How to Fold a Fitted Sheet: 8 Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Take a phone-based hearing test from the comfort of home. FREE for AARP members.

En español | If you find yourself balling up your fitted sheets and storing them out of sight, you're not alone. Figuring out what to do with those tricky elastic corners has been a source

of endless frustration, seemingly without a solution — until now.

Follow these eight easy steps for folding a fitted sheet, and say hello to unwrinkled bedding and an organized closet. But if you still find yourself confused, watch the video to see the

technique in action and learn additional linen hacks.

1. Start by holding the sheet lengthwise with each hand in the top corners, seam side out.

2. Take your right hand and have it meet the left. Flip the right corner of the sheet over the left. So now, the sheet is completely draped over your left hand.

3. Repeat the process by running your hand across the elastic edge and bringing the third corner to you. Flip it around the central corner resting on your left hand. Find the fourth corner

and wrap it around the same hand. All four corners should now be in one hand.

4. Place the folded sheet down on your bed and smooth the edges to make a neat rectangle, and make sure the edges are squared off.

5. Fold the edges to the middle, starting with the far side.

6. Then fold the narrow rectangle across until you have a neatly packed shape for your linen closet.

7. Take your top sheet and any extra pillowcases, and fold each to be the same size as your newly folded fitted sheet.

8. Finally, stack and slide the remaining linens into a pillowcase for storage. You'll never have to look for matching sheets again.

Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. 

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.

You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.

You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.

You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age.