I have looked for laundry basket (affiliate) options for a shallow linen closet we have had in our bathroom for some time now. If you have a shallow closet, you know how difficult it is to find items that fit it. So, this is the first of two posts specifically for narrow linen closets.
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Narrow Linen Closet Dimensions
The closet is 11-12 inches deep and about 5 feet wide, with two folding doors that also take up some space.
Solutions for storing dirty laundry in a narrow linen closet
First, I found these laundry bags and used Command Large Plastic Hooks Value Pack, 3-Hook
holding the bags up until they were full enough.
Issue with this solution
However, when the bags were full, I couldn't close the folding doors. To top it off, when the bag is heavy, it falls over and pulls the hook off the wall, damaging it. =( This type of laundry basket (affiliate) worked for a while.
I had at least 3 of these damaged spots on the wall.
Another solution to store narrow laundry bins in a narrow linen closet
Then, the other day, I found these divided laundry bins at HomeGoods that are the perfect depth. If you have shopped at HomeGoods before, you know that if you find something, you need to buy it right away, so I did.
I added labels (affiliate) to the front of the bins: darks, bleach, lights, and towels so everyone would know where to put the dirty clothes.
They even allow the doors to close. What a relief! It looks so much better. This post shows that you can find organizing supplies for any size space, you just need to be vigilant, and creative and keep trying to find the organizing item.
Here are some products from Amazon (affiliate) to help you with your narrow linen closet:
Laundry Basket Narrow (12"L x 10"Wx 20"H) Collapsible Hamper with Aluminum Handles
Buy Now →
Laundry Hamper 12.6 Inch Collapsible Laundry Baskets with Handles 3 pk
Buy Now →(affiliate)
Feel free to visit our post about how to organize a linen closet. Do you have a narrow closet space? Where is it? Please share your tips in the comment section on how you managed the space.
Visit our other bathroom organization ideas!
Hazel Thornton says
LOVE finding the right solution to a tricky organizing challenge!
Sabrina says
Me too! I love sharing it with others as well. =)
Carolyn Caldwell says
Yup, narrow is good. Great post, thanks.
Sarah Soboleski says
I bet it felt like a small victory finding those Home Goods bins! Way to go! A lot of us have small spaces, odd layouts and weird configurations in our homes to work with. This just goes to show you can make things work successfully with a bit of trial and error!
Sabrina says
It sure did! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Liana George says
Love how you share your personal struggles with your readers but also showed how you solved the problem too! So many times people think organizers have everything in their lives so perfect, so it's great when they can see we are human too! Glad you found something that works for you!
Sabrina says
I totally agree, Liana! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Autumn Leopold says
Glad you finally found something that worked! I'm doing a master closet right now for a client with a similar issue. I actually have to take out some of the wood support beams to make a shelf fit and the we have decided to just take off the closet door and hang curtains. Sometimes you just have to work with the space you are given. Great find on the Home Goods bins.
Sabrina says
These bags are great! We use them for a week's worth of laundry and they are easy to move around to bring them to our laundry room on another floor.
Ellen Delap says
Great idea! I think have a great laundry basket option leads to being sure laundry gets done!
Seana Turner says
Isn't it funny how finding the right fit can make such a large difference? It is worth the effort to find a solution that works WELL!
Janet Barclay says
I like the way you chose different patterned bags, which can become a visual cue in addition to the labels. Very nice!
Sabrina says
Thanks Janet! I really love being able to close the closet door. =)