Having an organized laundry room is essential for keeping your home tidy and making laundry day go smoothly. Cluttered laundry rooms with messy baskets and piles of clothes can quickly become overwhelming. Implementing some simple laundry room organization ideas can help declutter your space and make doing laundry feel less stressful. Here are 20 helpful laundry room organization tips to keep your space neat and functional.
Invest in Storage Solutions
The key to an organized laundry room is having proper storage solutions in place. Look for storage options that maximize vertical space and prevent clutter from accumulating on counters and floors.
Wall-Mounted Drying Racks
Install wall-mounted drying racks that fold down when not in use. Drying racks provide extra drying space while keeping laundry day mess contained in one area. Choose sturdy metal racks that can handle heavy wet loads.
Shelving Units
Free-standing shelving units with cubbies and baskets are ideal for corralling laundry supplies. Search for shelving systems with adjustable shelves so you can accommodate bulky items. Labels allow you to quickly identify contents.
Hanging Rods
Hanging rods installed below existing cabinets or shelving provide vertical drying room for delicates and small items. Consider spring-loaded retractable rods that tuck away neatly when not needed.
Storage Bins and Baskets
Use storage bins and baskets to hold laundry-related items like detergent, dryer sheets, stain removers, etc. Clear plastic bins allow you to easily see contents. Bins on casters can be rolled in and out of reach.
Hampers with Lids
Hampers containing dirty clothes should have lids to conceal messy contents. Look for hampers with different compartments for lights, darks, and delicates. Some have wheels so they can be transported to machines.
Retractable Clotheslines
For air drying special items, install retractable clotheslines that stretch across the room. When not needed, the clothesline retracts out of sight along the ceiling or wall. This is perfect for delicate sweaters and intimates.
Organize Laundry Essentials
Keep laundry essentials like detergent, dryer sheets, pre-treat sprays, etc. organized so they don’t clutter precious counter space.
Mounted Wire Shelving
For small laundry rooms, mounted wire shelving above appliances provides storage for laundry products. Bins allow you to categorize items.
Drawers or Cabinets
Designate a drawer or cabinet just for laundry products. Use shelf dividers, upright containers, or turntables to separate items. This hides clutter while keeping items accessible.
Over-the-Door Hanging
Install over-the-door storage options like canvas bins and shoe organizers to take advantage of vertical space for laundry products. Items will be at your fingertips.
Caddies or Totes
Portable plastic caddies or decorative covered totes allow you to carry laundry supplies back and forth each load. You can stash them out of sight between loads.
Wall-Mounted Rails
Wall-mounted rails with S-hooks allow you to neatly hang spray bottles or small containers along the wall. Keeping items visible makes them less likely to get lost in cabinets.
Designate Sorting Stations
To streamline laundry tasks, create designated pre-wash sorting areas. This prevents clean and dirty laundry from mixing together.
Built-In Countertops
If possible, include built-in countertop space for folding and sorting clothes. Add stacking bins for categorized sorting. Label bins for lights, darks, delicates, etc.
Fold-Down Table or Desk
Install a fold-down table or desk to provide a smooth flat surface for folding. Look for one with adequate space for sorted laundry bins.
Rolling Cart
A rolling cart with a hard smooth top can act as a portable sorting station. It easily moves throughout the laundry area as needed.
Hanging Bar with Bins
Place a hanging bar next to your appliances and use clip-on bins to categorize clothes before washing. The lightweight bins are removable.
Shelving Unit
An open shelving unit near the washer and dryer provides plenty of space for sorting laundry into bins. Place bins on different shelves by category.
Increase Hanging Space
Make room for freshly laundered shirts and delicate items by incorporating more hanging space in your laundry area.
Retractable Hanging Rod
Install a retractable hanging rod below cabinets or shelving. This provides temporary expanded hanging space when needed that tucks out of the way when not in use.
Over-the-Door Hangers
Hanging over-the-door storage options with multiple hooks or hangers allow you to hang several freshly washed shirts or delicates. Close the door to conceal.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Wall-mounted drying racks that fold down when not needed are great for air-drying delicates and small laundry items. Use spring-loaded racks for easy access.
Ceiling-Mounted Retractable Clotheslines
Ceiling-mounted retractable clotheslines allow you to hang multiple clothing items along your ceiling to dry. Simply retract it out of the way when finished.
Vertical Drying Racks
Freestanding vertical drying racks provide ample vertical space for hanging laundry items to dry. Search for compact racks with a small footprint.
Add Hidden Storage
Maximize every inch of space with hidden storage areas to tuck away laundry room clutter.
Storage Ottomans
Storage ottomans offer discreet concealed storage for laundry supplies or overflow laundry. Lift the lid to reveal handy storage space.
Base Cabinet Pull-Outs
Install pull-out drawers or slide-out trays inside existing base cabinets for easy access to laundry essentials. Keep detergent, etc. hidden but nearby.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets provide storage space while preserving precious floor area in small laundry rooms. Use them to store backstock of detergents or other laundry items.
Utility Sinks with Storage
When renovating, install new utility sinks with built-in cabinet storage underneath. This takes advantage of plumbing space for extra storage.
Rolling Storage Cart
A rolling storage cart with baskets, drawers, or shelves can be tucked into a corner or narrow gap. When needed, simply roll it out for access.
Add Folding and Ironing Stations
Make laundry tasks simpler by setting up designated folding and ironing stations in your laundry room area.
Wall-Mounted Folding Tables
Wall-mounted folding tables provide a space-saving folding station that folds flush when not in use. Hang at a comfortable height for your needs.
Rolling Folding Cart
A rolling cart with a smooth flat surface is ideal for transporting freshly laundered clothes for folding. It can be moved wherever needed.
Countertop Ironing Board
For occasional ironing, a compact countertop ironing board is perfect for small spaces. Search for ones with handy storage drawers built in.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
Wall-mounted ironing boards fold down when needed and save floor space. Install at a height that’s comfortable for you or knowledgeable household members.
Storage Ottoman
Look for storage ottomans with ironing board tops. The ironing board is hidden inside the closed ottoman then lifts up when needed.
Iron Storage Station
Designate a space for safely storing your iron when hot and for resting it upright when cooling down. This prevents burns and damage.
Add Specialty Organizing Tools
Specialty organizing tools provide convenience and maximize efficiency when tackling laundry.
Laundry Sorting Hamper
A large sorting hamper with multiple compartments allows you to sort dirty clothes right where you disrobe. Transport the sorted clothes to machines.
Clothing Racks
Install clothing racks for air-drying delicate items or hang-drying shirts and sweaters fresh out of the dryer. Search for space-saving wall-mounted racks.
Laundry Bag Stand
A laundry bag stand provides a place to set an open dirty clothes bag for easy sorting and transferring into machines. Hang full bags from hooks.
Laundry Totes
Use sturdy roomy laundry totes for easily transporting dirty clothes to machines and for carrying folded clothes back upstairs. Totes contain messy laundry.
Drying Racks
Have portable drying racks available for air-drying delicate clothing items or lightly worn clothes between washes. Stash folding racks when not in use.
Improve Lighting
Proper lighting in a laundry room is key for comfortably doing laundry tasks and seeing into storage areas.
LED Ceiling Lights
Install bright, energy-efficient LED ceiling flush mount lights or recessed can lights. This provides helpful overall lighting for the entire room.
Task Lighting
Incorporate task lighting like under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights above folding/ironing areas or over the utility sink. This targets light where you need it most.
Natural Light
If possible, add a window to increase natural light. Supplement with sheer curtains to reduce glare and add privacy. Keep existing windows clean and clear.
Motion-Sensing Lights
Install motion-sensing battery-powered puck lights inside existing cabinets and closets. Lights automatically turn on when doors open.
Nightlights
Plug-in nightlights provide visibility along the floor at night. Place them near entrances, by appliances, or wherever needed. Choose models with auto-shutoff.
Design a Convenient Laundry Work Station
Create an efficient and helpful laundry work station for folding, ironing, and other finishing tasks.
Ironing Board
Have a high-quality ironing board handy for quick touch-ups and occasional ironing. Look for ironing boards with thick cotton covers and steel frames.
Iron
Invest in a high-performing iron with adjustable temperature settings, burst of steam shots, and non-stick soleplate. Read reviews to compare top brands and models.
Garment Steamer
A garment steamer is useful for refreshing clothes between washes and removing wrinkles quickly. Compact travel steamers take minimal space.
Foldable Table
Keep a foldable table nearby to use as extra folding space and for stacking folded clothes. Choose one that folds flat for storage.
Rolling Cart
Use a rolling cart to transport laundry from machines to your work station. It can hold laundry baskets and folding supplies.
Create a Convenient Drop Zone
Designate a area for collecting dirty clothes and laundry to streamline laundry tasks.
Sorting Station
Set up a sorting table or station with categorical bins for pre-sorting laundry as it’s collected. This makes wash days more efficient.
Hampers or Bins
Place easy-to-access hampers or bins throughout your home for collecting dirty clothes. Use different bins for lights, darks, towels, etc.
Laundry Chute
Install a laundry chute to send dirty clothes from upper floors down to a ground floor laundry room. This avoids having to carry baskets downstairs.
Mudroom Bench
Place a bench with baskets in the mudroom for tossing in dirty clothes and sports gear when you enter your home. Transport to laundry room later.
Hooks and Bags
Hang sturdyhooks and bags on walls or doors upstairs for dropping in clothes. When full, carry bags down to laundry room.
Add Decor Touches
Incorporate decorative touches to give your laundry room style along with organization.
Baskets
Decorative woven baskets in colors or patterns you enjoy add style while holding laundry supplies. They conceal clutter.
Wallpaper
Use removable wallpaper or wall decals to add eye-catching prints or patterns to plain walls. This creates visual interest in the space.
Picture Ledges
Hang wall-mounted picture ledges for displaying cherished photos or decorative objects. Intersperse with floating shelves.
Curtains
Add patterned curtains or cafe-style curtains on windows. Draw closed when doing laundry for privacy. Keep open to boost light.
Plants
Place potted plants on counters or wire shelving units to bring life to the room. Opt for low-maintenance varieties that tolerate low light.
Questions and Answers
Here are some common questions and answers about decluttering and organizing your laundry room:
How can I add more storage to my small laundry room?
- Install wall-mounted cabinets, shelving, or racks to take advantage of vertical space. Look for stackable washer/dryer units. Add freestanding shelving units or a narrow storage cart.
What’s the best way to organize laundry supplies?
- Use bins, caddies, or baskets to categorize supplies. Mount wire shelves for easy access. Designate a cabinet or drawer just for laundry items. Hang items from rails or hooks.
How do I keep dirty and clean clothes separate?
- Use rolling hampers or divided sorting hampers to transport clothes. Immediately put away folded clothes. Have designated sorting stations for pre-wash sorting. Don’t mix baskets.
What storage solutions keep laundry accessible but out of sight?
- Bins, baskets, or ottomans conceal but keep items handy. Retractable drying racks tuck away neatly. Storage carts roll out of sight. Wall-mounted options fold up when not in use.
Where should I set up an ironing station in a laundry room?
- Create an ironing station along a countertop, wide shelf, or a wall-mounted drop-down table. Have a heat-resistant mat and accessible electrical outlets. Store iron safely when cooling.
Conclusion
An organized laundry room makes doing laundry feel like a breeze instead of a chore. Declutter this busy space and make laundry tasks more seamless by incorporating storage solutions, handy gadgets, specialized work stations, and other smart organizational systems. Tailor these tips to best suit the size and layout of your unique laundry room. With a little effort, you can transform your laundry room into a highly functional area you enjoy using.