We worked with a professional organizer to shape a small, storage-savvy laundry room. Read on to steal some of our tips for your own laundry room.
Mix Function with Flair
In the washing area, deep base cabinets house the appliances, and wall cabinets hung above keep detergents and supplies within easy reach. The countertop above the machines provides ample folding surface, while open shelves to the right of the dryer stow bright red totes for transporting washed-and-folded pieces. A bold-pattern indoor-outdoor rug adds energetic, functional style.
Accessorize On the Cheap
Affordable accessories coax valuable function from underused walls and crevices. A shower curtain tension rod spans an open area between the upper cabinets and a wall to become a hanging rack for items fresh out of the dryer or just off the ironing board.
A Place for Everything
Simplify sorting—and make it a snap to put items back—with decorative laundry labels. Above the dryer, a plastic tote is dedicated to misfit socks, so all family members know where to search first when items go missing. A clearly labeled coordinating tote gathers batteries, lightbulbs, small home-repair tools, and other utility staples.
Out to Dry
A drying rack for exercise wear and delicates is essential for a successful laundry room. In a tight space, choose a wall-mount version that collapses to just a few inches thick.
Catch Clutter
Lidded glass jars provide homes for clothespins, orphan items discovered in pockets, and sewing notions for quick garment repairs. A shallow galvanized bin unifies a mix of vintage and new containers.
Go-Anywhere Solution
A slender tiered cart with cleaning supplies parks alongside the laundry machines—or wherever it’s needed—adding a few vertical feet of shelving to a small nook. Storing heavy detergents on the cart is safer to lift and move than if stored in upper cabinets.
Designate a Sorting Station
A tall shelving unit anchors one corner of the laundry room and is outfitted with canvas bins that gather garments by type, color, and care. Orienting a washtub nearby lets everyone remove stains and pretreat soiled clothes before moving on to washing and drying.
Prevent Mix-Ups
Small mesh bags, one for each family member, ensure everyone’s socks aren’t mixed up in the washer or dryer. Clipping bags outside hampers reminds family members to sort out their socks.
Save Floor Space
This smart set-up makes ironing a cinch. A metal mesh caddy secures the ironing board to the wall when not in use, and its built-in basket provides handy storage for the iron and spray starch.
Laundry Day Art
Combine function and beauty with laundry artwork that illustrates a washday checklist. Placed above the utility sink, the art adds a touch of color and whimsy. Editor’s Tip: Artwork will fit an 8x10 frame but is designed to print on 8½x11 paper.
Repurpose Storage
A toothbrush holder mounted near the utility sink is stocked with stain-treatment sticks. This storage hack makes it easy to attend to soiled garments before they proceed into their intended bins.
Laundry Stain Removal Tags
Take the guesswork out of stain removal by keeping a cheat sheet or care guide nearby. Just print, cut apart, hole-punch, and slip onto a binder ring. We laminated these tags to repel moisture and stand up to frequent use.
Bonus: Laundry Basket Labels
No matter where you stash your laundry baskets, keep them organized with labels. You can make your own labels using scrapbooking supplies, or download our printable versions. To make your labels last, cover the fronts with clear contact paper to waterproof them. Clip labels with painted clothespins or adhere them to the containers with spray adhesive.
