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The laundry room is one of the most used yet often neglected spaces in the home. Whether it’s a tiny nook or a dedicated room, it can quickly become cluttered with detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning supplies, and piles of clothes waiting to be folded. By organizing your laundry room properly, you can create a more efficient, functional, and pleasant space to get through those laundry days with ease. Here’s how to organize your laundry room for a tidy and efficient setup.
1. Declutter and Purge
Before you start organizing, it’s essential to get rid of anything that doesn’t belong or that you no longer need. Check for expired detergents, old cleaning supplies, and items that you haven’t used in months. Throw away anything damaged or outdated. Once the room is cleared of unnecessary items, you’ll have a blank slate to work with.
2. Maximize Vertical Space
In most laundry rooms, space is limited. That’s why utilizing vertical space is crucial. Install shelves or cabinets above your washer and dryer to store detergent, fabric softeners, and other cleaning products. Wall-mounted hooks can hold items like brooms, mops, or even laundry bags. You can also use tall storage units or shelving to take advantage of unused height and create more storage for towels, linens, or extra cleaning tools.
3. Use Baskets and Bins for Sorting
Laundry often involves sorting clothes by color, fabric type, or family member. Instead of letting these piles accumulate on the floor, invest in a few sturdy baskets or bins. Place them in an organized row or set them up in a way that makes it easy to sort clothes before washing. Consider labeling the bins for quick identification—one for lights, one for darks, one for delicates, and so on.
4. Install a Folding Station
If your laundry room has the space, a dedicated folding station is a game-changer. A countertop or table at the perfect height for folding clothes can make the process quicker and more efficient. If counter space is limited, consider a pull-out or folding table that you can stow away when not in use. Alternatively, a large, sturdy surface like a countertop or an ironing board can work as a folding station in a pinch.
5. Create a Cleaning Supply Zone
Store all of your cleaning products in one designated area so that everything is easy to find. You can use wall-mounted organizers, a small cabinet, or a set of drawers to keep detergents, stain removers, and fabric softeners in order. If your laundry room is also where you store other cleaning tools, create a separate space for cleaning supplies such as all-purpose cleaners, gloves, and sponges. Keep these items together to streamline the process when cleaning both your laundry room and the rest of your home.
6. Add Hooks for Hanging Clothes
Having a place to hang clothes before they are put into the washer or after they are dried is a must. Install a rod or hooks along one wall of your laundry room to hang items like delicates, sweaters, or freshly ironed clothes. A sturdy, adjustable rack can work wonders for air-drying garments or hanging items that you don’t want to toss in the dryer. Even a small row of hooks can help keep things off the floor and organized.
7. Invest in Drawer Storage for Small Items
Small laundry items like dryer sheets, lint rollers, and fabric softener sheets can easily get lost or mixed up with other things. Invest in a drawer system to keep these smaller items neatly contained. You can find small, stackable drawer organizers or a single drawer for this purpose. Label the drawers so that you know exactly where to find what you need.
8. Utilize the Back of the Door
The back of the laundry room door is often underutilized but offers a great opportunity for storage. Install an over-the-door organizer or hooks to store things like cleaning products, laundry bags, or small accessories. This will help you free up space inside the room while keeping items within easy reach.
9. Keep a Hamper or Laundry Basket Nearby
Instead of walking laundry across the house, keep a hamper or laundry basket right outside or inside the laundry room. This makes it easier to transfer clothes directly from the bedroom or bathroom to the washing machine without cluttering up the hallways. You can choose a stylish laundry basket that matches the aesthetic of your laundry room to make it look tidy.
10. Create a Pet Laundry Station
If you have pets, the laundry room can be the perfect place to set up a pet care station. Consider dedicating a small section of the room to store pet shampoos, grooming tools, and towels for drying them off. If your pet tends to track in dirt or mud, you can create a designated area for them to be cleaned before entering the house.
11. Label Everything
Labels are your friend when it comes to staying organized. Use clear labels for bins, baskets, drawers, and even shelves so that everyone in your household knows where to put things. You can use a simple labeling system with chalkboard labels, adhesive tags, or even a label maker for a more uniform look. This ensures that everything has its place and stays in its place, even after the next laundry day.
12. Consider Pull-Out or Sliding Storage
If you don’t have much floor space, consider installing pull-out shelves, sliding drawers, or pull-out baskets to store items like detergent, dryer sheets, or cleaning supplies. This is an excellent way to keep items hidden but easily accessible without taking up too much space. Sliding storage solutions can be installed underneath counters, inside cabinets, or in narrow gaps between appliances.
13. Maintain a Routine
Once you’ve organized your laundry room, keeping it tidy is all about maintaining your system. Set aside time each week to clean and tidy up the space. Wipe down shelves, vacuum the floor, and re-sort any laundry bins that may have gotten mixed up. Having a routine will prevent clutter from building up and ensure that your laundry room remains efficient.
Final Thoughts
An organized laundry room isn’t just about keeping things neat—it’s about making your chores easier and more efficient. By decluttering, utilizing vertical space, and investing in practical storage solutions, you can transform your laundry area into a space that works for you. Whether you have a large laundry room or a small nook, these tips will help you create a tidy, functional space where you can easily tackle your laundry tasks. With a little planning and some smart organization, laundry day will feel like a breeze!