How to Fold Fitted Sheets (and Make Laundry Day Easier!)

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Folding Fitted Sheets The Easy Way

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite laundry hacks that makes my linen closet look tidy and saves me time: how to fold fitted sheets.

I know—fitted sheets can feel like trying to fold a giant, unruly jellyfish. But I promise, with a few simple steps and a little practice, you’ll be stacking those sheets like a pro. And to make it even easier, I’ll also walk you through how I plan my laundry routine so folding happens while everything’s still warm and soft from the dryer.

Let’s get started!

A Simple Laundry Routine That Works

Before we even get to folding, here’s how I organize my laundry schedule to make the process smoother:

• Start early: Right after I wake up, I toss a load of laundry in the washing machine.
• Mid-morning switch: Once I’m halfway through the morning routine with the kids, I transfer the sheets to the dryer.
• Fold while warm: By the time I’ve dropped them off at school and get back home, the sheets are perfectly warm and ready to fold—no wrinkling and no excuses!

This timing trick saves me a great deal of frustration, especially when it comes to folding fitted sheets.

How to Fold Fitted Sheets – Step by Step

Now, let’s tackle the star of the show.

Step 1: Work Near a Clean Surface

Choose a clean area—your bed, couch, or a table. It helps to have a flat surface to smooth out the sheets as you fold.

Step 2: Turn the Sheet Inside Out

This is the magic trick I learned over a decade ago (thanks to my husband!). In Brazil, we didn’t use fitted sheets as often, so this was new to me. If I could learn it, you can too!

Turn your fitted sheet inside out and place one hand in each of the top corners along the long side (not the shorter head and foot ends). Then bring your hands together, flipping the corners on one side over the other. It will hang down from your hand.

Step 3: Match the Other Set of Corners

Lay the sheet over your surface so it drapes nicely. Now find the other set of corners and repeat the same flipping technique—tucking one inside the other.

At this point, you’ll have a somewhat folded, rectangular-ish sheet with the corners nested together.

Step 4: Shake and Smooth

Shake it out gently to remove extra folds and fluff. Place the sheet flat and smooth it into a rectangular shape.

If one side looks like it’s wearing a little “skirt,” just fold that in to create clean edges.

Step 5: Fold in Thirds

Now for the final fold:

• Fold one side over a third of the way.
• Then fold the other side on top to complete the rectangle.
• Finish by folding the sheet again in thirds or halves, depending on your shelf size.

Voilà! You now have a neat, compact square that stacks beautifully in your linen closet.

Bonus Tip: Why This Matters

Not only will this method make your closets look organized and uniform, but it will also save you time when you’re searching for the right sheet. No more wrestling with messy piles or wondering which size you grabbed!

Final Thoughts

Folding fitted sheets doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With a smart routine and a little technique, your linen closet can look like something out of a magazine—and you’ll feel more in control of your laundry life.

Remember: progress over perfection. If you’re in a hurry, just smooth it out as best as you can and give yourself grace.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope this little tip helps make laundry day a little less painful.
Have a great week, and I’ll see you soon!

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