Last fall, I got to eat, walk, and gasp my way through Florence, Italy (including a day trip to Venice) with three friends. Literally, it was the stuff of dreams. I already shared how I packed light for this trip, but today I’m recapping everything we did, saw, and ate. So if you’re considering a trip to Florence (and/or Venice), here are my thoughts on what was extremely enjoyable to see/eat/do… and a few things we’d actually skip if we were to do it all over again!
I went to Italy with Elsie & Emma (the sisters behind A Beautiful Mess) and Elise (from Elise Joy). The 4 of us have traveled to each other’s hometowns to hang out and go antiquing & eat delicious things over the last few years – and to celebrate Emma’s 40th birthday, we decided to take an international trip together. After much debate, we landed on Florence, Italy (with a day trip to Venice). The thought process behind it was that none of us had ever been to Italy, and those cities promised to satisfy our mutual interests in art, architecture, outdoor markets, and good pasta.
We relied on a travel agent to help coordinate our trip, book the accommodations & tours, etc. This was my first time using a travel agent (other than the art trip I took to France, which was planned by the gallery that coordinated it), and it definitely took a lot of the stress out of the trip. But there were a couple of activities that didn’t pan out (I’ll explain more below). So reading this might just save you time and money!
We stayed at a beautiful boutique hotel called Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco (the photo above is the view from my room!). I can’t say enough good things about this hotel, which had a lovely lobby, a gorgeous atrium, and little rooftop areas you can sit and unwind (my room was on the 4th floor, and there was a patio right outside of my door!).
We really liked that there was unscheduled time built into every day of our trip (we typically had one planned activity like a tour or museum each day, and then some free time to explore, hang out, eat, shop, etc). For example, we used one of our free mornings to chat and paint watercolor landscapes on the hotel rooftop and it was one of our favorite activities of the week.
We each flew from our respective cities to Florence. Elsie, Emma, and I were able to connect in Chicago and fly to Munich and then Florence together. We used a taxi service (booked by the travel agent) to take us to our hotel and after that, we accessed everything else on foot for the next 4 days! Florence is very walkable and most of the sites are centrally located. You really can walk all around it to get to everything – especially if the weather is as beautiful as it was when we were there. We went in early November, and it was clear and sunny every day. So as long as you bring comfy shoes, you can pretty much get all around Florence to your heart’s content.
The only transportation other than rides to and from the airport that entire week was a train for our day-trip to Venice. Our travel agent booked those tickets ahead of time, but we were able to change them with no problem on our own (we decided to take an earlier train home since we flew out the next morning and wanted more sleep the night before our early morning flight). You can walk to the train station in both Florence and Venice, so overall it was super easy to get around.
What We Did In Florence
Let’s start with a rundown of the key sites, activities, and tours we booked for this trip. Then I’ll get into the shopping, food, and other highlights.
Women of Florence Walking Tour: We really loved this tour that our travel agent set up for us. We had a female guide who was around our age and had lived in Florence her entire life. She was wonderful. Since this was a private walking tour (just the four of us and our guide) she asked for a lot of input about what we were most interested in seeing.
We said “we’re more into paintings than statues, we love beautiful architecture, and anything involving artistic women would be great- the theme of our trip is basically creativity + girl power.” She was amazing and pivoted randomly after showing us some great paintings and architecture to introduce us to a female artisan who makes Stradivarii violins in a tiny shop with a glass window so people on the street can catch a glimpse of her handiwork. And when we stopped by we learned she was originally from California and had an actual chat with her. Really epic. Our guide also took us through many Florence landmarks and even gave us tips for where to get some good coffee and a nice lunch.
Below is the iconic Duomo, which we also learned a lot about. Absolutely stunning and GIANT in person. This picture cannot capture the true scale.
Since Florence is such an old city, it’s full of gorgeous architecture and heart-stopping craftsmanship. They just don’t make things like they used to. So I highly recommend this tour!
Guinti Odeon: This is a combination cinema/bookstore that was so fun to walk around! Beautiful architecture and so many cool books!
There literally was a movie playing both times we stopped in, and the upper area where you could view the movie was so beautiful – really the entire building was a work of art. And the books were in both English and Italian, so there was a lot to choose from.
Uffizi Gallery: This was universally our favorite art museum in Florence (we also have a fav in Venice that we’ll share) because it was packed with iconic works like The Birth Of Venus by Botticelli (we couldn’t believe how amazing that painting was in person. Literally it took our breath away). These hand-painted ceilings that connected different rooms in the museum were mesmerizing too!
We did another private tour here – so it was just the four of us with our guide – and our guide was the same woman who had taken us on the walking tour a day earlier! We asked how often that happened and she said in 20 years of being a guide, it had never happened before (there are over 40 guides who work at the same company that she does)! We felt so lucky to have her as our guide again.
Gucci Galleria: This was a surprising fav of the entire group. Just a visual delight. Not only does it showcase their iconic clothing designs from many eras, there’s also a room that shows how they design scarves that was completely fascinating. And we all loved the stunning room full of bags with mirrors that you can see below – it creates the illusion that it’s absolutely endless. It’s just a really fun place to walk around like a science museum – and it was very affordable and quick to slip through.
Ikigai Tattoo Studio: Elsie and I traveledto France together a few years ago and got tattoos there, so we decided that getting small tattoos during our trips should be a tradition. When it came to picking out a good spot that we liked enough to get another one (Emma got one with us too) we just googled the tattoo parlors that came up and looked at the client images that came up to see their style. This tattoo salon had lots of women tattoo artist (I personally love the delicate linework that female tattoo artists have accomplished on my arms and wrists) and their photos were extremely crisp and well done. So it really was an easy choice. We showed up without an appointment and within around 1.5 hours we all walked out with new tattoos. Highly recommend. The women there were so welcoming and so talented.
Peggy Guggenheim (Venice): During our day trip to Venice, this was the absolute highlight. Once again we did a private guided tour, but for this location I don’t think it was necessary. It was a much smaller museum and it’s in an actual home, which was gorgeous and so fun to explore. Don’t get me wrong, we learned a lot of insider stuff from the tour guide, but it was much less overwhelming than some of the larger musuems, so I think you’d have fun just walking yourself around too. Don’t forget to check out the garden, where the iconic Peggy Guggenheim herself is buried, along with her pets. She was delightfully eccentric and literally the perfect legend for our creativity + girl power trip. Her musuem and home were amazing and she was a true visionary.
Where We Ate In Florence
Buca San Giovanni: This restaurant was the best! We learned about it from a local that we befriended. It’s a super old building and you walk down these steps to a hidden restaurant that’s in this cove-like room. The food was fantastic and so was the service. The locals all love this place. It’s a good spot that I’m convinced we never would have found on our own. Don’t miss it!
Paszkowski: This is a great bakery and coffee place with little treats. Our tour guide said the locals love it and it for sure had tourists too but the coffee was good and there were nice pastries and stuff. It has a cute outdoor area to sit and people-watch too.
Gilli: This was another cafe our local tour guide said had good coffee, hot chocolate, and lunch. We got some small plates and coffee and loved it. We ate outside and it’s where we met the local who told us about the first restaurant on this list, which was our favorite of the trip.
Cacio E Pepe: We went to this restaurant for lunch and we all got their specialty… cacio e pepe. It was FANTASTIC. I think we all rate it as our very favorite pasta of the entire trip – which is almost impossible to decide – but it was THAT GOOD.
La Bottega Di Via Maggio: This is small restaurant with like two tables and they make it all fresh. We had 3 types of gnocchi and loved it!
Gelato… literally anywhere: We tried so many gelato shops – and each one was great. Our hot tip is that cherry is the best gelato flavor by far – much better than pistachio and caramel or anything heavy. At least that was our consensus. But what do four Americans know? Ha.
Where We Shopped In Florence
Ugo Poggi: This was a gorgeous plate and glass shop. Just unbelievably beautiful plates and cups and mugs and platters. Some of it was extremely expensive but other items felt totally affordable. Elsie got a gorgeous platter that I think she’ll treasure forever. Definitely a fun spot to pop into.
Santo Spirito Vintage Market: This market only happens the 2nd Sunday of each month and we partially planned our arrival so we could attend. It was GREAT!! We actually walked for hours to another market on another day and it was underwhelming by comparison. This one, was very cute! You had to dig through some booths to find treasures, but there were beautiful vintage pins and jewelry, old art and lovely silk scarves. Even some vintage bags and some great paintings. Also Sia from NY Housewives was there the same day we were there, but sadly we missed her.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: This was a spot Elsie heard we had to go to, because it’s a gorgeous old building that sells perfumes, soaps, candles and other beautiful home items. There was a charming pottery pomegranate that was delightfully scented and all of us pined over it (but worried how it would travel back home without shattering). The perfumes and soaps were gorgeous too – and the most beautiful thing of all was the building itself. Such a lovely shop.
Calzaiuoli Leather Factory: The local we met who told us about some great restaurants was actually the owner of this leather goods shop – and let me tell you, they sold some beautiful things. Both Elise and I left with leather bags from this shop. Who can resist that buttery soft Italian leather?
The Things We Would Skip
The Vasari Corridor: Our travel agent booked this tour directly after our private walking tour of the Uffizi Gallery and it was essentially a big white hallway. We would definitely skip it next time. Apparently, there used to be a ton of amazing portraits in there, which now are located in the Uffizi Gallery (we saw them there and loved them) – so the hallway… was really just a hallway. It had some white busts inside, and a very cool glimpse into a church from above – but it was otherwise just a freshly drywalled hallway without any historical info, or any guide or signage telling you anything. We all universally agreed we would have preferred to spend the 20 Euros it cost each of us in many other ways. The gallery itself was amazing – so we’d just say, skip paying extra to see the corridor (which we affectionately named “the bore-idor / snore-idor”).
Row Venice: This activity actually seems great, but there was a hilarious miscommunication / misunderstanding between us and our travel agent. We thought we were getting a leisurely gondola ride with wine & food (you know, the cliche that you picture in Venice!), so we were dressed nicely (I had little heeled boots on) and showed up with our paint kits ready to look out on the water and chat and paint… but it turns out with Cichetto Row, you actually do the rowing yourself! Literally, like a challenge on the Amazing Race. We showed up, and our tour guide was dressed in athletic clothing and said “so… do you guys row?” and we were like… “um, no…. there has been some sort of mistake.”
It was the last activity of the day and we had so enjoyed the Peggy Gugeinheim museum and were eager to get back to the hotel to pack and sleep before an early flight home, so we told her to keep the money and politely backed out (she honestly seemed very relieved after seeing what we showed up wearing). We really appreciated the extra time to rest and pack before our early flights the next morning anyway, but if you’re up for a physical challenge, adventure-type thing, I bet it would be perfect for you!
More Favorite Trips
Here are some recaps of other international (and domestic) trips we’ve taken – including my last girls’ trip to Sedona and how we took our dog to Mexico!
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Moving is expensive, and losing your security deposit makes it worse. Whether it’s one or two months’ rent, that’s hundreds or thousands of dollars you can’t afford to lose. The good news? Most security deposits ARE returned when tenants follow the right steps.
This guide covers everything from protecting your deposit on day one through getting that check in the mail. We’ll show you how to document properly, clean effectively, and dispute unfair charges if needed.
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Understanding Your Security Deposit Rights
What Is a Security Deposit?
A security deposit is money renters pay upfront—typically one to two months’ rent—that serves as financial protection for the landlord. However, this is YOUR money held in trust, not a fee.
Deposits can legally cover damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent or utilities, lease violations, and excessive cleaning costs. They CANNOT be used for normal wear and tear (faded paint, worn carpet from regular use), repairs from landlord neglect, or upgrades the landlord chooses to make.
Return timeline: Most states require 14-30 days (California: 21 days, New York: 14 days)
Interest requirements: Some states mandate interest on deposits held long-term
Itemized deductions: Nearly all states require detailed lists with receipts
Search “[Your State] security deposit laws” to understand your specific rights.
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage
“Normal wear and tear” is deterioration from ordinary use over time. “Damage” results from negligence or abuse.
Normal wear and tear (NOT deductible): Faded paint, minor scuff marks, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, loose door handles, small nail holes, dirty windows.
Damage (deductible): Large holes in walls, broken windows or fixtures, pet stains and scratches, cigarette smoke damage, permanent carpet stains, broken appliances from misuse.
The rule: If you caused it through carelessness, it’s damage. If it happened naturally from living there, it’s wear and tear.
Protect Your Deposit from Day One
Document Everything at Move-In
Within 48 hours of moving in, take comprehensive photos and videos of every room from multiple angles.
Get close-ups of any existing damage, stains, or issues. Document all walls, floors, appliances, bathroom fixtures, windows, doors, light fixtures, and inside closets and cabinets.
Complete the move-in checklist in extreme detail. Don’t write “good condition” if there are any issues. Be specific: “small dent in bedroom door,” “light scuff marks on living room wall.” Have your landlord sign and date it, or email it to them for a paper trail.
Review Your Lease Carefully
Note specific requirements about move-out cleaning, notice requirements (typically 30-60 days), repair responsibilities, and any pet policies. Understanding these upfront prevents costly mistakes later.
Build a Good Landlord Relationship
Communicate promptly and professionally in writing (email is perfect). Pay rent on time, follow property rules, and document all interactions. A landlord who views you as a good tenant is more likely to be reasonable about minor issues at move-out.
During Your Tenancy
Clean regularly to prevent dirt and stains from becoming permanent. Address issues promptly—a small leak can become major water damage.
Report problems in writing to create documentation.
Get written approval before making any changes, save receipts for repairs you make, and take photos documenting any incidents or repairs.
Provide your landlord notice when preparing to move out within the timeframe outlined by your lease.
The Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
The property should be as clean as when you moved in. This is where most deposits are lost or secured. Here’s your deep cleaning guide:
Kitchen
Appliances: Remove and wash all refrigerator shelves and drawers. Wipe down interior surfaces and door seals.
Clean the top, sides, and underneath if possible. Use oven cleaner on the interior and scrub away all baked-on grease.
Clean stovetop burners and drip pans thoroughly. Run the dishwasher empty with cleaner and wipe down the door and edges.
Surfaces: Scrub the sink until it shines. Wipe down all countertops, backsplash, and cabinet exteriors. Clean inside all cabinets and drawers, removing any crumbs or spills.
Floors and Details: Sweep and mop thoroughly, paying attention to corners. Wipe down baseboards and clean any light fixtures.
Bathrooms
Fixtures: Scrub the toilet bowl, seat, tank, and base. Remove all soap scum and mildew from the shower and tub. Scrub tiles and grout. Clean shower door tracks thoroughly. Polish all chrome fixtures.
Vanity and Surfaces: Scrub the sink and faucet. Wipe down countertops and clean inside all cabinets. Polish mirrors and medicine cabinets.
Finishing Touches: Clean the exhaust fan cover. Sweep and mop floors, including baseboards.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Floors: Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including edges and corners. Consider renting a carpet cleaner for deep cleaning, especially if there are stains. Sweep and mop all hard floors.
Walls and Windows: Spot clean any marks or smudges with a damp cloth. Fill small nail holes with spackle if needed. Clean all windows inside and out, along with sills and tracks.
Details: Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Replace burnt-out bulbs. Vacuum inside all closets. Wipe down all baseboards. Remove and wash air vent covers.
Often-Missed Areas
Don’t forget: inside closets, top of ceiling fans, behind appliances, window tracks, door frames, inside the dishwasher and microwave, dryer lint trap and vent, and any balcony or patio areas.
Should You Hire Professional Cleaners?
If your lease requires it, you must. Otherwise, consider professionals if you’re short on time, the property is large, or you want documentation. Professional cleaning typically costs $200-$500, but can prevent larger deposit deductions.
Final Walk-Through Strategy
Request a pre-move-out walkthrough inspection with your landlord if possible. This allows you to address any concerns they raise while you still have access to the property, and shows good faith.
After cleaning, take comprehensive photos and videos of every room, matching the angles from your move-in photos when possible.
Be sure to remove all personal items so you can show all rooms empty, clean appliances (open doors to show interiors), spotless bathrooms, and clean floors, walls, and windows.
Return all keys, remotes, parking passes, and any other items. Get a written receipt that you returned everything on a specific date, or send a confirmation email and keep a copy.
After You Move Out
Follow Up on Your Deposit
Provide your forwarding address in writing and know your state’s timeline for deposit returns (typically 14-30 days). Mark this date on your calendar. If you haven’t heard from your landlord a few days before the deadline, send a polite email reminder referencing your state’s law and the due date.
Review the Itemized Statement
When you receive your deposit statement, compare it to your move-in and move-out photos. Check that:
Charges aren’t for normal wear and tear or pre-existing damage
Amounts are reasonable and supported by receipts
The statement includes an itemized list of the damage, costs, and receipts (required in most states)
The math is correct
Disputing Unfair Deductions
If charges are improper, send a formal dispute letter via certified mail including:
Your name, property address, and move-out date
Specific reasons each charge is improper
References to state law and your documentation
The amount you believe you’re owed
A deadline for response (10-14 days)
If the landlord doesn’t respond, consider filing a complaint with your state’s tenant protection agency or pursuing small claims court.
Small claims court is practical when the disputed amount is significant, you have thorough documentation, and the landlord has violated state law. Many states award double or triple damages for willful withholding, and courts tend to favor well-documented tenants.
Common Reasons Tenants Lose Deposits (And How to Avoid Them)
Inadequate cleaning (most common): Follow the detailed cleaning checklist, don’t rush the process, and consider professional cleaners. Take before-and-after photos of the house or apartment.
Damage beyond normal wear and tear: Treat the property carefully, repair minor damage yourself (nail holes, scuffs), and report issues immediately.
Unpaid rent or utilities: Pay all rent through your last day, verify final utility bills are paid, and never use your deposit as “last month’s rent” unless explicitly allowed.
Not giving proper notice: Review notice requirements early (typically 30-60 days), provide notice in writing via email and certified mail, and keep proof of delivery.
Breaking the lease early: Review early termination clauses, attempt to negotiate, find a replacement tenant if allowed, and document reasons for breaking the lease.
Missing items or keys: Make a list of everything that came with the rental, ensure it’s all present at move-out, and get receipts for returned items.
Pet damage: Professionally clean carpets, repair scratches, and eliminate odors completely.
Smoking damage: If you smoked inside, be prepared for significant cleaning costs, including wall washing and carpet cleaning or replacement.
Special Situations
Pet Deposits: Have carpets professionally cleaned and save the receipt. Repair scratches, eliminate all odors, and take extensive photos showing no pet damage.
Roommate Situations: When moving out together, agree in advance on how to split deductions. When one roommate moves early, document the property condition, get written agreements on responsibility, and involve the landlord to clarify liability.
Breaking a Lease: Review early termination clauses, check if your state allows termination for specific reasons (military deployment, unsafe conditions), try finding a replacement tenant, and consider negotiating to forfeit part of your deposit. Document everything if breaking due to landlord violations.
HOW TO GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK: STEP-BY-STEP CHECKLIST
Never miss a step with this comprehensive guide! Follow these proven steps from move-in to move-out to maximize your chances of getting your full deposit back. Includes cleaning tasks, documentation tips, and post-move-out procedures.
Instructions
AT MOVE-IN (Day 1-2)
Document Everything
☐ Take photos and videos of every room from multiple angles
☐ Get close-ups of any existing damage, stains, or issues
☐ Report all maintenance issues in writing (email)
☐ Get written approval before making any changes
☐ Pay rent on time every month
☐ Keep all correspondence with landlord
30-60 DAYS BEFORE MOVE-OUT
☐ Provide written notice via email and certified mail
☐ Request a pre-move-out inspection with landlord
☐ Create a cleaning plan and schedule
☐ Address any issues landlord identifies
MOVE-OUT CLEANING (1-2 Weeks Before)
Kitchen
☐ Clean refrigerator inside, outside, underneath, and behind
☐ Deep clean oven and stovetop
☐ Clean inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
☐ Scrub sink and wipe down countertops
☐ Clean dishwasher and all appliances
☐ Sweep and mop floor thoroughly
Bathroom
☐ Scrub toilet bowl, seat, tank, and base
☐ Remove all soap scum from shower/tub
☐ Scrub tiles and grout
☐ Clean sink, faucet, and inside vanity cabinets
☐ Wipe down mirror
☐ Sweep and mop floor
Living Areas & Bedrooms
☐ Vacuum all carpets thoroughly (consider professional cleaning)
☐ Sweep and mop all hard floors
☐ Spot clean any wall marks
☐ Clean all windows (inside and out)
☐ Dust ceiling fans and replace burnt-out bulbs
☐ Clean inside all closets
☐ Wipe down all baseboards
Don’t Forget
☐ Clean air vents
☐ Wipe down door frames and light switches
☐ Clean behind appliances
☐ Remove all personal belongings
FINAL STEPS (Last Day)
Document Final Condition
☐ Take comprehensive photos of every room (empty and clean)
☐ Use same angles as move-in photos when possible
☐ Photograph clean appliances, bathrooms, floors, and windows
Return Everything
☐ Return all keys, remotes, access cards, and parking permits
☐ Get written receipt for what was returned and when
Provide Forwarding Information
☐ Give landlord your new address in writing
☐ Confirm landlord has correct forwarding address
AFTER MOVE-OUT
Follow Up on Deposit
☐ Mark deposit return deadline on your calendar (usually 14-30 days)
☐ Follow up if you haven’t heard from landlord by deadline
Review Deposit Statement
☐ Compare charges to your move-in/move-out photos
☐ Check if charges are for normal wear and tear (improper)
☐ Verify charges are reasonable and supported by receipts
Dispute Unfair Charges
☐ Send formal dispute letter via certified mail if charges are unfair
☐ Include your documentation and references to state laws
☐ Consider small claims court if direct resolution fails
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
If You Have Pets: Have carpets professionally cleaned, repair scratches, eliminate odors
If You Have Roommates: Agree in advance how to split deductions, document property condition
If You’re Breaking Your Lease: Review early termination clause, attempt to find replacement tenant, document reasons
Remember: Your security deposit is YOUR money. With proper documentation and following these steps, you have an excellent chance of getting it all back!
Conclusion
Getting your security deposit back requires attention to detail and proper documentation. The key steps are:
Document everything from move-in to move-out. Photos are your best protection against unfair charges.
Know your rights and understand your state’s security deposit laws. Don’t accept deductions that violate them.
Clean thoroughly using the detailed checklist above. This is where most deposits are lost or secured.
Follow procedures, including proper notice, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling all lease requirements.
Your security deposit is YOUR money. Landlords must prove specific damages or violations to withhold it. With thorough documentation and following these steps, you’re in the strongest position to get every penny back.
After a long day, comfortably resting in your bedroom is like retreating to the perfect oasis. It’s where you recharge and find peace. But if your bedroom doesn’t feel cozy, settling in might not come as easily. There’s a fix for that! With a few tweaks, you can turn your bedroom from simply a place to sleep into a place to relax and rejuvenate.
Start from scratch or opt for a complete refresh. These practical tips will help you create a bedroom that feels like the perfect place to say “ahh” after a long day.
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Frame Your Space with Window Treatments
Windows can set the mood, and the right treatments can completely transform a basic, boring bedroom.
Curtains and Drapes: Heavy drapes in textures like velvet or linen add warmth and luxury. Sheer curtains make the space feel airy and romantic. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, layer sheer panels under blackout curtains to adjust brightness levels throughout the day.
Shades or Roller Blinds: Floor-length curtains can feel overwhelming in smaller bedrooms. Shades or roller blinds offer a streamlined look, creating a clean, functional aesthetic.
Color Choices: Dark hues like charcoal or navy create intimacy, while lighter shades like cream or blush brighten the space.
Create Comfort with Pillows and Blankets
Imagine walking into your bedroom and seeing layers of plush pillows, soft blankets, and bedding that make you want to curl up and sleep. This isn’t some Pinterest fantasy. You can create this in your bedroom with a few additions.
Decorative Pillows: Go big! Mix sizes and textures (like faux fur and chunky knits). Arrange them in a cascading pattern: two large euro shams at the back, followed by standard pillows, then smaller accent cushions in front.
Blankets and Throws: A little goes a long way. Just draping a chunky knit throw casually over the foot of the bed instantly adds warmth. If you’re looking for more luxury, try a faux fur blanket or a quilt in rich, earthy tones.
Quality Bedding: Investing in good quality bedding can enhance the look of your bed while also improving how you feel when you sleep. Consider buying breathable linen or cotton sheets for comfort and durability. Pair them with a supportive mattress and a plush topper for that cloud-like feel.
Feel Cozy with Every Step
A rug is the unsung hero of a cozy bedroom. It doesn’t just soften hard flooring – it warms up the space and makes it feel like somewhere you want to get comfortable and chill.
Plush Rugs: A thick shag rug under your bed feels luxurious underfoot and muffles sound (win-win!).
Layering Rugs: Combine a large jute rug with a smaller patterned rug for depth and personality.
Color and Pattern: Use rug colors like deep green or burgundy for a moody feel, or ivory or beige for a light, boho-chic oasis. Soft geometric or floral patterns can also add character without overwhelming the space.
Create a Corner of Calm
Reading is a great way to relax your mind before heading to bed. Instead of reading in bed, create a reading nook for a dedicated spot to enjoy a warm cup of tea and your favorite new novel.
Seating Options: A simple cushioned bench under a window, paired with pillows, or a plush armchair in a corner, with a fluffy blanket, is all you need.
Storage Solutions: Floating shelves are a simple way to create a small bookshelf without taking up too much space – plus, they keep your favorite reads within reach. Add a basket for blankets and a side table for your mug.
Lighting: A floor lamp or wall-mounted sconce provides soft lighting (no big light needed).
Use Lighting as Your Secret Sauce
Speaking of lighting, how you choose to illuminate your bedroom can make or break the cozy factor. Harsh overhead lights feel sterile, while layered, soft lighting calms the mind.
Table Lamps: Choose lamps with fabric shades for a soft glow. Place them on nightstands for easy access.
Candles: Nothing beats the warmth of candles. Add scents like vanilla, sandalwood, or lavender for even more relaxation.
Bulbs and Color Temperature: Use warm bulbs (around 2700K) to mimic the golden glow of sunset.
Natural Light: Maximize daylight and use mirrors to your advantage! They help bounce light around the room.
Personalize Your Walls
Use your walls to your advantage. Often neglected, they are actually prime real estate for creating a cozy vibe.
Feature Wall: An accent wall can add character and evoke a sense of calm. Choose patterns with soft florals, muted geometrics, or textured neutrals.
Artwork: Use oversized art placed above your bed with imagery like coastal landscapes or waterfalls for an instant feeling of serenity.
Color Strategy: Use harmonious colors that enhance and complement your bedding and furniture for a harmonious look.
Organize for a Clear Mind
Imagine trying to chill in a room full of chaos – yeah, it doesn’t feel too relaxing. A tidy bedroom instantly offers peace of mind, so even if you have just 5 minutes before bed, try to tidy things up to ease into your night.
Nightstand Smart: Keep essentials out and put everything else away. Use your nightstand drawer to your advantage, or place a wicker basket nearby to toss extra items.
Smart Storage: Use under-bed drawers and floating shelves to keep clutter out of sight.
Dresser Organization: Divide drawers with organizers to easily store linens and clothing.
Breathe Life with Greenery
Plants can add a touch of softness to your bedroom. Placing indoor plants throughout invites peace and, as an added bonus, keeps the air clean.
Low-Maintenance Plants: Snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants love being left alone for the most part and adapt well to low-light settings.
Placement Matters: Add a small plant to your nightstand, a trailing plant on a shelf, or a taller floor plant in an empty corner.
Try Alternatives: If live plants aren’t your thing, faux plants or even dried plants (like lavender) can still add a natural vibe.
Use Scents to Your Advantage
Your bedroom shouldn’t just feel relaxing, it should also smell relaxing. Scent is a powerful part of creating a cozy space, and the right scents can help you achieve.
Relaxing Fragrances: Lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, vanilla, and cedarwood are perfect for promoting relaxation.
Candles and Oils: Use scented candles or essential oil diffusers to set the tone for the evening.
Fresh Bedding Boost: Lightly mist pillows and sheets with a calming linen spray before bed to signal your brain that it’s time to unwind.
Create Comfort Through Sound
Sound is also just as important as what you see in your bedroom. Calming music or sounds can settle your energy for rest.
Soft Background Noise: If you struggle with insomnia, gentle rainfall sounds, or calming instrumental music can quiet your mind and promote better sleep.
Sound Control: Thick curtains, upholstered headboards, and rugs help absorb sound, making the room feel quieter.
Evening Rituals: Wind down with a consistent bedtime sound (chimes or soundbowl music) to reinforce your relaxation routine.
Colors for Cozy Vibes
As a final bonus tip, we encourage you the think about the color of your walls. Are they currently stark white? That’s great for waking up energy, but if you want to feel ease, consider colors that promote warmth.
Earth Tones: Shades like terracotta, clay, mustard, rust, and taupe naturally evoke comfort and make rooms feel more intimate.
Soft Neutrals: If color isn’t your style, choose warm neutrals like cream, greige, beige, or mushroom that gently reflect light.
Your Retreat Awaits
You deserve a cozy bedroom, and all it requires is a few small additions. A plush rug, velvety curtains, and fluffy pillows, combined with soft lighting, calming artwork, and decor, offer simple touches for relaxation. With these ideas, your bedroom can become the warm, inviting retreat you’ve always dreamed of — sweet dreams!
Our big renovation project isn’t anywhere close to done (it just started this week, and Sherry’s sharing peeks over on Instagram in stories) but I’ve already embarked on another project that I’ve wanted to tackle for years: digitizing all of our old photos!
It’s arguably less exciting than our renovation, but I’m genuinely eager to tackle this long-overdue project. And since we’re not the only ones who suffer from photo clutter, I plan to document my process for anyone else who is also interested in digitizing their photos. So I’ll be testing out a few digitization methods, and sharing tips along the way.
Why Digitize Our Old Photos?
We have three main goals for this digitization project:
1. Safeguard memories
We plan to back up our old, physical photos using a cloud photo service (like Google Photos) so they won’t be lost in the event of a house fire, natural disaster, or simply getting lost or damaged over the years.
2. Free up some storage space
Our puffy old albums take up a ton of space. They’re literally more than four times thicker than photobooks we’ve made from sites like Blurb. Converting our older pictures into slimmer photobooks (like our annual yearbooks) will make room for storing a lot more games, other keepsakes, and many more future photobooks!
3. Pare down photos
At the risk of sounding unsentimental, not every old photo is worth keeping. For example, these pages below are dedicated to pictures of MY HIGH SCHOOL LAVA LAMP and some random neighborhood fireworks. We had a good laugh and all of them went right into the shredder.
We’ve also come across plenty of blurry, dark, duplicate, or just plain unimportant pictures that should’ve been tossed long ago. So we’re going through these albums the same way we might delete unwanted pictures from our phone’s camera roll.
How We Are Digitizing Our Photos
Here’s where I’m doing a little bit of experimenting! Sherry asked everyone on Instagram stories for tips for doing this, and lots of good suggestions came back. Mainly a ton of tips for the exact same photo scanner, and a few methods that people mentioned over and over. So I’m putting some of the most often recommended items and methods to the test, and I’ll share the pros and cons of each one.
They are:
*Our printer is still going strong after 7 years, but I linked the current model soldsince our exact model is no longer for sale
Sherry was inundated with requests for more info about our photo digitization project, hence this post about my process and what I’m trying so far. I’ll also do a follow-up post once I’m completely done, which will include my recommendations for the fastest, cheapest, easiest, and best quality options. I can already tell there won’t be a clear winner. Although that’s good – lots of options!
What We’re Doing With Our Digitized Photos
Once we’ve gotten everything digitized, we plan to do 3 things:
Back them up on an external hard drive (this is also where we keep more recent family photos)
Store copies on the cloud (probably in Google Photos, where I can edit the date on my uploads (either individually or in batches) so they automatically get sorted chronologically).
Print photobooks to replace SOME of the albums that feel worthwhile (some photos will only exist digitally)
This part of the project is still a bit TBD because I’m mostly focused on digitizing things first. I’ve already started recreating a couple of albums as Blurb photobooks and it’s time-consuming, so we’ll see how many of them seem worthwhile to make.
One Last Tip
I know this post is a bit of a “tease” because I’m just laying out our plan for everyone who was asking for more details. But stay tuned because I’m humming along on this project and taking notes to compile into a huge post full of details as well as pros & cons and price differences for you. And if you’re chomping at the bit to get started on your photos, Miss Freddy came highly recommended to us by hundreds of you (that’s not an affiliated link). She’s a professional photo organizer who has tons of free tips on her Instagram, as well as e-courses all about scanning, organizing, and backing up your photos.
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Are you ready for a sparkling clean home but want to avoid harsh cleaners?
Skip the chemicals and go the natural route. Cleaning product alternatives have been around for ages, often created with just a few staple kitchen ingredients. They are a great way to avoid harsh (and at times dangerous) irritants like chlorine bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances.
These chemicals disinfect, but they also tend release gases and particles that can get into your lungs and the environment.
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Over time, these chemicals can damage surfaces, affect indoor air quality, and even make you sick. Homemade cleaning products are safer and affordable.
Most of the items you’ll need to create your natural cleaning concoctions are right in your pantry, like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. And you can create natural cleaning products to tackle dirt, grease, and grime effectively and safely.
Plus, you can customize to your liking based on scent, strength, and purpose.
Find Your Homemade Cleaner
Keep Your House Spotless and the Family Safe
From pets to kids, everyone benefits from natural cleaning products. Commercial cleaners can trigger allergies, asthma, and sensitive skin.
If you have pets, many cleansers have toxic chemicals that can harm them if accidentally ingested. These chemicals can even be absorbed through their paws.
Little ones are especially vulnerable if they are crawling and playing on floors freshly cleaned with harsh chemicals.
Benefits of Homemade Cleaners
Non-Toxic: Generally a safer option if you have kids, pets, or allergy-prone family members
Eco-Friendly: Reduces plastic waste and chemical runoff
Budget-Friendly: Most recipes cost pennies per use and last longer
Customizable: Option to add your favorite scents and adjust ingredients depending on use
Multi-Purpose: One cleaner can work with multiple surfaces
Staple Ingredients for Natural Cleaning Goodness
Our list of homemade cleaners includes a few staple ingredients; all you need to do is check your pantry!
Baking Soda: Gentle yet abrasive, use this to scrub away stains and deodorize.
Borax: A natural mineral that boosts cleaning power and works great with laundry.
Castile Soap: A plant-based soap that has multiple uses, like all-purpose cleaning.
White Vinegar: Used in many cleaning recipes, it cuts through grease, dissolves minerals, and neutralizes smells.
Essential Oils: Offers fragrance to your cleaning solution (tea tree, lavender, and citrus) and is known to have antibacterial properties.
Olive Oil: Perfect for polishing wood furniture.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Naturally disinfects – great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
Citrus (Lemon Juice): Brightens surfaces and helps remove stains, and leaves a pleasant clean scent behind.
Now that you’ve gathered your essentials, it’s time to put them to work. Let the mixing magic begin with these simple homemade cleaning recipes.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
A quick go-to for your countertops, tiles, and chrome fixtures.
Ingredients:
2 cups of warm water
1 cup of white vinegar
1 teaspoon castile soap
10 drops of your favorite essential oil (we like lavender or tea tree)
Directions:
Pour all your ingredients into a spray bottle.
Shake well before each use.
Spray on surfaces and then wipe with a soft cloth. For stainless steel, we recommend following the direction of the grain.
Natural Bathroom Scrub
Say goodbye to mold and soap scum!
Ingredients:
½ cup baking soda
2 tablespoons washing soda
1 tablespoon castile soap
A few drops of tea tree oil
Directions:
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add castile soap and essential oil to form a paste.
Once paste is formed, apply it to tiles, grout, and basins with a brush.
Scrub and rinse with hot water.
If you’re dealing with stubborn grout stains, sprinkle some extra baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush.
Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Skip chlorine bleach and try this natural fix.
Ingredients:
½ cup of baking soda
½ cup of white vinegar
10 drops of tea tree oil
Directions:
Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl.
Pour vinegar over it and let it fizz for 10 minutes.
Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil for a clean scent.
Furniture Polish
Keep wood surfaces shiny without harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Ingredients:
½ cup of olive oil
¼ cup of lemon juice
5 drops of essential oil (optional)
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a mason jar or spray bottle.
Dip a soft cloth into the mixture (or spray onto the cloth) and rub along the grain.
Buff with the dry cloth for a natural shine and add essential oil of choice for a natural scent.
Laundry Detergent Alternative
Commercial detergents can still be effective without scary chemicals.
Ingredients:
1 cup of washing soda
1 cup of borax
1 bar grated castile soap
Optional: a few drops of essential oil
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Use 2 tablespoons per load.
Glass & Mirror Cleaner
Get a beautiful streak-free shine with just three ingredients.
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 cup of white vinegar
1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle.
Spray and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper.
Drain Deodorizer
Smelly drain? Here’s a recipe to keep it fresh.
Ingredients:
½ cup of baking soda
½ cup of vinegar
Boiling water
Directions:
Pour baking soda down your drain.
Add vinegar and let it fizz for 10 minutes.
Flush with boiling water.
Optional: Add in a few drops of essential oil
Stainless Steel Polish
An easy way to restore shine to appliances.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Soft cloth
Directions:
Apply oil to the cloth.
Buff with a dry cloth.
Carpet & Upholstery Freshener
Neutralize odors from heavy foot traffic, pets, and more.
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
10 drops essential oil (lemon or eucalyptus)
Directions:
Mix and sprinkle over the carpet.
Let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
Natural Disinfectant Spray
A money-saving solution for doorknobs and light switches.
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
½ cup of hydrogen peroxide
10 drops of tea tree oil
Directions:
Combine in a spray bottle.
Spray and let air dry—no need to rinse.
Oven Cleaner
Some of the harshest fumes come from oven cleaners. Try this effective alternative:
Ingredients:
½ cup of baking soda
3 tablespoons of salt
Warm water (enough to make a paste)
Directions:
Spread paste inside the oven.
Let sit overnight.
Scrub with a damp sponge and rinse.
Degreaser for Kitchen Surfaces
Stubbon grease is no match for this natural recipe.
Ingredients:
Peels from 2–3 lemons or oranges
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup of water
10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Directions:
Place citrus peels in a jar and cover with vinegar.
Let sit for 1–2 weeks, then strain.
Mix vinegar blend with water in a spray bottle.
Homemade Floor Cleaner for Hardwood
Keep your hardwood floors clean without damaging the finish.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups of warm water
• ½ cup of white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
Directions:
1. Mix ingredients in a bucket.
2. Mop floors with a damp (not soaking) mop.
Keep Your Home Sparkling with These Tips for Success
Shake Well: Natural ingredients tend to separate, so make sure to give them a good shake.
Test First: Always test your mixture in a small area before applying to delicate surfaces.
Label Bottles: Write the recipe and date on each spray bottle for freshness.
Store Safely: Even natural ingredients can cause irrritation to kids and pets, so be sure to keep out of their reach.
Switching to homemade cleaners saves money and keeps your home environment healthy. As you reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, you also minimize environmental impact. So enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is clean and so are your cleaning products.
There are moments in life when you suddenly feel like a real adult. Like when you buy your first car, or take that car for its first oil change. When you open a savings account, or purchase your first washer and dryer. Or like when you finally learn how to fold a fitted sheet properly.
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Once you learn the easiest way to fold a fitted sheet, your linen closets will never be the same.
The best part? This technique becomes second nature after just a few tries and only has a few easy steps. Let me walk you through exactly how to fold fitted sheets so they look as neat as your flat sheets.
Why Folding Fitted Sheets Feels Impossible
If you’ve ever wrestled with a fitted sheet and given up in frustration, you’re not alone. There’s a very real reason why folding fitted sheets feels so much harder than folding regular sheets, those elastic corners.
The stretchy edges and rounded corners that make fitted sheets hug your mattress perfectly are the same features that make traditional folding techniques completely useless.
You can’t simply fold a fitted sheet in half like you would a flat sheet because those elastic edges create bulk and rounded shapes that refuse to cooperate.
Most people resort to balling up their fitted sheets and shoving them in the linen closet and leaving the closet an absolute mess.
It’s not laziness. It’s just that no one ever showed us an actual method that works. The elastic creates resistance, the corners bunch up and creases awkwardly, and before you know it, you’ve got what looks like a fabric burrito instead of a neatly folded sheet.
But here’s the good news: there’s a specific corner-tucking technique that makes folding fitted sheets genuinely easy.
Once you understand how to nest the corners properly, the process takes less than two minutes. The trick is working with the elastic corners instead of fighting against them.
What You Need to Fold a Fitted Sheet
One of the best things about this method is how simple it is. You don’t need any special tools or equipment, just:
A clean, dry fitted sheet
Your hands
A flat surface (optional but helpful for the final folds)
That’s it!
No clips, no fancy folding boards, nothing to buy. You can fold a fitted sheet standing up, sitting on your bed, at a table, or wherever feels most comfortable. The whole process takes just two to three minutes once you know the technique.
I recommend starting on a bed or large table for your first few attempts. Having that flat surface nearby makes it easier to lay the sheet down for the final folds. But honestly, once you’ve practiced a few times, you can do this anywhere.
The Easiest Method: How to Fold Fitted Sheets Step-by-Step
Ready to master this life-changing skill? I’m breaking down the easiest way to fold a fitted sheet into clear, manageable steps. Follow along with the video below, or use these written instructions—whichever works best for you!
Getting Your Starting Position
Start by holding your fitted sheet lengthwise—meaning the longer sides are stretched between your hands. Face toward a bed or table where you’ll eventually lay the sheet flat.
Place your hands inside the two top corners of the sheet with the elasticized edges facing you. The seams should be facing outward. This starting position is crucial because it sets you up for the corner-tucking magic that follows.
The First Corner Tuck
Now comes the key move that makes everything else work. While holding both top corners, bring your right hand over to meet your left hand. Tuck the right corner over and into the left corner. The elastic edges should now sit together neatly.
You’ll now have two corners resting on your left hand. Don’t worry if it feels a bit awkward at first—this is the trickiest part, and it gets easier with practice. Make sure those corners are properly nested together before moving on.
Finding the Bottom Corners
With the top two corners secured on your left hand, use your right hand to reach down and locate the two bottom corners of the sheet. Keep the top corners steady in your left hand as you work.
The fitted sheet will be hanging down, and you’re looking for where the elastic edges meet at the bottom two corners. These are easier to find if you gently shake the sheet to let them fall naturally.
Bringing All Corners Together
This is where it all comes together—literally! Bring the bottom right corner up to meet the top corners in your left hand. Tuck it into the other corners so all three are nested together.
Repeat this with the bottom left corner. Now, all four corners are tucked into one hand, and you should be holding what looks like a roughly rectangular piece of fabric with elastic edges, all nestled on one side.
Smoothing and Shaping
Give the sheet a gentle shake to release any bunched-up fabric. Smooth the material with your free hand, encouraging it to form a rectangular shape. The elastic edges should all be together on one side, and the rest of the sheet should hang fairly straight.
This shake-and-smooth step is more important than it seems. Taking a moment here to work out the wrinkles and get a nice shape makes the final folding much easier.
The Final Folds
Lay your sheet on your flat surface with the elastic edges facing the same direction. Smooth it out into the neatest rectangle you can manage. The elastic corners will create a bit of bulk on one end—that’s totally normal and fine.
Fold the sheet in thirds lengthwise to create a long, narrow rectangle. Then fold it in thirds or in half widthwise, depending on your storage space. You can adjust these final folds based on the size of your linen closet shelves.
The result? A neat, flat rectangle that looks like you actually know what you’re doing with laundry! Sure, it might not be quite as crisp as a flat sheet, but it’s a million times better than the crumpled ball you started with.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fitted Sheet Folding
Once you’ve got the basic technique down, these tips will help you fold fitted sheets even more efficiently and neatly.
Start with the long side. Holding the sheet lengthwise creates better balance and makes it easier to control as you’re tucking corners. If you start with the short side, the sheet feels heavier and more awkward to manipulate.
Use a flat surface for the final folds. While you can do the corner-tucking while standing, having a bed or table to lay the sheet on for those final folds creates much crisper, cleaner results. The difference is noticeable in how your sheets look in the closet.
Practice makes perfect. Your first attempt might feel clumsy, and that’s completely normal. By the third or fourth time, though, your hands will remember the movements and it’ll start feeling natural. I promise it clicks faster than you’d expect!
Smooth as you go. Don’t wait until the end to deal with wrinkles and bunched fabric. A quick smoothing motion after each corner tuck keeps everything neat and makes the final result much better.
The corners are everything. Getting all four corners properly nested together is what creates that neat rectangular shape. If your sheet doesn’t look right at the end, it’s usually because one corner didn’t get fully tucked in with the others. Don’t rush this part!
Match your sheet size to your folding style. King and queen fitted sheets are easier to fold on a bed, while twin sheets work fine folded at a table or even standing up. Adjust your approach based on what you’re working with.
What to Do If It’s Not Perfect
Let’s be real—your first folded fitted sheet probably won’t look Instagram-worthy, and that’s okay! Even an imperfect fold is dramatically better than the ball-of-fabric situation you had before.
The corners might stick out slightly, creating little lumps on one end of your folded sheet. This is normal because that’s where all the elastic is gathered. As long as your sheet is generally rectangular and reasonably flat, you’re doing great.
If your sheet is wrinkled, give it a quick smooth with your hands before the final folds. Or better yet, fold your sheets right out of the dryer when they’re still slightly warm—the heat helps them smooth out naturally.
If your first attempt looks terrible, just unfold it and try again! The beauty of this skill is that there’s no penalty for practice. Each time you do it, you’ll understand the technique a little better.
How to Store Your Beautifully Folded Fitted Sheets
Now that you can fold fitted sheets like a pro, let’s talk about how to store them so your linen closet stays organized and your sheets stay neat.
The game-changing trick? Store complete sheet sets together. Fold your fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases to similar sizes, then tuck everything inside one of the pillowcases. This creates a neat “bundle” that keeps sets together and makes it easy to grab what you need without disturbing other sheets.
Stack sheets by bed size on your linen closet shelves. Keep all your twin sheets together, all your queen sheets together, and so on. If you have multiple sets for each bed, rotate them to distribute wear evenly.
Consider using shelf dividers if you have lots of sheet sets. This prevents stacks from toppling and makes it easy to pull out a set without disturbing others. You can find simple wire dividers at any home store, or even use tension rods installed vertically.
Label your shelves if you have sheets for multiple beds in your home. A simple label like “Master Bed – Queen” or “Guest Room – Full” saves time when you’re making beds and ensures sheets end up back in the right spot.
Vertical storage can work well too, especially if you have deep shelves. Stand your folded sheet bundles on end like books. This makes it easy to see all your options at once and grab what you need without unstacking.
With properly folded fitted sheets, you’ll be amazed at how much more space you have in your linen closet. No more shoving crumpled sheets into overstuffed shelves!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Folding Fitted Sheets
Even with the best instructions, there are a few common pitfalls that can trip you up. Here’s what to watch out for and how to fix these issues.
Trying to fold it like a flat sheet is the number one mistake. The elastic corners make this impossible, so you have to use the corner-tucking method. If you catch yourself attempting traditional folds, stop and start over with the proper technique.
Not getting all four corners together properly will leave you with a lumpy, misshapen result. Take your time with each corner tuck, making sure they’re fully nested before moving to the next one. This is the foundation of the whole method.
Rushing through the corner-tucking steps leads to corners that aren’t secure and sheets that unfold themselves. Slow down, especially while you’re learning. Speed comes naturally once you’ve mastered the technique.
Folding on a lumpy surface makes it hard to get clean, crisp final folds. Your bed can work, but make sure there aren’t any blankets or pillows creating bumps underneath. A clear table or dresser top is ideal.
Folding sheets when they’re slightly damp creates wrinkles and can even lead to mildew if they’re stored before fully drying. Always make sure your fitted sheets are completely dry before folding and storing them.
You’ve Got This!
Learning how to fold fitted sheets properly is one of those life skills that seems impossible until someone shows you the trick. Then suddenly, it’s so simple you wonder why it ever seemed hard! The corner-tucking method works because it embraces what makes fitted sheets unique—those elastic corners—rather than fighting against them.
After your first few attempts, this technique will become second nature. You won’t have to think through each step; your hands will just know what to do. And the payoff is worth it: an organized linen closet with neat stacks of sheets, more storage space, and the satisfying feeling of having conquered the fitted sheet challenge.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Even if your folded fitted sheet isn’t magazine-worthy, it’s infinitely better than a crumpled ball shoved in the back of the closet. Give yourself grace during the learning process, and celebrate the fact that you now have this skill in your life-management toolkit.
Have you tried the corner-tucking method? What tips would you add for fellow fitted-sheet folders? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your success stories or any questions you have!
