Learn how to make iron-on labels for fabric storage bins to organize a small linen closet and make supplies easy to find for overnight guests. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
The Smallest Linen Closet Ever
If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you remember me saying that my old house had the tiniest linen closet ever. Well, the universe played a big fat joke on me, because the “linen” closet in my new house is half the size of my old one. Let me give you a visual…I have to turn sideways just to get through the door. And it’s located right smack in the only upstairs bathroom, behind the entry door, so it’s even more awkward to get into. What the heck am I supposed to even do with a closet this tiny? Lightbulb moment! A guest linen closet!
It makes total sense, too. Overnight guests use this bathroom and its easy(ish) access to all the bedrooms on our second floor. It’s perfect for storing guest bedroom linens, upstairs cleaning supplies, extra towels, and there’s even room in the bottom for their suitcases.
The Supplies
I ordered these super inexpensive collapsible fabric bins from Amazon (don’t ever buy these from a big-box store, they’re way overpriced) and a cheap $5 over-the-door shoe organizer from Walmart. Don’t get me wrong, the bins were fine just the way they were, but since this is a closet for guests to use, I really wanted to add some labels so they can find what they’re looking for easily.
As a guest, I always feel awkward having to go through cabinets or drawers to look for something I was told was “somewhere in the room”, and I’m assuming other guests feel the same way. So labeling the bins not only made finding things easy, but it also makes guests more likely to actually use the items inside.
Cricut Maker
So I broke out my new Cricut Maker (aka my favorite new toy) and found a funky, casual font called Cheerful Shapes in Cricut’s Design Space. I usually keep things pretty minimal and basic around here, but I thought this closet was the perfect place to have a little fun.
Read more about my first time using the Cricut Maker here.
Since I’m applying the labels onto a fabric bin, regular stick-on vinyl won’t work. So instead, I decided the best option was to iron them on with Iron-On Transfer Vinyl. Now let me disclaim that in the past, I have been batting zero for fifty-something with iron-on projects. I just am not good at iron-on transfers. So I went into this project with a backup plan just in case. But luckily I didn’t have to break out that plan because I actually pulled it off this time!
Cricut EasyPress 2
Instead of a traditional iron that never seems to keep a steady temperature and has to be moved back and forth, I tried using the Cricut EasyPress 2. This thing was a GAMECHANGER! Full disclosure, this is a sponsored post and Cricut did provide the Easy Press Iron for my project, but oh my goodness, I would pay for this thing over and over again with no problem. It worked so well, and was so easy to use, that I’d shout this thing from the rooftops even if I had went to Michael’s and bought it myself.
The EasyPress 2 comes in three sizes, and unlike a traditional iron, it’s a large square shape, so it can cover the entire Iron-On Transfer so you don’t have to move it back and forth. The whole transfer is getting evenly distributed heat the whole time. The temperature is adjustable and it heats up lightning fast. And it’s even got a timer so you don’t have to count out thirty Mississippis in your head.
Cricut EasyPress Mat
I also used the EasyPress 2 Mat and I loved it! I don’t have an actual ironing board in my house, so I didn’t really have a good spot to do this project safely. The Mat that Cricut offers gave me the ability to use the Easy Press 2 right on my computer desk, so I didn’t have to go out of my way to find a suitable spot. I think that mat was super helpful and I highly, highly recommend it as an add-on to the EP2. And I may make extra use out of it by laying it out to iron wrinkles out of my cloth napkins. Double duty, baby!
I really liked the online resource that Cricut provides, too. You just pop in the type of material your design is made of, and then the type of material you’re ironing onto, and then it tells you exactly what you need to do to transfer it properly. It tells you the temperature to set your EasyPress 2 Iron, how long to preheat the fabric, how long to heat the transfer, and even whether you should remove the transfer tape while it’s warm or cool. For someone with a terrible track record with iron-on transfers, these instructions were my saving grace. (Screenshot below)
**If you are using the bins that I purchased, use the Mesh Materials setting in the online program’s drop-down menu. I first chose the Canvas option and burnt a hole in one of the bin’s fabric almost immediately. Turns out these “canvas” bins aren’t really canvas after all. But they still work great. Just treat it like mesh instead of canvas.
You can see a full video walkthrough of my Cricut EasyPress 2 iron-on project from start to finish in my Instagram Highlights here.
Stocking The Linen Closet
Once I got all the bins labeled and I let them set for 24 hours (I didn’t want them to stretch the labels if I filled them too full before the bond had set) I squeezed myself into the world’s tiniest closet and started filling it up.
I put the cleaners and extra toilet paper on the top, because no one would really use those bins except me. (We keep 3-4 rolls of TP under the sink for quick refills.) Then on the next shelf I stored the extra bed linens and blankets. This shelf is high enough for adults who may need extra bedding, but too tall for kiddos. The lowest shelf has the bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths, and hair towels. It’s at the perfect height so anyone can grab what they need, including younger guests.
I always like to keep trial-sized toiletries on hand for my guests in case they’ve forgotten something. They’re really cheap and easy to have on hand, and we keep them in stock at all times. We also grab them for our own suitcases when we travel, too. We also keep the Dentist Goodie Bag stuff here for guests, plus batteries and plastic bags in case they need them.
The closet serves as a place where guests can feel comfortable about grabbing whatever they need during their stay without feeling awkward about asking for things. I know I’d rather just have hairy legs than ask a host if they have an extra razor, so I feel like this mini-store of supplies really makes a guest feel welcome.
One thing I’d like to do in here that I haven’t done yet is add some pop-lights and some hooks on the open wall-side for hanging a robe or in-use towels. But other than that, I’d say it’s pretty much done!
Shop My Guest Linen Closet
1. Fabric Bins, Set Of Six | 2. Wooden Non-Slip Hangers | 3. Peel And Stick Pop Lights | 4. Cricut EasyPress 2 For Customizing Bins and Fabrics | 5. Brooklinen Luxury Sheet Set (in white so guests know they’re clean) | 6. Peel And Stick Heavy Duty Towel & Robe Hooks | 7. Clear Hanging Organizer For Extra Toiletries | 8. Luggage Rack To Keep Suitcases Off The Floor | 9. Luxury Super Plush Bath Towels (in white so guests know they’re clean)
Planning A Craft Room Makeover?
The next semester of The Organized-ish Craft Room is open! This is my self-paced workshop-style training for how to plan, set up, organize, and maintain your craft space, no matter how big or small it is. If your craft room (or closet, or dining room nook) needs some serious organization, this course is for you. Enrollment fills up quickly, so grab your spot before the doors close.
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