Roadmap + Month 1: The Linen Closet

For many, the thought of getting organized can feel overwhelming. The clutter, the decisions, the sheer amount of stuff—it's easy to feel paralyzed. But we believe organizing doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it can be a fun, even liberating process! Our goal this year is to give you practical, bite-sized steps to guide you on your organizing journey. We want to keep you on track, make you laugh, and help you enjoy the process along the way.

The first step is often the hardest, but as Lao Tzu wisely said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” By taking that first action, you'll begin to make space for what truly matters in your life—your "Big Rocks."

Join Us for an Organizing Adventure

We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 "Ask the Organizer" series, where we’ll tackle rightsizing and organizing one room at a time. Each month, we’ll explore a different area of the home, providing you with guidance, strategies, and support to help you declutter and simplify your space.

Here’s a sneak peek at our 2025 roadmap:

January: Introduction to Rightsizing + The Linen Closet
February: The Junk Drawer
March: Bathrooms + Laundry Room
April: Living Room + Dining Room
May: Bedrooms + Closets
June: Kitchen + Pantry
July: Home Office + Paper
August: Art Studio + Craft Room
September: Storage Unit, Basement + Attic
October: Garage + Playroom
November: Collectibles, Sentimental Items + Photos
December: Maintenance

Our "Ask the Organizer" events will now be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please bring your lunch and join us for a virtual session packed with tips, inspiration, and community support. Register here.

Introducing "Rightsizing Rockstars!"

In addition to “Ask the Organizer,” we’re excited to launch “Rightsizing Rockstars,” a free virtual monthly support group. This group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Pacific Time, via Zoom. Whether you prefer to tackle organizing one month at a time, bit by bit, or in bursts of inspiration, this group is here to keep you motivated and supported. Register here.

Now, let’s dive into Month 1 of our organizing journey: the Linen Closet!

Month 1: Organizing the Linen Closet

Welcome to the first step in our Room-by-Room Organizing Challenge! The linen closet is a perfect starting point because it’s often a smaller, manageable space. Plus, it’s one area where most of us feel ready to let go of old towels and sheets that have long outlived their usefulness.

Why is My Linen Closet Such a Mess?

Organizing expert Barbra Hemphill once said, “Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions." The linen closet is a prime example of this. Over time, it becomes a catch-all for mismatched sheets, towels that have been replaced but never discarded, and baby blankets from a child who’s now a teenager.

Because the door closes easily, it’s simple to ignore the chaos—until you open it and the contents come tumbling down on your head.

How Long Will This Take?

We recommend setting aside about two hours and fifteen minutes for this project. It may take a bit longer if you decide to wash some of your linens during the process.

Step 1: Empty the Closet

Start by emptying the entire linen closet. This step is crucial because it allows you to see everything you have and to reset the space. Use laundry baskets or cardboard boxes to sort items as you remove them. Create categories like:

Keep
Donate
Discard
Undecided

Step 2: Make Decisions

Now it’s time to decide what stays and what goes. Ask yourself:

How many sets of bedding and towels do I actually use?
When was the last time I used this item?
Is this item in good condition, or is it time to let it go?

For items with sentimental value, ask if they belong in the linen closet or should be stored elsewhere. If you’re stuck, remember that gently used linens can often be donated to shelters or charities, while worn-out items might be welcomed by animal shelters. Stained, torn, or worn-out textiles can be recycled through Ridwell.

Step 3: Clean and Fold

Once you've sorted your items, wipe down the shelves. If needed, wash any linens before putting them back. Remember that neatly folded linens save space and make the closet more functional.

Pro Tip: Ever struggled to fold a fitted sheet? You’re not alone! There are countless YouTube tutorials to help—and if you master it, let us know. We might have a job for you!

Step 4: Commit to a System

Before putting everything back, think about accessibility. Place frequently used items, like towels, at waist height. Store larger or less frequently used items on the top shelf, like extra pillows or comforters.

We love storing sheet sets inside a matching pillowcase to keep everything tidy and easy to grab. Label shelves or use key tags to identify what’s where.

Step 5: Sustain Your Work

Maintaining your newly organized space is key! Labeling shelves helps everyone in the household know where things go. Take a few minutes to teach your family the system so they can help keep the linen closet in order.

Celebrate Your Success!

Once your linen closet is organized, take a moment to enjoy your accomplishment. Share your progress with your family and post a photo on social media if you feel proud! Remember, each organized space is a step toward a more simplified, intentional life. Happy organizing, and we’ll see you in February for our next challenge: the junk drawer!

Need help or feeling stuck? Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a free exploratory call. We’re here to support you on your organizing journey!