My Grandma's Simple Towel Storage Trick Is a Game-Changer
When living in small spaces, I’ve learned that the best solutions are often the simplest and usually come from someone who’s been through it all. My grandmother, Nana Rose, was one of those people. She grew up in a bustling household with eight siblings, so she had to make the most of limited space.
One of her most ingenious tricks involved rolling her towels instead of stacking them and storing them vertically. I didn’t think much of it when I first encountered her rolled towels neatly arranged in her linen closet. However, when I moved into a tiny apartment, I found myself revisiting Nana Rose’s technique — and I quickly realized just how clever it was.
Why Rolling Towels Is a Game-Changer
There are plenty of practical methods for towel storage, but in my experience rolling towels is one of the best techniques — especially for small spaces. Here’s why Nana Rose’s method works.
It saves space. Stacking folded towels flat takes up an incredible amount of room. By rolling towels tightly and storing them on top of each other, you can fit far more into a linen closet, basket, or shelf. It’s a total space-saver.
It’s easier to access. Have you ever tried to grab your favorite towel from the bottom of a precarious stack and caused an avalanche? Nana Rose’s method avoids this frustration. Storing towels vertically lets you see every single one at a glance. No digging, no mess — just grab and go.
It keeps things neat and fresh. Flat stacks can lead to that dreaded musty smell if the towels have any moisture. Rolling allows for better airflow, which helps them stay fresher for longer. Plus, the sight of perfectly rolled towels creates an effortlessly tidy look in any space.
How to Implement the Towel Rolling Technique
Here’s how I do this space-saving method in four simple steps.
Choose your towels. Gather all sizes, from hand towels to washcloths to bath towels.
Roll with care. Lay them flat on a clean surface. Start at either end and roll it tightly toward the opposite end. Make it as compact as you can to maximize space.
Store vertically. Place the rolled towels on top of each other, in an area where you typically store them. Consider organizing them by size and color for aesthetic purposes.
Maintain the system. Keep your towels fresh by regularly checking them for wear and replacing them as needed.
Nana Rose’s towel storage method is more than about saving space — it’s about using solutions that work. In a world full of complicated storage hacks, her method reminds me that the most effective ideas are often the simplest. When looking to optimize a linen closet, take a page from my grandmother’s book. Your linen closet will thank you.
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
