Experts reveal 4 reasons you should never store bedding items in your closet – and where to put them instead

It’s clear why closets are an obvious pick for many to cram their spare linen, from overhead storage space to the potential of tucking a storage container on the floor under your clothing. But just because yours has space available, it doesn't mean that's where your bedtime necessities are best stashed.

We asked sleep experts and professional organizers about it and they've shared four key reasons you really shouldn’t store your bedding items in the closet, and the problems that may arise if you do.

The best places to store bed linen typically don’t extend to the closet so here's what to do instead.

1. There will be less space for your clothes

Di Ter Avest, professional organizer at Di Is Organized, says, ‘Storing your bedding items in the closet could cause some headaches since stuffing your bedding in there means there is less room for your clothes, shoes, and all the other things that belong there.’

Reading this may seem obvious, but your closet is spacious for a reason. The clothing inside requires adequate ventilation to stay free from mold, as well as enough space to not get pushed into and creased by bulky items such as bedding.

If you’re using up your closet space because you’ve run out of space in your linen closet, try reading up on our tips for organizing a linen closet. Ter Avest also recommends investing in some shelf dividers or bins such as these wire ones from Amazon to help make the most of your storage at home.

‘Under the bed is a smart place to keep your bedding if you're tight on space,’ says Ter Avest. ‘Invest in some shallow storage bins that fit under your bed. Make sure they're breathable or have some ventilation holes so your bedding stays fresh.’

Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens converted to a storage bed when she was renting and now in her own home, says it's a lifesaver. 'The enormous amount of space we have under our California King is perfect for out of season clothes and spare bedding, comforters and pillows. We keep our guest linen under there too.'

Punteha has a hydraulic lift-top storage bed to make accessing the storage space underneath easy.

2. It will be harder to find what you need in the wardrobe

If you fill every spare nook of your wardrobe with linens, getting ready in the morning will no longer be a breeze. Folded on top of your sweaters you will find spare blankets and pillow cases, and the added items will increase the sensation of visual clutter, meaning no matter how organized your clothes are, the space will feel more cluttered than streamlined.

‘Especially since bedding is often bulky, it’s going to use up a lot of space in your closet,’ says Ter Avest. ‘This can lead to a cluttered closet, making it harder to find what you need when you need it.’

Nichole Mondshein, a sleep product expert at Sleepopolis, adds, ‘Storing your bedding in your closet or wardrobe isn’t ideal mainly because of storage space reasons. Although if you have a large closet with plenty of separated sections, this may not be a cause for concern.’

Learn how to clean a clothes closet and what to do with the items you are decluttering.

Target is also selling storage bags ideal for clothes, blankets and more that come in a three pack – a great addition to a room needing that bit more storage (plus it’s collapsible when not in use!).

3. You’re mixing ‘outdoor’ with ‘indoor’

The clothes in our closet tend to be the pieces we wear outside, so if we store our bedding items around them there could be an issue of contamination. This is especially the case with items such as jeans, which we don't typically wash after every wear.

Jill Zwarensteyn, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor, says, ‘You need to be sure that wherever you decide to store your bedding is a clean space free from stains, bugs, or allergens that can penetrate the materials while they are in storage.’

For this reason, many people prefer using a dedicated space such as a linen closet for their surplus bedding, or a sealed container such as these under bed storage bags from Walmart to keep their bedding items safe.

4. Your closet isn't your typical designated spot for bedding items

Bringing order into your home is one of the top ways to live a less stressful life – and just one of the many lesser-known benefits of organizing your home. So if you’re stuck for space and left scrambling to find anywhere your bedding will fit, you’re going to run into problems.

You may forget where you put your bedding, deteriorate its condition as it’s squashed in the back of your wardrobe or end up buying duplicate items as you don’t remember what you already have.

Kim Corey, certified professional organizer and founder of Finely Sorted Organizing, suggests, ‘It’s a good idea to store sheets and bedding in a centrally located hall closet, if available, in labeled containers. This way the items are easily accessible for guests coming to stay, as they won’t have to enter a bedroom or somewhere else private to find them.’

Kiera Malowitz, certified professional organizer and owner of Decluttered, says, ‘I highly recommend storing bedding either in a chest or in a container under the bed. This way, you can fold your bedding and cause minimal wrinkles. Adding some unscented mothballs into your linen storage is a great preventative measure too for avoiding bad smells.’

A great option when creating a designated spot in a home short of storage could be doubling up your home’s furniture as storage solutions. For instance, the Mariet Storage Chest from Wayfair looks beautiful but boasts practicality!

Now you have a better idea of where and how to store your linen, dive into the best places to buy bedding and how to choose the best bed sheets.