How to Fold a Fitted Sheet So It Actually Stays Neat

1. The Setup: Find the Four Corners

Hold the sheet lengthwise. Place your hands inside two of the corners on the shorter side. You want the seams to be facing out, with your fingertips touching the very tip of the corner pocket. This is the foundation for a flat fold.

2. The First Tuck: Two Into One

Bring your right hand over to your left hand. Fold the corner from your right hand over the one on your left. Now, you have two corners nested into one another on your left hand. Reach down and find the third corner, then tuck it into the set on your left hand. Repeat with the fourth corner.

3. Squaring the Edges

Lay the sheet on a flat surface, like your bed or a laundry table. Because all four corners are nested into one "pocket," the sheet should now form a rough L-shape or square. Smooth out the elastic edges toward the center to create a clean, flat rectangle.

4. The Vertical Thirds Fold

Fold the rectangle into thirds lengthwise. You should now have a long, narrow strip of fabric with the elastic edges hidden inside the fold. Smoothing the fabric with your hands at each step is the secret to preventing those deep "closet wrinkles."

5. The Final Square

Fold the long strip into thirds once more, or in half twice, depending on the depth of your shelves. You will end up with a neat, compact square that looks identical to your flat sheets. No more "lumpy" stacks in your linen closet.

6. Pro Tip: The Pillowcase Bundle

Once your fitted and flat sheets are folded into neat squares, slide the entire set inside one of the matching pillowcases. This keeps the set together and prevents individual pieces from getting lost or messy when you're reaching for fresh linens.