For years, I thought my walk in linen was well organised, but then this time around I really got thinking about whether it was just organised chaos that needed a refresh! Since 2018, every December, I take it upon myself to clean up the house room by room, something I have learnt from my Mum. I organise my kitchen, rearrange the furniture, change the wall hangings and rearrange or swap the bedroom and study at times!
This year, I have taken it up a level, and here are my tips on tackling your walk in linen or closet step by step.
1. GET A CLEAN CANVAS
When you start organising, the very first thing to do is to clear your space and clean it all out before you start. Remove all the linen, take out all your clutter, bedsheets, napkins, boxes, anything that you have stored that does not belong there. I always have something that my husband will sneak in that does not belong! Move it all out and lay it out so you can see exactly what you have and can clearly see how much space you have left once all the clutter is removed.
LVB Tip - Having a clean canvas helps you visualise better. Try using different types of storage boxes or baskets. If you have a colour scheme going in your home, it's a good idea to introduce these in your closet or walk in linen. It's also important to balance styling without having to compromise on functionality.
2. CREATE ZONES
Create distinctive zones - sheets, towels, hand towels, kitchen napkins, kids bedding, curtains, cushions, bathmats, etc. Fold them up neatly and see how much you really have. I have also categorised my sheets into different sizes so I know exactly which box holds what type of bedsheets. I have kept my son's bedding in a separate box and so are his towels with labels on them. He is quite excited that he has these special boxes and knows exactly where his sheets, towels and cushions are kept, and he can grab these himself!
I also repurpose all old clothes to use for cleaning around my home.This is a really good time, to donate items that you don't need and also repurpose things. Our old curtains are used when my son and me are painting.
LVB Tip - I have a space where I store all paper and plastics bags to repurpose (You can see this in the picture above - left hand side corner. Yes these are neatly folded plastic and cloth bags!). I have a memory box to store all our birthday cards and special photographs. I also have a gift wrapping box, with all all types of gift boxes, left over wrapping paper and space for re-using paper bags (pictured below).
3. THE ART OF FOLDING CLOTHES
I used different types of boxes to house my linen, however, when you get to folding and fitting them into boxes of different shapes and sizes, remember you need to get creative with your folding as well! One thing I noticed as I started organising all my linen, that once folded into baskets they occupy so little space!
LVB Tip - Make sure you always label your baskets so you know where things are, in case these are not easily visible. Also, if you notice I have not yet added labels to some of my storage boxes as I am currently checking if their placement makes sense and whether I may need to change it up a bit. Take your time and once you know the space works then add your final touches with labels. Now everyone in the family knows where things are and I absolutely love it! Also, mix and match - some of your linen does not need to be kept in boxes, just fold them!
Here's a list of all the baskets or containers I have used in my walk in linen -
You will find this basket almost everywhere in my home! Eco-friendly and the just the right size to fit anywhere and still store so much more!
This one tops my list, its my favourite and stores so many towels and kitchen napkins!
This wire basket provides easy access to items stored.
These are absolutely beautiful and make your floor storage look so cool. I have used them to store throws, blankets, toilet paper.
These containers are good value for money, purchased at $5.98. They fit all our thick winter blankets and pillows.
Hope these basic and easy tips get you started in refreshing your closet or walk in linen. You don't need a big storage space, all you need to do is get started and along the way you will notice that organising your linen has helped you declutter and create a more beautiful space. Let me know how you go!
Coming up next, Week 2 clean up - Kitchen Pantry!
xoxo
Shirin@LVB
