A well-organized laundry room is a lifesaver. With smart storage solutions, you can keep this busy space tidy and make laundry day much smoother. If you’re looking for ways to maximize your laundry room storage, these 15 ideas can help. From wall mounts to rolling carts, there are plenty of clever products and DIY solutions for keeping laundry essentials accessible yet out of the way. Read on for laundry room organization tips and tricks.
Utilize Wall Space Above Appliances
The space above your washer and dryer is prime real estate for storage. Take advantage of this often underutilized area by installing shelves. Look for storage units that are purposefully designed to mount on the wall above laundry appliances. Many feature a metal rail system that provides a sturdy foundation.
Opt for open shelves to conveniently store laundry detergent, dryer sheets, stain removers, fabric softener and other supplies. Closed cabinet storage is also an option for a more polished look. Use it to stash away laundry hampers, hangers, ironing boards and other clutter you want concealed.
Installing a wall mount laundry sorter above your machines is also smart. It provides dedicated compartments to sort lights and darks as you unload the dryer. This saves time when folding and makes it easy to spot single socks.
Use Wall-Mounted Drying Racks
Take your laundry routine off the floor by installing wall-mounted drying racks. These space-saving racks allow wet clothes to dry vertically, utilizing empty wall space above your appliances or utility sink.
Look for sturdy metal racks with several bars for hanging garments. Some feature handy mesh shelves below to lay sweaters and delicate items flat. Install them above your washer and dryer to dry delicates and small loads. Or place one near a utility sink or laundry tub to air dry hand washed items.
When not in use, wall mounts fold flat against the wall to get them out of the way. This creates an organized system for drying laundry that doesn’t monopolize valuable floor space.
Add a Custom Storage Bench
A padded bench in your laundry room serves two helpful purposes. First, it provides a convenient spot to fold clothes hot out of the dryer. Look for an upholstered seat wide enough to layout garments without everything ending up on the floor.
Second, many bench styles have storage space inside. Lift the hinged lid to reveal a generous compartment for stashing detergent jugs, irons and other laundry essentials. Some even have flip-up seats with more storage underneath.
For a fully custom look, build your own bench with storage. Use plywood for the structure and upholster the top with comfortable foam padding and durable fabric. Just be sure to allow ample storage space inside the base. Sturdy casters allow you to easily move the bench as needed.
Install Sleek Hanging Rods
Hanging rods are ideal laundry room storage to neatly organize hampers, bags and supplies. Mount them horizontally on the wall to keep items up and out of the way. Sturdy metal utility rails with hooks provide an industrial vibe.
Use one rail just for laundry bags. Designate a bag for each family member to transport dirty clothes to the laundry room. Hooking them helps contain odors and keeps bags off the floor.
Another smart idea is to hang a rod just for laundry baskets. Use a couple of large sorted hampers to collect lights and darks. And have smaller bins for delicates and towels. Slide hampers on and off the hooks easily when doing laundry. No more tripping over baskets in the middle of the floor.
Create Custom Shelving
When it comes to laundry room storage, you can never have enough shelves. Sturdy shelving lets you neatly organize supplies, keep laundry tools in order and get clutter up off the floor.
Install shelving units designed specifically to fit around utility connections. Look for units with adjustable shelves to maximize the space. Use it to store bulk supplies of detergent, fabric softener sheets, spot removers, pretreat sprays and more.
Or get creative with shelving made from inexpensive materials like recycled wood crates or metal wire racks on casters. These work well for corralling rolled towels, rags and small bulk items. Just be sure any portable shelving is sturdy enough to hold laundry supplies.
Add Tension Rod Storage
Here’s an organizational trick that takes advantage of often overlooked space. Install two tension rods horizontally across a corner to create instant shelving. Stack rolled towels, cleaning rags or spare laundry hampers on the rods to utilize wasted space.
Tension shower curtain rods work perfectly for this laundry storage solution. Look for extra sturdy rods that can handle the weight of heavier items. Position the rods one above the other in a corner to provide two levels of storage.
Or use over-the-door towel racks on the back of the laundry room door. Hang them over the top of the door trim for out-of-the-way storage. Use spring-loaded rods to safely secure wet towels, small rugs and hand-washed delicates.
Mount Fold-Down Ironing Boards
Let’s face it, ironing is a necessary evil. But it doesn’t have to gobble up valuable space in your laundry room. Opt for a wall-mounted ironing board that folds down when needed and tucks away when not in use.
Look for ironing boards that allow you to mount them on the wall or inside a closet or cabinet. Concealed models have a sleek built-in look when closed. Or choose a style with a frame that folds against the wall to save space.
Another option is an over-the-door ironing board that conveniently hangs on the back of a door. Just open the door to use it and close to put it out of sight. No matter which you choose, a stowable ironing board avoids clutter in your laundry space.
Use Bins for Small Item Storage
Bins and baskets allow you to subdivide space to keep laundry essentials neatly organized. Use them to group like items and keep small clutter contained.
Plastic bins work well for corralling laundry accessories like stain remover sticks, fabric shavers and sewing kits. Label the fronts so everyone knows where tools go after using. Mount them on shelves or stack them neatly in a corner.
Wire bins are also handy laundry storage. Use them to separate clothes pins, delicate wash bags and mesh lingerie bags. The open style makes contents visible so small items don’t get lost at the bottom of a basket.
Even simple plastic crates provide smart storage for bulk laundry supplies like bleach, borax and oxy boosters. Find crates in matching colors and stack them neatly on shelves to keep laundry room clutter at bay.
Opt for a Rolling Laundry Cart
A rolling cart on casters allows you to easily move laundry from room to room. Look for oversized carts with sturdy wheels that can handle heavy wet loads.
Use a laundry cart to transport clothes from bedrooms to the laundry room in one trip. It’s also handy for quickly moving wet clothes from the washer to the dryer.
Some carts feature built-in drying racks to hang delicates and small loads. Others have sections to separate lights and darks as you gather dirty clothes.
No matter what style you choose, a rolling cart makes heavy lifting and transporting laundry much simpler. Just avoid overloaded trips that put too much stress on the wheels.
Install Pull-Out Cabinet Organizers
Take advantage of unused space between wall studs with pull-out cabinet organizers. Mount them between appliances or on narrow walls for deep storage that glides out when you need it.
Look for tall drawer-style units sized to perfectly fit wasted gaps in your laundry space. Use them above the washer and dryer or adjacent to utility connections. Fill deep pull-out drawers with laundry supplies, microfiber cloths and cleaning tools.
Some organizers feature open shelves that are ideal for stacking rolled bath towels. Others have bins and dividers to customize the space. Closed cabinet fronts give your DIY storage project a built-in look.
Get Creative with Hanging Baskets
Wire hanging baskets open up storage possibilities along a wall or back of the door. Use them creatively in your laundry room to corral small items like delicates and single socks.
Install small hanging baskets low where little hands can reach. Let kids have their own special spot for collecting lost socks and sorting delicates. Use labeled bins for each child to eliminate sorting laundry later.
For adults, hang larger baskets within reach for handy storage. Use them for rolled socks, reusable dryer balls and other grab-and-go items. Installing them at eye level makes laundry tasks more convenient.
You can also repurpose old metal colanders as quirky hanging baskets. Just attach knobs or cup hooks and use them to collect loose gloves, hats and other small laundry items.
Add Sturdy Storage Hooks
Simple yet versatile options like utility hooks provide surprisingly handy laundry storage. Use hooks on the wall or back of the door to neatly hang damp towels, clothes and bags.
Coat racks work great above the washer and dryer for hanging a few damp items to dry. Stagger hooks at different heights for layered drying space.
Adhesive hooks stick securely to the side of appliances to hang spray bottles. Magnetic hooks attach to washer and dryer tops for metal tools.
Install heavier duty hooks near the laundry tub to hang hoses. Place rubber coated hooks inside cabinets to neatly store iron cords and delicates bags.
It’s easy to add hooks wherever you need drying and organizing space in your laundry room. Opt for hooks with wide openings and weight ratings to securely hold wet laundry.
Mount an Ironing Board Holder
Regularly dragging out an ironing board just to put it back gets old fast. Maximize space in your laundry room by installing an ironing board holder on the wall.
This wall-mounted rack allows you to securely store an ironing board vertically when not in use. Simply lift it off the holder when needed to quickly set up your ironing station. Models with locking features keep the board securely in place on the wall mount.
You can even mount a small ironing board inside a cabinet or closet. Attach the holder panel to the inside of a cabinet door. Then simply swing the door open when you’re ready to iron. Close it up when finished to keep the space clutter free.
Go Vertical with Shelving Units
Vertical shelving units provide plenty of storage space while occupying minimal floor area. Floor-to-ceiling shelving lets you take full advantage of vertical wall space.
Look for tall and narrow units that squeeze into tight spaces between stacked appliances. Adjustable shelves allow you to maximize storage and accommodate large items.
Freestanding shelving on casters is a smart option if you ever need to relocate the unit. Sturdy wheels allow you to roll it away from the wall for easy loading and unloading. Then neatly tuck it back into place against the wall.
Stagger shelving and install units at different heights on separate walls. This creates more usable space than stacking shelves all on one wall. Take advantage of all available wall space.
Designate a Laundry Sorting Station
Make laundry sorting more organized with stations designed to streamline the task. Use baskets, bins and dividers to create dedicated spots for each type of clothing.
Stack open bins and label by lights, darks, towels and delicates. Sort clothes as you strip beds and empty hampers for next-level organization. Use bins sized to correspond with your washer load capacity.
Install shelf dividers to separate laundry types. Labeling the sections makes it easy for kids keep laundry sorted independently. Customizing compartments also helps prevent laundry mixing.
A wall-mounted laundry sorter with multiple drop-down bins is ideal for small spaces. Let bins hang down when in use then flip them up vertically when finished sorting. This is great for tight laundry rooms where floor space is limited.
Add Shelves Above Doors & Windows
Take advantage of the empty space above windows, doors and wall openings. This wasted area is the perfect spot to install floating shelves. Secure them to the wall snugly above openings for handy laundry storage.
Use shelves above appliances and utility connections to store small containers of laundry powders and liquids. Having supplies right within reach makes loading the washer simpler.
Floating shelves are also great above doors for small laundry baskets, rolled towels and bags. Install them high enough not to obstruct doors but low enough for easy access. Just avoid overly heavy items that could make mounted shelves unstable.
Think Inside the Cabinet Doors
Out of sight, out of mind. That’s why the inside of cabinet doors make smart laundry storage. Use the back of doors to hang items you only need occasional access to.
Install over-the-door storage racks for ironing boards, drying racks and even small step stools. Hooks on the backs of doors allow you to hang spray bottles, delicates bags and mesh washers.
Use adhesive hooks to hang iron cords against the inside of a cabinet door. Install a tall, narrow rack to neatly store broom handles, hangers and extendable dusters vertically.
It’s amazing how much organizational potential there is behind cabinet doors. Make use of this concealed space to keep infrequently used laundry items accessible yet tucked out of the way.
Key Takeaways
- Make the most of vertical wall space above and around appliances with mounted shelves and racks for laundry supplies and drying.
- Convert wasted space into storage with utility hooks, over-the-door racks and floating shelves above openings.
- Opt for fold-down ironing boards, stowable wall mounts and door-mounted racks to conceal clutter.
- Use bins, baskets and customized compartments to neatly organize and sort laundry items.
- Install sturdy shelving units, cabinet organizers, and bench storage with roomy interiors.
- Add specialized laundry furniture like rolling carts, sorter stations and storage benches.
- Take advantage of the backs of doors and vertical space between wall studs for clever storage.
- Prioritize functionality and access over aesthetic appeal to create a highly efficient laundry room.
With a bit of creativity and some simple installations, it’s easy to transform an unorganized laundry space into a high-functioning workspace. Use it as an opportunity to customize the room around your family’s laundry habits and needs. The time spent on upgrading storage will pay off every time you’re able do a load of laundry without frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry Room Storage Ideas
Q: What are some good ways to store bulk laundry items?
A: Sturdy shelves, utility carts, and storage bins work well for bulky items like detergent containers, bleach jugs, and fabric softener bottles. Place them close to appliances for easy access.
Q: How can I neatly store small laundry accessories and tools?
A: Use wall-mounted bins, over-the-door hanging baskets, tension rods, or drawer organizers. Label containers so items don’t get mixed up.
Q: What kind of storage solutions keep damp laundry items contained?
A: Rolling laundry carts, wall-mounted drying racks, over-door towel racks and utility hooks allow you to neatly hang damp items to dry.
Q: Where is the best place to set up an ironing station in a small laundry room?
A: Install a fold-down ironing board on the wall or inside a cabinet door to conserve floor space. An over-the-door style also works well in tight laundry rooms.
Q: How do I keep laundry baskets and carts from taking up too much floor space?
A: Use wall-mounted rods and rails to hang collapsible hampers and bags when not in use. Store portable carts out of walkways against a wall or in a closet.
Q: What are some tips for creating kid-friendly laundry storage?
A: Use accessible bins and baskets they can reach for sorting. Add a padded bench for folding clothes. Designate child-height rods and hooks for damp items.
Q: How can I add more vertical storage space on walls?
A: Install floating shelves above appliances and doors, wall-mounted cabinetry, vertical shelving units, and tension rods across corners.
Q: Where is wasted space I can convert into laundry storage?
A: Above appliances and doors, between wall studs, on the back of cabinet doors, and in corners.
Q: How do I hide laundry clutter without sacrificing accessibility?
A: Use cabinets with doors, rolling carts that tuck away, retractable drying lines, and wall mounts for ironing boards.
Q: What laundry storage solutions are best for small rooms?
A: Shelving over appliances, wall-mounted sorters, tension rod racks, multi-purpose furniture, and folding/stowable organizers.
Final Thoughts on Laundry Room Organization
A functional laundry space starts with smart storage solutions. Take time to assess your laundry habits and organize your room accordingly. Prioritize keeping heavily used items within easy reach. Conceal rarely used tools behind doors or in cabinets. And utilize every bit of available space, from the floor to the ceiling. With a thoughtful approach to organization, you can transform even the tiniest laundry room into a highly efficient workspace. Just remember to leave room for a folding table or bench to make the chore of putting clothes away a little more pleasant.