How To Fold Bed Sheets for Storage and Organization
Properly folded sheets are easier to organize and store, and are more likely to remain delightfully wrinkle-free until you put them on the bed. Explore our guide to find step-by-step instructions on the best way to fold flat and fitted sheets, plus practical tips for bed sheet storage and organization.
Simple Steps To Perfectly Folded Sheets
Wondering how to fold bottom or top sheets? All you need are the sheets and a flat surface—a table, mattress, or even the floor will work—and the sheets themselves.
How To Fold a Fitted Sheet (The Easy Way)
The best way to fold a fitted sheet is to tuck all the elastic corners inside each other, shape the sheet into a rectangle, and then fold it in thirds. It’s easier than it sounds, we promise. Watch our video for how to fold a fitted sheet, or follow the six simple steps below for a perfectly folded bundle—every time:
Stand and hold the sheet inside out. Put your hands inside the top two corners, then bring your hands together.
Fold one top corner over the other. Now the visible corner at this end of the sheet is right-side out.
Do the same to the two corners at the other end of the sheet.
Now you should have two visible elastic corners. Put your hands inside those and bring them together. Fold one over the other as before.
Lay the fitted sheet on the floor or bed. Fold any excess material toward the center to form a rectangle.
Fold the rectangle in thirds to produce neat edges. If you don’t like folding sheets in thirds, you can try quarters or even halves.
The (Really) Easy Part: How To Fold a Flat Sheet
Flat sheets are easier to fold than their fitted counterparts. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a neat, compact fold:
Working from the long edge of the sheet, grasp the top two corners of the sheet and fold them toward each other until both short edges meet. Align the corners and edges.
Turn the sheet 90 degrees and fold in half again.
Turn the sheet another 90 degrees and fold in half again, and then once more, to make a long rectangle.
Fold the ends to the center, then fold the entire bundle in half. This way of folding sheets in quarters ensures that no edges are on the outside of the bundle.
QUICK TIP: Smooth the sheets between each fold to ensure they stay wrinkle-free in storage.
Simplify Sheet Storage and Organization
The best way to store sheets and bedding is often as much a matter of personal preference as it is practicality, but certain methods stand the test of time. Folding sheets neatly is a key first step in keeping your storage spaces organized. Then store sheets—and other bedding—somewhere free from moisture, dust, and bugs, with enough air circulation to prevent mold and mildew. Read on for ideas for organizing and storing bed sheets in the linen closet and beyond.
Store Folded Sheet Sets in Pillowcases
Folding a sheet set inside its pillowcase keeps everything together, so you don’t have to go searching for a stray piece when it’s time to remake the bed. Fold the sheets and one pillowcase and create a neat stack. Slide this stack inside the second pillowcase, folding the extra fabric back over itself to create a bundle of sheets.
Organize Folded Sheets in Baskets or Bins
Baskets or bins are an easy way to separate sheets by room, size, or any other preference. Plus, this approach keeps the closet looking neat. If you sort sheets by room, tuck the bin on the top shelf of each closet to free up space for other bedding in the linen closet.
Hang Bed Sheets for Storage
Follow the sheet folding steps above, but stop before you reach the final folds. Instead, drape your sheet set through a clothes hanger. You can hang all your sheets in one closet, or store sheet sets in the closets of their respective rooms.
Store Bed Sheets Without a Linen Closet
No linen closet? No problem: Allocate space in your bedroom furniture for storing linens. The bottom drawer of a dresser, a trunk at the foot of the bed, or a decorative box on a bookshelf are all convenient options.
Use Under-Bed Linen Storage
If you’re short on shelf space, sheets and bulky bedding can be stored under your bed. Protect linens from dust and mildew by storing them in a cotton bag that allows air to circulate and moisture to escape.
Fold Sheets to Save Space
When it comes to making the most of your linen closet, look at how you fold your sheets. Depending on your space, a compact tri- or quarter-fold method may fit better on the shelf, freeing up room to store other bedding and linens.
How To Keep Sheets Smelling Fresh
Whether you’re storing them in a closet, trunk, or drawer, here are some simple tips for keeping your sheets smelling fresh between uses:
- First in, first out. Don't let sheets sit too long, or they'll start to smell stale. Put freshly laundered sheets on the bottom of the stack or bin, and always pull from the top when changing sheets.
- Leave room to breathe. Overstuffed linen closets prevent air circulation, which can result in musty-smelling sheets. Store sheets with a little wiggle room and they’ll smell fresh for longer.
- Freshen up. Fight odors by keeping an herbal pouch or diffuser in the closet, or tucking a cotton washcloth with a few drops of essential oils into your storage space.
Folding and storing sheets doesn't have to be a hassle. With our easy-to-follow folding instructions and organizational hacks, your linen closet will be neat and tidy. For more tips and tricks, explore our other Guides.