The familiar linen closet has a narrow door and surprisingly wide space behind the wall on either side. It can store plenty. It can also hide half the household's towels behind the door casing. A good layout makes the centre easy to use and gives the side pockets a deliberate job.
Measure the opening you use, not the door slab
Open the door as far as it normally goes without striking a wall or blocking a passage. Measure between the actual obstructions: jamb, door edge, hinge and any latch hardware. Then check the opening at the height of each planned basket. A projecting hinge can matter more than the nominal door width.
Bring the largest basket into the test. Add a folded towel above its rim if that is how you normally fill it. Try removing it with both hands. A basket that fits only when empty and tipped diagonally is not a good daily-storage choice. Do not enlarge the wall opening or remove framing to rescue a shelving plan without having that separate work assessed.
On the shelf
It must sit securely without crowding its neighbour or the door hardware.
Past the shelf above
Your hands and the contents need clearance while lifting it.
Through the doorway
Check the narrowest point with the door at its normal opening angle.
Into the room
Leave a place to stand and turn without blocking the hall.
Give hidden corners occasional-use items
Keep everyday towels and sheets facing the opening. Side pockets can suit small labelled bins that slide into reach, but avoid wedging broad stacks behind the jamb. A slightly shorter or shallower shelf may improve access more than another full-width board. Think about the person putting laundry away as well as the person taking one towel.
Adjustable shelves let you change heights as the contents change. Keep their support positions consistent and use the full set of compatible pins or brackets. Do not leave a corner floating because the best height lands beside a hinge. Closet shelf depth is worth deciding before the shelf count.
Keep the layout independent of the door trim
ClosetMaid's installation guidance provides the matching support arrangement for its shelving systems. For custom shelves, select cleats, brackets and fasteners for the wall construction and intended load. The narrow door casing is a finish piece, not automatically an appropriate shelf support.
Before finishing, load a representative shelf and repeat the removal test. Check that the door closes without pressing on towels, basket handles or shelf edges. Leave access to any existing service panel. The best result is often less dramatic than a full closet makeover: a sensible shelf front, two changed heights and no more unloading half the cupboard to find a fitted sheet.