File folding tutorial
You’re getting ready to cheer on the New Orleans Pelicans and you’re searching for the right T-shirt in your drawer. Or maybe it’s the rare cold snap in NOLA, and you’re digging for your infrequently needed fleece lined joggers. If your drawers are organized using the file folding technique, you’ll save yourself so much time and energy, cutting your search to seconds! This is the magic of file folding.
A SIMPLE METHOD THAT TRANSFORMS YOUR DRAWERS
Traditional stacking makes it easy for items to get lost and hard to keep things tidy. Drawer contents become messy piles where you can’t see half of what you own. File folding is a simple, game-changing technique we use every day at Sorted to create order, visibility, and long-lasting maintenance systems for our clients.
WHY SHOULD YOU FILE FOLD?
The name says it all. Similar to files in a filing cabinet, you can see everything at a glance.
Access what you need without disrupting the rest. No more digging through stacks.
File folding often increases the capacity of a drawer or storage bin because each piece is folded into a compact, uniform size.
Uniform folding creates a polished look that brings calm and order to your space. It’s one of the reasons clients love their “after” photos.
File folding works beautifully for:
t-shirts
leggings and workout wear
pajamas
shorts
baby and kids’ clothing
hand towels and washcloths
kitchen linens
lightweight sweaters
How to File Fold The Sorted Way
Here’s our go-to method for most clothing categories:
Lay the item flat and smooth out any wrinkles.
Fold the item into a long rectangle by bringing one side toward the middle, then the other side over it.
Fold from the top down into thirds or quarters, depending on the height of your drawer.
Stand it upright — it should remain standing on its own when you’re done.
Line up similar items together for easy visibility and a streamlined look.
If you’re using drawer dividers or bins, even better! They help contain rows and keep everything crisp. If you struggle with maintaining uniform shirt width while folding, consider getting a folding board.
YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU
With a little intention and a simple shift in folding technique, your drawers can go from cluttered to calm in no time. File folding isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about creating a system that saves you time, reduces stress, and keeps your daily routines running more smoothly. It’s a small change that makes a meaningful difference every single day.