Thanks to all of you who participated in last week’s challenge! The rest of my house may still be in chaos, but by golly, I’ve got an organized pantry!! 
Hopefully, the rest of you are inspired, and will join us this week…
…for The Linen Closet!
The linen closet, or whatever you may call it in your home, is the place where you store sheets, towels, extra blankets, and sometimes toiletries and various sundries. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I see linen or bathroom closet makeovers that look like this:
My linen closet will likely never look like this for a few reasons: 1) I don’t have enough space to allow stacks to be freestanding in pretty little piles, 2) My linens do not all coordinate, 3) I often have little helpers who put linens away.
But…the goal here, in our challenge to simplify and organize, is NOT to have a model home; it is to be good stewards of form and function. The principle is this: We don’t have to have nicer things to begin taking care of our homes. It matters less what the actual value of our possessions are, but more the manner in which we care for what we are given. With that in mind, let’s strive this week, to make the space and the resources we have work for us once again.
TIPS FOR GETTING THE JOB DONE:
1. Remove all contents of linen closet and sort by function/type.
2. Determine which sets of sheets are being used, and which remain untouched year after year. Generally, no more than 2-3 sets are necessary.
3. Check each set of sheets for holes, stains, and general usability. Launder if necessary and fold neatly. You can find directions for folding fitted sheets here. Stack in sets. (One idea is to stack a set within one pillowcase of the set to keep it neatly together and easily accessible.)
4. Organize and sort towels. Check for any towels that are worn out and ready for the stash of rags in the garage or utility room. Launder towels if needed, and fold neatly in coordinating stacks or according to use. You can find good directions for folding towels here.
5. Shop your own home for baskets and containers you already have, for organizing random toiletries/sundries that need to be stored in your linen closet. Don’t be afraid to toss or give away lotions or soaps you have no intention of using. However, if you have houseguests often, consider putting together a basket of away-from-home toiletries for your guests to use.
6. If you feel inspired, consider making (or purchasing) small sachets with lavender, for your newly organized linen closet. There’s nothing like fragrant and fresh sheets and towels!
7. Take pics and prepare to link up and share your nesting efforts on Friday! Don’t forget to grab the button below if you want to share the challenge on your blog!
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Enjoy simplifying! Thanks for nesting with me!
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Man, that picture makes me swoon.. but I would never want to touch anything!
My linen closet is.. gasp.. organized.. but I think I will take on the pesky hall closet!!
oh, too funny. i was flipping through martha’s magazine and let out an audible “ha!” when i saw that pic.
i agree with your reasons that your closet will never look like this. i also know that i don’t even want to become accustomed to thinking it has to look like this because it could become something i’d obsess about. not good!
I agree. We cannot make home magazines our standard! I keep reminding myself that it is about stewardship, not pride.
My linen closet is actually in pretty good shape too…but a little additional tidying can always help, so I’ll give it some extra special attention this week.
I think I’ll be joining you this week. Looking forward to it!
My house is so teeny-tiny that I don’t have a linen closet. But since I never got around to doing the pantry, I’ll be (trying) to work on that this week.
Maybe I should write a blog on how to live in an ultra-tiny space.
Kerry- I remember living in our studio apartment and our 800 sq. ft. house, and yes, it takes skill to make a small space work. Feel free to join us anyhow…wherever and whatever your linens and towels are stored in!
Im loving this Ruth!!! I was hoping you would pick the linen closet this week…boy does mine need help!
See you on Friday!
I’m telling you, Jennie. I need the accountability just as much as anyone!
Everyone has a junk drawer, right? wrong! I have a junk linen closet! You can find pretty much anything lost in there! I try to close my eyes every time I put ( more like throw) something in there. Can’t wait, wait a minute…yes I can. You know what I mean.
I love this series you’re doing!
I’m glad I found your blog – just popping over from Faith Blogs! 
Thank you, Becca! Good to have you, and look forward to visiting you as well.
I love this ‘Simply Nesting’ series you are doing! Such a great idea – I found you through Faith Blogs! Love the community there already!