Americans spend a whopping 4.5 hours each week1 on average doing laundry! It’s no wonder the laundry room accounts for a large chunk of our energy bills.
And for many of us, this essential space is cramped, cluttered, and poorly organized. It doesn’t always have to be this way though. With a few smart hacks and savvy storage solutions, you can transform even the tiniest laundry room into a functional and efficient powerhouse.
1. Declutter Ruthlessly
The first step to reclaiming your laundry room is to purge everything you don’t absolutely need. Toss old detergents, stain removers, and cleaning supplies that are past their prime. Donate or recycle ratty towels and linens.
Keep only the essentials and you’ll be surprised how much space you can free up instantly. If challenges are your thing, try the 12-12-12 decluttering challenge.
2. Go Vertical with Shelving
When floor space is limited, think vertically. Install wall-mounted shelves or cabinets above your washer and dryer to store detergents, fabric softeners, and other supplies. Use attractive baskets or bins to keep items tidy and easily accessible.
3. Maximize Awkward Nooks
Don’t let any space go to waste. Utilize awkward corners and nooks by installing custom shelving or a slim rolling cart that fits snugly between your machines. These spots are perfect for storing items like laundry baskets, ironing boards, and drying racks.
4. Invest in a Folding Station
If you have front-loading machines, consider installing a countertop over them to create a convenient folding station. Not only will this give you a dedicated space to sort and fold laundry, but it also provides additional storage underneath for bulky items like detergent bottles and bleach.
5. Hang an Ironing Board
Ironing boards can be cumbersome to store. Reclaim valuable floor space by mounting yours on the back of the door or installing a wall-mounted folding version. Some clever designs even incorporate storage for your iron and spray bottles.
6. Utilize Door Space
The back of the laundry room door is prime real estate for storage. Hang an over-the-door organizer with clear pockets to store smaller items like stain removers, clothespins, and dryer sheets. You can also mount hooks for hanging brooms, mops, and dusters.
7. Incorporate Sorting Bins
Streamline your laundry process by incorporating built-in sorting bins. Install pull-out drawers or baskets labeled for whites, darks, and delicates. This not only keeps your laundry organized, but also frees up floor space from bulky hampers.
8. Opt for Compact Appliances
If you’re really tight on space, consider downsizing to compact, stackable washer and dryer units. Many new models offer comparable capacity and features to full-size versions, but with a much smaller footprint. Some units even have built-in folding tables or steam functions for reducing wrinkles.
9. Add a Pegboard Wall
A pegboard is a versatile and inexpensive way to organize all your laundry essentials. Hang one on an empty wall and use hooks to store everything from scrub brushes and lint rollers to mesh bags and drying racks. You can easily rearrange the hooks as your needs change.
10. Decant Supplies
Clear glass jars or sleek dispensers are a great alternative to storing bulky detergent bottles and boxes that quickly consume valuable storage space.
Decanting your supplies not only enhances the visual appeal but also enables you to purchase in larger quantities and refill as necessary, ultimately reducing costs and minimizing packaging waste.
11. Hang a Drying Rack
Air drying delicates helps extend their lifespan and reduce energy costs. Install a retractable clothesline or wall-mounted drying rack that can fold flat when not in use. For even more space-saving, consider a ceiling-mounted rack that can be raised and lowered as needed.
12. Use the Ceiling
Speaking of ceilings, don’t forget to utilize this often-overlooked space. Install a sturdy ceiling rack or pulley system to hang drying racks, ironing boards, or even laundry baskets. Just make sure to securely anchor everything to the ceiling joists for safety.
13. Embrace Multifunctional Furniture
In a small laundry room, every piece of furniture should serve multiple purposes. Opt for a rolling laundry cart with a folding table top, or a storage bench that doubles as a spot to sort and fold clothes. Look for pieces that offer hidden storage compartments or can be easily tucked away when not in use.
14. Install Sliding Doors
To maximize every inch of usable space in a laundry room located in a closet or tight alcove, replace traditional swinging doors with space-saving sliding or pocket doors. By doing so, you’ll find it easier to maneuver laundry baskets in and out, making the most of your compact laundry area.
15. Keep It Light & Bright
Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting and a fresh coat of paint to make your laundry room feel more spacious and inviting. Opt for bright, energy-efficient lighting and choose a light, neutral paint color to visually expand the space. Add a few decorative touches like artwork or plants to give the room a finished, polished look.
Source:
1. https://www.2ulaundry.com/how-much-time-do-people-spend-on-laundry/
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.