How to Fold Towels to Save Space

What You’ll Need

Clean, dry towels (bath, hand, and washcloth sizes)
A flat, clean surface (table, bed, or counter)
Optional: drawer dividers or shelf bins to keep stacks neat

Step-by-Step

Lay the towel flat. Spread the towel completely on your surface, smoothing out wrinkles. Make sure the long edges are parallel and the corners align.
Fold the towel in half lengthwise. Bring one long edge over to meet the other, so the towel is now half its original width. Smooth out any air pockets.
Fold in half again lengthwise (optional). For a narrower strip, fold the towel in half lengthwise a second time. This works well for bath sheets or if your storage space is shallow.
Fold one end to the center. Take the left end and fold it about one-third of the way toward the middle. Press down firmly.
Fold the other end over the top. Bring the right end over the folded left section, creating a neat rectangle. The towel should now be about the size of a hardcover book.
For the vertical (KonMari) method: Instead of steps 4–5, fold the towel into thirds lengthwise, then fold it in half once. Stand it upright in a drawer so the folded edge faces up.
Store upright or stack. Place folded towels vertically in a drawer (like files) or stack them flat on a shelf. Keep different sizes separate for easy grabbing.

Common Mistakes

Folding damp towels: Always ensure towels are completely dry before folding. Damp towels can develop mildew and take up more space.
Over-stuffing: Cramming too many towels into a small space makes them wrinkled and hard to remove. Leave a little breathing room.
Ignoring size differences: Mixing bath towels and hand towels in the same stack creates uneven piles. Group by size.
Not smoothing wrinkles: Folding wrinkled towels traps creases that are hard to remove later.

Tips

Use the vertical fold for deep drawers—it lets you see every towel at a glance.
Fold washcloths into quarters and stack them in a small bin or basket.
If you have limited shelf space, roll towels instead of folding—roll them tightly from one end and stand them on edge.
Store towels near where you use them (bathroom, gym bag) to avoid re-folding often.
Use drawer dividers or small cardboard boxes to keep vertical towels from toppling.

Troubleshooting

If your folded towels still take up too much space, try the following:

Towels are too thick: Use the vertical fold—it compresses the towel more than a flat stack.
Folded towels fall over in the drawer: Fold them slightly wider so they fit snugly, or add a divider.
Wrinkles persist: Fold towels when they are still slightly warm from the dryer (but completely dry). This helps them hold a crisp shape.
Drawer is too shallow: Fold the towel into thirds lengthwise instead of halves, making it shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does folding towels a certain way really save space?

Yes. The vertical fold reduces the towel’s footprint by stacking layers, and storing upright uses vertical space that flat stacks waste.

Should I fold or roll towels?

Rolling is best for small spaces like gym bags or open shelves, while folding is better for drawers and closets. Both save space compared to crumpling.

How do I keep towels from getting musty when stored?

Ensure they are completely dry before folding, and store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid plastic containers that trap moisture.

Can I fold towels the same way for all sizes?

Yes, but adjust the number of lengthwise folds. For hand towels, skip the second lengthwise fold; for bath sheets, add an extra fold.

How often should I refold towels?

Only when you wash them or if they become wrinkled from being pulled out. There’s no need to refold regularly if stored properly.

What is the best way to store towels in a small bathroom?

Use a over-the-door rack or a ladder shelf, and fold towels into thirds to fit shallow shelves. Vertical storage in a narrow cabinet also works well.

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