A Fresh Start on Organizing Your Home: The Linen Closet

13367184_SFor some reason linen closet organization tends to break down over time. Before you know it, the pillowcases that match those queen-size sheets have vanished, and you aren’t even sure what size that one sheet actually is. Towels of all sizes scatter through the shelves, and all of the washcloths have gathered at the back all bunched up.

If your linen closet gets this way even though you straighten it up regularly – or whenever you have time – here are a few suggestions to help you take and keep control of your linens.

Pre-mark all sheet sets. Using a sharpie, write a small K, Q, D, or T at the bottom right corner of each fitted sheet. This serves two purposes: to let you know at a glance which size sheet set you have, and to help you easily put the sheets on in the right direction when you make the beds.

Package your linens. Fold the fitted sheet, top sheet and any extra pillowcases and place them all inside one pillowcase. Having trouble folding sheets in a compact way? Search for sheet folding instructions on Pinterest for ideas. Fold the hand towels and washcloths inside your bath towels, making a tidy package.

Contain the small stuff. Use baskets or bins to hold and control all of your smaller items so they don’t go wandering around the shelves. The only exception? If you keep soap, candles or other scented items in your linen closet, you may want to tuck a few things in with the sheets and towels to add a nice scent.

Police your linen closet. It’s easy to straighten up a space when it just starts to go south, but much harder if you put it off too long. Every time you put away clean linens, do a quick check to make sure everything is in the right place. That way you can always find anything you need when you need it.

Organizing your New Home – A Place for Everything…

18055461_SSo, did you envision your new Fulton home as an organized paradise? With all the extra space, closets and storage, maybe you had hopes that you would finally be able to create order.

Well, if that hasn’t happened, don’t blame the house or yourself for that matter. Organizational experts use a selection of tools and tricks to get and stay organized. Here are a few of their ideas to help you reach your goals.

Use the right kind of storage: Is it easy to get things out when you need them and put them away when you’re done? For frequently-used items, make sure they’re one-step away. For example, pens and scissors can be in an open container on a desk or counter rather than in a drawer that has to be opened and closed. Laundry hampers should be open so dirty clothes can just be chucked in without bothering with a lid. The easier the system, the more likely it will work.

17461493_SDuplicate: Do you need scissors regularly in the kitchen and your office? Have two pair so they don’t have to travel back and forth, increasing the likelihood of their disappearance.

Use containers and dividers: Baskets and boxes will hold underwear or socks if you can’t get your children to fold things. Drawers with dividers are more likely to stay tidy. Peg boards and hooks separate different tools without hiding them.

Keep experimenting: If one system doesn’t work, try another and another until you discover what works best for you.

Getting organized is not a one-time effort. It’s a constant, steady plan to head in a better direction. You won’t reach organizational nirvana in a week, or possibly ever. Just work toward a better level of organization over time, and you may be surprised at the results.