Keeping closet bedding organized can be a challenge, especially if storage space is limited. Proper storage is important to keep bedding clean, avoid damage, and make it easy to access. With some simple tips, you can effectively store blankets, sheets, comforters, and more in a closet space.
Why is proper storage of bedding important?
There are several key reasons to use proper storage methods for closet bedding:
- Prevent damage – Improper storage can lead to tears, stains, or excessive wear and tear on bedding over time.
- Avoid odor/dust – Storing bedding improperly may expose it to odors or excessive dust, leading to musty smells.
- Save space – Using space-saving techniques helps maximize closet storage capacity.
- Accessibility – Items stored effectively are easier to locate when needed.
- Organization – A well-organized, tidy closet is simpler to navigate and maintain.
Following some basic guidelines for storing bedding can help avoid many of these potential issues.
Tips for storing blankets
Blankets can take up a large amount of closet space if not stored efficiently. Here are some useful tips for effectively storing blankets in a closet:
- Fold neatly using the konmari method – Lay blanket flat and fold into a neat rectangle. This keeps the blanket tidy and space-efficient.
- Use shelves or stackable plastic bins – Store folded blankets on closet shelves or in stackable plastic bins. This contains them neatly while protecting from dust.
- Use space under hanging clothes – Slide neatly folded blankets under hanging clothes to make use of wasted vertical space.
- Vacuum seal for max compression – For extreme space saving, vacuum seal blankets in large bags to compress them. This also protects them from moisture and dust.
- Hang on hooks – Installing hooks on the wall provides a way to hang folded blankets vertically, saving floor space.
- Add cedar blocks – Place cedar blocks in bins or shelves to repel moths and prevent insect damage to wool blankets.
Taking the time to fold or roll blankets tightly before storage makes the most of closet space.
How to store sheets
Proper storage of bed sheets helps them stay organized, clean, and wrinkle-free. Follow these tips:
- Group sheet sets – Store complete sheet sets including flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcases together in bins, shelves or hanging bags.
- Use shelf dividers – Separate sheet sets on shelves using dividers or bins for an organized look.
- Roll sheets – Roll sheets tightly to save space and prevent wrinkles.
- Stand pillowcases – Nestle pillowcases inside one another and stand them upright to save space.
- Hang sheet sets – Use canvas hanging bags or garment bags to store entire sheet sets vertically.
- Store by size – Group all sheets by size (twin, queen, king etc) to find them easily.
Storing sheets using these methods makes bed changing day simpler and keeps sheets looking their best.
Tips for comforter storage
Puffy comforters take up ample storage space. Use these techniques to store them:
- Vacuum seal – Suck air out with a vacuum sealer to compress comforters into bags, reducing volume.
- Use under bed storage – Store sealed comforters under the bed to get them out of closets.
- Roll tightly – For unsealed comforters, roll tightly and secure with ribbons before storing to remove excess air.
- Hang on high closet rod – Hang rolled or vacuum-packed comforters on a high closet rod using clips.
- Store in chest – Use an airtight plastic or metal storage chest to protect comforters from moisture and pests.
- Label – Attach labels noting the size and type of comforter to identify them easily.
Proper comforter storage keeps them clean and damage-free while freeing up valuable closet space.
Storing closet bedding by season
An effective way to optimize closet storage space for bedding is to store items by season:
- Keep off-season bedding sealed – Store winter comforters and flannel sheets sealed in vacuum bags during summer. Switch to lightweight summer bedding.
- Use wardrobe boxes – Pack off-season bedding neatly into labeled wardrobe boxes and store in garage or under beds.
- Label storage containers by season – Clearly label bins as “summer” or “winter” bedding for easy identification.
- Swap seasons twice yearly – Make swapping seasonal bedding a routine twice a year task.
- Store fragile items properly – Ensure delicate items like wool blankets are cleaned and sealed with mothballs before long term storage.
Rotating seasonal bedding maximizes closet space since only one season’s bedding is stored at a time.
What are the best storage containers for bedding?
The optimal storage containers for bedding include:
- Vacuum storage bags – Airtight bags compressed with a vacuum remove bulk and protect contents.
- Plastic bins with lids – Clear plastic bins keep items visible and the lids protect contents from dust and pests.
- Wardrobe boxes – These sturdy cardboard boxes are ideal for storing off-season clothing and bedding.
- Shelving units – Stackable shelving makes efficient use of vertical space.
- Hanging bags – Breathable garment bags allow hanging bulky bedding vertically.
- Cedar chests – Cedar repels moths and smells great but avoid cedar if you have allergies.
- Underbed containers – Use hard plastic underbed bins to utilize this often neglected space.
Choose storage containers suitable for the item’s size, shape and weight capacity. Sturdy lidded plastic bins are versatile and affordable options.
What are the best closet storage systems for bedding?
Some of the best options for bedding storage systems within a closet include:
- Overhead hanging rod – Install a second rod high up to hang storage bags of blankets and comforters above shorter hanging clothing.
- Shelving units – Stackable plastic shelving units utilize vertical wall space efficiently for folded blankets, sheets and pillows.
- Modular wire storage cubes – Connectable wire cubes adapt to almost any closet space and can hold bins, shelves or hang rods.
- Drawers – Adding drawers creates compartments for neatly folding and filing bedding by type and size.
- Hanging bags/baskets – Sturdy fabric bags with grommets can hang from closet rods to store pillows or rolled sheets.
- Bedding storage chest – A dedicated bedding chest at the base of the closet neatly contains bulky linens and blankets.
- Under shelf storage – Use hanging shelf dividers or fabric bins to utilize wasted space under shelves.
Look for systems that maximize your existing closet layout and dimensions. Mix different storage methods like shelves, bags, and bins for a complete solution.
Best practices when putting away clean bedding
Follow these tips when putting away freshly laundered bedding:
- Quickly make bed with clean linens to avoid mixing up sets or losing pillowcases.
- Check for stains and damage before remaking bed to catch issues before storage.
- For cupboard storage, fold bedding to designated sizes to avoid cramming.
- Return bedding to matching storage bags or bins to keep sets together.
- Vacuum seal bedding for compression and to prevent dust if storing off-season items.
- Use storage containers designed for bedding to avoid over-stuffing.
- Designate a special spot near washer/dryer for sorting folded bedding before putting away.
- Store like with like – pillowcases with sheets, winter quilts together, etc.
Developing a regular routine helps make storing clean bedding fast and efficient.
What are good sizes for bedding storage?
Ideal storage sizes for bedding include:
- Twin sheets/blankets: Fold to 12″ x 12″ square
- Full/Queen sheets/blankets: Fold to 16″ x 16″ square
- King sheets/blankets: Fold to 18″ x 18″
- Pillowcases: Nest together and fold lengthwise to 8″ width
- Comforters/quilts: Roll tightly and secure with ribbon
- Underbed bins: 38″ x 18″ x 6″
- Wall shelving cubes: 36″ W x 12″ D x 72″ H
Standardizing how bedding is folded or rolled before storage ensures consistent sizes that maximize closet and bin space.
Conclusion
Storing bedding properly is an important closet organization task. Use storage bags, bins, shelves, and garment bags to neatly contain bulky linens. Fold blankets using konmari or military style for compact stacking. Roll sheets and comforters tightly before storage. Maximize closet space by storing bedding sets together and rotating seasonal items. Labels help identify contents. With the right storage methods, even the smallest closet can effectively contain all your bedding.