{Clutter-Free Challenge} Day 18
Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
Physical Rating: Light Duty
Emotional Rating: Possible Attachment Anxiety
Just for the record, I feel like this clutter photo more than makes up for my lack of photos yesterday!So here is our linen closet. I've always really hated this closet. It's way too deep to be functional and becomes a dumping ground rather quickly. Eventually I plan to fix that, but for today I'm all about de-cluttering.
Step 1: Dump and Sort!
As always, I recommend the dump and sort method because you are less likely to fill your beautiful, empty space with the stuff you don't love. There should be 3 piles, "Keep," "Donate," and "Trash." Be sensible about what you keep. Each bed only needs two sheet sets to rotate between. If you have seasonal sheets only keep out the sets which are in season to avoid a jam packed linen closet. Donate items that are in good condition but that you no longer care for or have found to be superfluous. Trash any items that are ripped or stained. (You can also donate these items to animal shelters, as they are ALWAYS needed!)
Step 2: Organize!
I think the most frustrating part of this process is folding the fitted sheet. Here's a photo tutorial on how to fold a fitted sheet perfectly:
1. Folding the sheet lengthwise, match the inside corner seems together and tuck one side into the other as shown. 2. Fold the bottom up until the sides are squared as shown. 3. Bring the new bottom edge up to meet the top and gently smooth the sheet side to side. 4. Fold one side in to about the halfway mark. 5. And the other side. 6. Close both sides like a book and ta-da!
Repeat with the top sheet. To get the top sheet to match the fitted sheet: Fold in half lengthwise, then width-wise. Then fold in half lengthwise twice. This will bring you to step 3 above and you can finish the same way!
Once the flat and fitted sheet have been folded as described, they should fit perfectly side by side in a pillowcase!
Fold over the rest of the pillowcase and you'll be left with this all-in-one set. When sheets need to be changed you can just reach in and grab a fresh set. No hunting for matches!
WOW!
After purging the junk and creating my grab-and-go sheet sets, my linen closet feels so much better. From top to bottom: 2 sets of guest sheets, master bedroom 2 sets, 3 crib sheets and 2 twin sets, spare blankets (I kept more than I wanted to, but my kids are huge on fort building.)
Holy moly! Is that the floor I see? No way!
What I purged:
- 12 misfit pillowcases
- 9 fitted sheets (various sizes)
- 5 flat sheets (various sizes)
- 2 blankets
- 1 bedskirt
- 1 crib set with bumpers, etc
I have to admit I was slightly horrified at how much clutter was in there. It's not like I was saving it all because I was attached to it or because I thought we needed it. I was just straight up oblivious to the amount of crap that was in there. Scary. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't thank myself for committing to this!