The Pillowcase Hack That Makes Storing Seasonal Linens A Breeze

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This is the time of year we surround ourselves with festiveness and for many of us that means displaying our annual holiday linens. This includes your Christmas-themed tablecloths, napkins, and of course those bedsheets with tiny reindeer. But what do you do with those linens when the holiday season is over? You probably just throw them in a plastic bin, right? That's understandable — you're tired from holiday hosting. However, if you want those linens to look just as bright next year, it might be a good idea to put forth a little effort, and you can do so by using pillowcases.  That's right, simply repurpose those old pillowcases into storage solutions for towels, runners, and even your adorable Santa-covered shower curtain.

Linens store better when they're placed in breathable material like a pillowcase. Di Ter Avest, a professional organizer, told Homes & Gardens that pillowcases are able to fend off odors and yellowing more so than plastic storage solutions. Fortunately, it's also an item that many of us have and can even spare a few. Perhaps you've updated your bedding for the winter or have extra pillowcases you no longer use for guests. If you don't have a surplus of pillowcases for storage, just head to your local thrift store. They usually carry a slew of them for less than $2 each. By tucking all your linens away in pillowcases, they'll be safe from moisture while waiting for next year's holiday appearance. 

The first thing you want to do is wash your linens prior to packing them up. This will eliminate food crumbs or stains left behind, which could attract pests. Be sure to thoroughly dry the linens to avoid mold or mildew issues. Do the same with your pillowcases. Once everything is clean and dry, fold each of your linens nicely and separate them into categories. This will be helpful for organizing — you'll thank yourself next season. Place the folded linens inside the pillowcases and top them off with labels, like these No-Iron Fabric Labels. 

Stack the labeled pillowcases on a closet shelf if you have the space. If not, place them in a large container and store them in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. Avoid packing up your linens in a carboard box. They attract moisture and pests (like moths) that can eat fabric. If that is a concern, eucalyptus, bay leaves, and lavender can all help keep these insects at bay. You can also try to repel bugs naturally. 

Keeping your linens stored in a breathable fabric like a pillowcase will preserve the items, more so than keeping them in plastic. Your linens will last longer and look beautiful for many holiday seasons to come. Just be sure to launder those linens once again before using them.