What if I told you that the easiest organizing you can do in your bedroom was also free?  Sounds too good to be true, right?  Well, I’m here to tell you it is not: the best organizing solution for your bedroom is not only super easy to implement (in less than an hour), but it is also free! That’s right, it costs absolutely nothing. Zero, zilch, nada.  What is this amazing, free solution you ask?  Drum roll please … it is the way you fold and store your clothes. 

Now, I know what you are thinking: “Folding Heather?  The big reveal is folding???”.  But stay with me for a minute and I promise you won’t be disappointed.  

Vertical Folding = More Space  

First, I’m not talking about folding your clothes the way you grew up folding your clothes, neatly piled on top of each other like you would see on display in stores.  No, no my friends, I’m talking about the method of folding your clothes so that they stand vertically when folded; no piling at all.  I don’t know that Marie Kondo invented this method of folding (probably not), but she is the one who brought it to my attention in her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and it, of course, gained widespread popularity through her Netflix series “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo”.

When I read about this folding method in her book, it was a major revelation for me; like clouds parting in the sky and the sun shining down on me type of moment.  As a huge advocate for, and user or of, vertical storage (which this is basically a variation of) I could not believe it had not occurred to me to store my clothes this way.  After a few moments of incredulous disbelief at my lifetime of inferior folding and storing, I immediately went to my bedroom, took all my clothes out of their drawers and began folding and putting them back into the drawers using this method.   By the time I was done, I had 3 empty drawers. 3!  And I had not purged a single item.  The gained space was 100% a result of this folding and storage method.  This alone was enough to make me a life long convert.  

More Space AND Easy Visibility 

But the gained space is not the only benefit of this system; oh no my friends, it is just the tip of the glorious iceberg!  When I stepped back to admire all my new found space, I also saw that storing my clothes vertically meant I could easily see where every single item was in one quick glance.  No items were being lost or forgotten at the bottom of a pile.   Deciding what to wear would now be quicker and easier as I could easily see ALL my options at once.  Blue t-shirt, third one in the row; green leggings, first one in the row, pink work out top, last one in the row.

More Space, Easy Visibility AND No Mess Retrieval 

Even better than being able to see all my options at once, I was able to retrieve the particular item I wanted with total ease.  No longer would I have to comb through piles of clothing searching for the item I was looking for, inevitably messing up the pile it was in, that would then need to be refolded and re-stacked. I could see everything all at once, easily decide what I wanted and take it out without disturbing the other items in my drawer.   I swear, I have not had to reorganize/refold/restack my drawers or sweaters a single time since I started using this method.  Even more impressive is that my 6-year-old daughter’s drawers have stayed organized as well.  My love for this method just continued to grow!

More Space, Easy Visibility, No Mess Retrieval AND No Wrinkles 

The fact I created more space, could easily see and easily retrieve all my clothes, were all great benefits that became apparent to me within moments of folding and storing my clothes this way.  But it wasn’t until days later that I realized this technique results in substantially fewer wrinkles in my clothes as well.  I had read in the book this was a benefit, but I guess it didn’t really resonate with me until I actually experienced it for myself.   And when I did, well, it was a happy day!  For me, ironing is right up there with cleaning the shower/tub as one of my most detested household chores.   

The fact folding and storing my clothes vertically also means fewer wrinkles, which means less ironing, was the icing on the cake.  As Marie Kondo points out in her book, the weight of the other items on top of each other creates pressure, causing wrinkles.  Take away the pressure, take away the wrinkles.  Brilliant in its simplicity!   

More Space, Easy Visibility, No Mess Retrieval and No Wrinkles = Less Stress and More Time 

If all of the above has not convinced you to race up to your bedroom and start folding and storing your clothes using this method, I saved the best benefit for last: it saves time and reduces stress and frustration.  For most people, mornings are a hectic scramble to get out the door on time with everything everyone needs.  Every minute matters.   

Think about being able, in one quick glance, to see what your wardrobe options are and then without any effort or mess, being able to pick it out.  No frustration of a stacked pile of sweaters tumbling over that will have to be refolded, no last-minute realization you will have to iron the shirt you picked out.  Not only do you get back precious morning minutes, but the process itself is less frustrating and stressful.  It may seem small, but just starting your day with a few extra minutes, and a little less frustration can, and does, have a big impact on your mindset and how you deal with whatever else you encounter in your day.

Beyond the Bedroom: Vertical Folding in Kitchens, Linen Closets and Craft Rooms 

Vertical folding and storage is not only for clothes in the bedroom.  You can also use it for towels and aprons in kitchens, towels and sheets in linen closets, fabric in sewing or craft rooms.  Basically, anywhere you have a textile to store, you can use this technique and reap all the benefits.

Video Demonstrating Folding Method 

So, what are you waiting for?  Give this amazing, no cost folding and storage method a try.  Click here for a link to a YouTube video demonstrating this folding method.  I promise you it is super easy (my 6-year-old folds her clothes with me!).  Using this method definitely maximized my space, optimized my time and simplified my life.  Leave a comment and let me know if it does the same for you.  And if you want to find out more ways to store things vertically, read my post by clicking here.