Ditch The Overflowing Linen Closet: A Smart Space-Saving Method For Storing Sheets

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Overflowing linen closets are such a headache. One moment, you're grabbing a fresh set of sheets, and the next, you're wrestling with a chaotic avalanche of pillowcases, fitted sheets, and duvet covers. But it doesn't need to be such a struggle. There's actually a space-saving method that's perfect for storing sheets: hangers. 

Using hangers to organize sets of bedsheets is great in two major ways. First, it saves space. Instead of a single set taking up half of a shelf, just one hanger is enough. The second benefit of this method is that, by keeping entire sets together on one hanger, you won't need to dig for a loose pillowcase anymore. It takes the mental load out of the bed sheet swapping process: just pull out a hanger, make the bed, and move on with your day. And on laundry day, it will help you organize bedsheets without needing to fold them. Because remember, you're supposed to swap sheets once a week (this should at least help you get there).

The other benefit of this hack is that it's an affordable solution for storing sheets. All you need are hangers. It's best to go with something sturdy that won't bend or break under the weight of an entire set of bedsheets. Avoid thin metal or flimsy plastic, and opt for wood instead. Another must: get triangular hangers that have a horizontal section at the bottom, which is where you'll hang the sheets from. Something like these Zober high-grade wooden hangers should do the job, or you can use special drapery hangers that have a cardboard tube on the bottom to prevent creases. 

To hang bedsheets, start with the larger pieces like duvet covers, flat sheets, and fitted sheets. Fold them into long rectangles that are about 15 inches wide so that they can fit onto the hangers. In terms of length, it depends on how high your closet rod is placed, but the goal is to fold sheets in half with the hanger at the center, where neither of the ends is touching the floor or whatever is underneath. For a 66-inch rod in a full-length closet, you'll have about 50 inches of space. When you're done with those larger pieces, you can fold the smaller ones, like pillow cases, in half and add them to the hanger.

You can also add a steaming step to this routine. Attach the hanger to a hook or rod, and work on each layer before adding the next, removing wrinkles and softening the fabric. To avoid any slips, add two clothes pegs to the sides of the bedsheets, right below the fold. This will pinch the layers together and keep them from rolling off. And if you're worried about the sheets getting dusty, add a garment bag over the hanger, like this Liuoud clear bag for hanging clothes. This might take up space in the hanging closet, but you're still saving on shelf space overall. 

Another thing you can add to this routine is attaching small bags of lavender or activated charcoal to the hangers. This is especially smart if your closet has weird musty smells or if it's in a rarely used guest bedroom. That way, your bedsheets will stay fresh or fragrant, no matter how long they stay hanging in the closet.