by Julie Sprouse-Verleger

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: March 07, 2009

Much like a clothing closet, a linen closet tends to "swallow" what ever we toss in there. How many of us have purchased more soap, shampoo or some other toiletry item only to find an arsenal of them tucked away the linen closet?

I have a simple "do it yourself" solution that you can accomplish in no time at all.

You will need; Several of one of the following materials, square or rectangular containers with low and straight sides. Chose from a more decorative natural basket weave or plastic material. Whatever you budget allows. Labels or invest in a label maker. 1 to 2 plastic bins with lids. 2 boxes or bins, for example, laundry baskets, boxes or Rubbermaid bins. Mark them DONATE and RECYCLE. Large trash bags.

Keep in mind; it will be easier to purchase of few containers in each size. This way the project can be completed with out any interruptions and momentum kiboshing. When your linen closet is well organized and efficiently running, just return the unused materials.

Lets get started! Turn on some music, grab a cup of tea and take a deep breath.

Start with the top shelf. Pull out occupants and divide into categories. When working with sheets and blankets, refold and sort into piles by size. Keeping sheet sets together.

Donate any unused toiletry item that you know you will not use. Donate any sheet sets or blankets that no longer match your decorating scheme or you don't own the size bed it fits on.

Throw away any unused portions of toiletries that have not been used in the past 2 months. Throw away all expired medication. If you have several family members living in your home, separate medication and toiletry items that are for them.

When you have continued this process through out the entire linen closet, you should be down to only the things you and your family need. Now, you are ready to put it all back together. If it will help you to clear your mind, take the garbage out and place the donate bin in your car.
Place like items together in one of the open bins, such as soap bottles and bars, kids soap and shampoo. The medication should go into the bins with lids. Separate between children and adult. This way when you need Tylenol or Vicks vapor rub, you will need to just grab the "Kids" bin and it will al be there for you.

Place sheets back on the shelves by size. Usually these can go on a higher shelf. Blankets and extra pillows work well on the highest shelf. Piece together bins on shelves. Extra toiletries on one, medicine and frequently used things on another. Everyone has some different needs, but you can use this basic pattern and customize it to your families needs. Label, Label, Label, label each bin you place in the linen closet so your whole family can easily see what is what. Once everything is back in the closet, step back and give yourself a big hug for a job well done.

Everything you have placed back in the closet are only items you use and are together with other like items. They will be easy to see and grab with out too much digging. So before you run out to target because the shampoo is running low, glance at you linen closet and see if your really need it or not. Cause who doesn't want (or need) too save time and money.

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