And you’re done! This fold isn’t always the neatest, but it’s quick, easy, and makes it easy to see and store the sheets. I’m happy with this fold, especially for sheets that go into storage bags (more on that later), and with the sheer amount of sheets I have at home.
Ultimately, if folding sheets is stressful, you should cut yourself a little slack and keep in mind the fabric of the sheets you’re folding. Sheets with more structure, like percale, are a little easier to hold in place as you fold, while softer sheets, like bamboo or synthetic nylon, can feel like you’re trying to make a shape out of water. Still, with a little patience, you can make a pretty solid square shape. Or, if you’re impatient and still need to fold six sets of sheets like me, you’ll end up with a good enough square.
Beyond the mountains of shelves
Photo: Nena Farrell
If you don’t like the way your sheets look no matter how you fold them, try sheet storage bags or bins. These are great for storing sheets under your bed if you don’t have a linen closet at home, or for storing out-of-season sheets.
You could also keep the dust bags for storing your sheets, but not all sheets come with dust bags, and some are obviously only designed to hold machine-pressed sheets (I love Quince’s dust bags, though). You could also recreate this experience by stuffing all your sheets into one pillowcase, which is an easy way to keep all your sheets together. However, with either bag, your sheets won’t stay neatly folded.
Best seat storage
The best sheet storage is $2. I’m serious. I added three of these IKEA storage bags to my order and was surprised at how much I love them. They’re the perfect size for two sets of heavy flannel sheets, but you could also pack three sets of lighter bamboo or cotton sheets.
Most people I asked said they have about 3 sets of sheets, so if you store 2 sets of sheets and put 1 on your bed, one bag is big enough. They cost $2. Get 12 for your whole house, or get 6 for only $12. It’s a little too small for a fluffy comforter and pillows, but will fit a throw.
Ideal for storing sheets and blankets
The Company Store storage bags are great and come in a variety of sizes to fit sheets, pillows, comforters, etc. I can fit 4 sets of bulky linen sheets in them with room to spare (though not enough for a 5th set). I also use them to store comforters. They open halfway up the side so you can see inside the bag without it getting all messy, and I love that they have a little label space so I can write down what type of sheets or bedding is inside.
The Container Store sells a similar bag for a little less: the Underbed Zippered Storage Bag ($25). I also like this one for storing sheets, but the Company Store one is made of a slightly nicer material and I love that it comes in different sizes for different rooms and that the storage bags all coordinate. Both have handles and label spots, and they can hold larger bedding.
Skip Storage
When I moved, I used to put my sheets in vacuum storage bags, but I will never use them again. Why? Every sheet I took out of the vacuum storage bags had a horrible plastic smell. The sheets were clean before I put them in the bags, but I wanted to wash them all before sleeping again. Plus, vacuum storage bags are surprisingly heavy and they take on weird, awkward shapes when you suck all the air out. Opt for fun storage bags instead.
