeover {How to Get Maximum Storage in a Small Space}

Thank you to Cost Plus World Market for sponsoring this post.  The linen closet makeover ideas you’ll see are all my own!  Also, this post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, you may click here.

In the history of my blog, I’m not sure I’ve shared a more humiliating space than my linen closet before I gave it a 100% completely necessary makeover.  You see, my linen closet was so disorganized that my method of putting away clean sheets and towels was to throw them in there and hope they’d stay put on the random shelf upon which they landed.  Thankfully, that is no longer the case.  I’ve finished a complete linen closet makeover with help from my friends at Cost Plus World Market, and am excited to share some tips on how to get maximum storage in such a small space!

Before the Linen Closet Makeover {A Dark Time in History}

You may think I’m exaggerating about the state of my linen closet before its makeover.  I wish I were, but the photos don’t lie.  (I cannot believe I’m posting these on the internet!  My mom raised me better than this, I promise!)  

In case you can’t get a full understanding of the horrific nature of my linen closet from that photo, let me drive the point home by showing you some extreme closeups of the shelves.  

I know.

There’s no excuse to have a linen closet that looks like it’s hours away from being condemned by the city.  I’m not even going to try and make one up.  I’m just going to embrace it as my dirty little secret (that’s no longer a secret).

Tip One:  Acknowledge you have a problem and that you need to do something about it!

The Linen Closet Makeover In Progress {Things are Improving}

After convincing myself that others must have messy linen closets just like mine, and that posting these photos on my blog won’t make you think less of me, I got down to business and cleared everything out of the linen closet.

Once I had everything out where I could see it, I was able to throw away or donate so many things!  I had more holiday-theme hand towels, threadbare bath towels, and mismatched sheets than anyone needs or wants.  (I also had a broken stick vacuum in there that I haven’t used in years.  Why?)

Tip Two: Empty everything out of the closet and throw away or donate what you don’t need or use.  Keep only the essentials!

After the shelves were emptied, I was able to assess the space I was working with.  I even pulled out a tape measure and measured shelves so that I could get baskets and storage containers that would perfectly fit the space and maximize my small closet’s functionality.

Tip Three:  Take exact measurements of shelves and empty spaces so that you can buy baskets and storage containers that will fit the space perfectly – maximizing the area you’re working with.

Since I had everything out of there, I decided to freshen up the trim paint and add patterned shelf liner because I’m a firm believer that if the space looks nice, you’ll want to keep it looking that way.  

Tip Four: Make it look pretty.  You’re more likely to keep it looking nice that way.

Next, I got to work putting everything back into the closet.

The Linen Closet Makeover Completed {Hallelujah!}

Is it weird that I keep opening the door to the linen closet and just staring at it?  (My husband says yes, it is very weird.)

But guys, this is such a dramatic before and after!  Before we get into the nitty gritty on how this space actually WORKS and LOOKS BEAUTIFUL, let me give you a side-by-side comparison so you can see the old with the new.  

It was really bad, wasn’t it?

So let me fill you in on what I did to achieve maximum storage in such a small space!  

First, I gave everything its own space.  Large things that we use on a regular basis, like sheets and towels, were shelved.  Rolling the towels allowed me to store more on each shelf than if I had left them folded flat!  

Next, for smaller items, like wash cloths and hand towels, I used beautiful lined baskets to corral them!  These items used to be stuffed anywhere I could find a spot, and it was almost impossible to find them!  Now, with a designated space, they will be easy to locate and won’t fall down on the floor all the time.  

Items that are used less regularly, like bulky blankets and quilts, also got their own space in the linen closet.  Laundry baskets or hampers that double as decorative storage, like this one I purchased, are perfect for the bottom of the linen closet.  When the blankets are being used on the beds, this tote basket will store clothes to be taken for dry cleaning.

The blankets and items we rarely use are perfect for the very top, hard-to-reach, part of the linen closet.  Because they’re not used frequently, a lidded basket just like this is a fantastic way to store them and keep them dust and critter free! 

And you might be wondering where I stashed the bold beach towels you saw in my “before” picture?  Well, they got their own basket, too, since we hardly ever get to use them here in Chicago!  Not gonna lie to you – I love that my linen closet looks more cohesive now that their bold colors are hidden from plain sight!  

Labels on baskets where items are not readily seen will help ensure that things are put back where they belong!  I used these boxed gift tags so that I can easily change the tags if the basket contents change.  

Tip Five: Give everything a designated place in the closet.

In addition to the baskets I used in this linen closet makeover, I also maximized my storage space by using kitchen storage containers just like these  to hold bath essentials like cotton swabs, soaps, and cotton balls!  They’re much prettier than the boxes and bags these products originally come in, and they fit more nicely on the shelves this way!  

(P.S. that Citrus Breeze Linen Spray makes your sheets smell like Heaven.  I wish I were Oprah and could have clean sheets every single day, but since I can’t, I will be happy with the lovely fragrance this spray gives my sheets.)

Adding hooks to the side of the closet is another great way to maximize a small closet space.  

These wire hooks are so affordable and add a cute touch to a typically utilitarian element!  Things like bath robes would be right at home in here!

Tip Six: Look for storage opportunities in unexpected places!  

With these changes, my disaster of a linen closet is now an organized linen closet that I can be proud of!  I may even show it off to guests who visit my home now.  (“Hey, go get your own towels, guests!”)  

Even though my linen closet was hidden from sight, it always bothered me to know that it was such a mess.  There was no reason for it, other than pure laziness. But now that I have a beautifully organized linen closet, I resolve to keep it neat and tidy.  If you have any spaces similar to this in your home, I would encourage you to do the same!  I can’t tell you how good it feels to have this space put together now!

Like What You See?  Shop the Post!

Pop in to your local Cost Plus World Market (use their convenient store finder here), for all of your linen closet organization supplies, or click on any of these images to shop my linen closet makeover!

-Bre