The linen cupboard might be one of the most used storage areas in the home, but it’s rarely the most organised. Whether it’s the barely used bath towels or poorly folded fitted sheets, chances are that your linen cupboard storage system could use a serious sorting out.
If it does, keep reading for our ultimate guide to tackling the linen cupboard chaos.
A step-by-step guide to linen cupboard storage

1. Remove everything
Taking everything out of the cupboard — yes, every towel, bed sheet and blanket — is the only way to see what you really have in there. This will help you decide what’s worth keeping and what’s simply taking up space in the cupboard.
Remember to be ruthless. Anything with holes or obvious discolouration should be out.
2. Use the rule of three
The rule of three is a good way to narrow down what you need and what you really don’t. This rule suggests that each person in the household have should three of each item — meaning three pillowcases, three towels and three sets of sheets per person.
Consider donating the rest to another family who may need them.
3. Roll your towels
You might have heard about the benefits of rolling, rather than folding, your towels, and there’s a reason why the technique is so popular — it doesn’t just save a lot of space, it also helps your linen cupboard look neat.
However, if you prefer to fold your towels, try folding each towel in half, then lengthways and into three for a neater option.
4. Create extra linen cupboard storage for smaller items
It’s worth placing your smaller items, such as hand towels, into baskets or boxes to avoid them getting lost with the rest of linen.
5. Learn how to fold a fitted sheet
Yes, it is actually worth learning how to fold a fitted sheet. Notorious for its difficulty to fold, a properly folded fitted sheet will save not only space and frustration in the linen cupboard, but look much better as well.
To fold a fitted sheet, simply follow the instructions below.
- Turn your sheet inside out and hold lengthways.
- Place one hand in each corner.
- Clap your hands together and slip one top corner over the other.
- While still holding first corners, run your other hand down to another corner.
- Pull it up and slip the first two corners over.
- Run your hand down to the final corner and repeat. You should now be holding all four corners together.
- Shake out the wrinkles and smooth the sheet onto a flat surface.
- Keeping your corners together, fold your sheet into thirds or quarters – whichever your prefer.
Sheets we have on rotation:
- French Flax Linen Fitted Sheet in Natural Thick Stripe, $140 from I Love Linen
- French Flax Linen Fitted Sheet in Hazelnut, $120 from I Love Linen
6. Keep your pillowcases and doona sets together
Create some order in your cupboard by keeping your pillowcases and doona sets together. You can do this by placing a doona cover, pillowcase and any matching sheets into a second pillowcase. We promise that changing the sheets has never been so easy!
7. Label everything
Label each linen cupboard shelf so that if somebody else puts the washing away, they won’t mess up the order. You’ll be wishing you had this system earlier!
8. Utilise behind-door storage
When it comes to making the most of your linen cupboard storage, it’s worth thinking about the behind-door storage.
You can do this by attaching a wire shelf or closet organiser to the back of the door, which increases the cupboard’s storage capacity and also makes those smaller items much easier to store and find.
9. Keep it organised
Your linen cupboard organisation needs to be sustainable, otherwise you’re not going to be able to keep it up.
When taking things out of the cupboard, try to use the sheets and towels at the bottom of the pile and place the fresh ones on the top. That way, you’re not using the same sheets and towels every time and wearing them out.
The best linen cupboard organisation items

01
Linen look bed linen box in Stripe
$12, Target
Best for: bed linen storage
If your linen cupboard is a jumble of sheets and doona covers, then these linen cupboard storage boxes are going to help you keep your sheet sets separate and organised.
Key features:
- Collapsible features
- Striped design
- Fit in the cupboard or under the bed

02
Linen look collapsible box with window in Beige
$12, Target
Best for: seasonal storage
This large collapsible box is a great way to keep your seasonal linen organised. Simply fill it with each season’s sheet sets and store in the back of your linen cupboard until the seasons change.
Key features:
- Large size
- Linen look
- Collapsible

03
Underbed storage box
$12, Target
Best for: underbed storage box
If your linen cupboard is getting too full, then you might benefit from storing some seasonal or rarely-used items under the bed instead.
Key features:
- Collapsible
- Linen look
- Lid closure

04
Masai natural laundry baskets
$69.99 – $109.99, Adairs
Best for: stylish laundry items
These stylish natural laundry baskets are sure to upgrade your laundry routine.
Key features:
- Natural texture
- Cut-out handles
- Matching set

05
Home and laundry stickers
$23.99, Amazon
Best for: Labelling
Adding labels to your storage bins and buckets means that you always know where your items are.
Key features:
- Preprinted labels
- Peel and stick
- Laminated finish

06
Bed sheet organizer bands
$11.69, Amazon
Best for: linen cupboard organisation
These portable bedsheet bands are a great way to keep your quilts and doonas organised in your linen cupboard. With the size written on the band, you will immediately know which one you need.
Key features:
- Polyester
- Multipurpose
- Printed with King, Queen, Full, Twin