This post is all about Crazy Simple Ways to Organize a Small Laundry Room
When you live in a small apartment, every inch of space is precious, especially when it comes to functional areas like the laundry room. When your laundry area is small or shares space with other rooms, it can be hard to keep it neat and organized.
As someone whose laundry area is located in the bathroom, it always ended up collecting clutter. The towels mixed with dirty clothes, and laundry detergent sat next to toiletries. It felt like my bathroom was trying to be too many things at once, and I just couldn’t figure out how to make it feel like an actual functioning laundry room.
After testing various hacks, I discovered what really works for my small laundry space. The best part is, that these organization hacks can be applied to almost any laundry area.
How do you maximize space in a small laundry room?
First step in organizing is always to purge. Start by sorting through your stuff and getting rid of what you don’t need. Then make sure that everything has a proper place. Can some of the things go under the kitchen or bathroom sinks?
You might need to add shelves above the washer to keep things like detergent tidy and easy to reach.
Install Custom Wall-Mounted Shelves
Consider adding two shelves from one wall to the other to make the most of the space up high. First, measure the distance and decide how deep you want them to be (maybe 12 inches, or whatever works for you). Then, head to a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s to get some wood. They’ll cut it for you for free. Sand the edges, paint or seal them, attach brackets to the wall studs, and screw the shelves onto the brackets.
Now, you’ve got plenty of room to organize! Use storage bins for bigger stuff you don’t use often up top, and keep smaller, frequently used items lower down where they’re easy to reach. You can put your laundry basket on top of the machine, and find a new use for your old wire shelf somewhere else.
The cool thing about using wood shelves is you can add little hooks for whatever extras you need, like a towel by the sink, or even a cute plant. Get creative and have fun with it!
Make Use of All Your Vertical Space
When space is tight, think up! Stack your washer and dryer on top of each other to free up floor space. Install tall cabinets or shelves that reach the ceiling to maximize storage. This way, you can store things you don’t use often up high and keep everyday items within easy reach.
Choose Compact Appliances
Look for small washer and dryer models designed for tight spaces. You can stack them or get a combo unit that does both washing and drying. This saves space while still getting your laundry done.
Get Furniture that Does Double Duty
Think about furniture that can be used for more than one thing. For example, a hamper that also works as a folding table or a bench with storage compartments for laundry supplies.
Adjustable Shelving is Key
Invest in shelves that you can move around to fit your stuff. This way, you can adjust them to fit tall bottles or bulky items. It helps you make the most of every inch of space in your laundry room.
Use Behind-the-Door Storage
Hang an organizer or rack on the back of your door to store things like ironing boards or cleaning supplies. It’s a great way to use space that’s usually empty.
Keep It Clean and Tidy
Regularly tidy up your laundry room to keep it organized. Throw away empty bottles, wipe down surfaces, and sweep or vacuum the floor. This way, everything stays neat and easy to find.
More Ideas for Organizing a Small Laundry Room
Use Stackable or Combo Units
If you’re in the process of choosing appliances, consider a stackable washer and dryer. These are perfect for small spaces as they take up half the floor space of traditional units. Alternatively, a washer-dryer combo unit, which washes and dries in the same drum, can be a huge space-saver.
Opt for Retractable Features
A retractable ironing board that folds away into a drawer or wall-mounted unit can be a game-changer in a small laundry area. Similarly, a pull-out drying rack can be tucked away when not in use, keeping your space neat and clear of clutter.
Choose the Right Storage Containers
Using the right type of storage containers can make a big difference when organizing a small laundry room. Transparent bins or labeled baskets can help you quickly find what you need without having to rummage through everything. If you’re short on shelf space, slim rolling carts that can fit between or beside appliances are ideal for storing essentials.
Smart Sorting System
To avoid piles of clothes cluttering the floor, set up a streamlined sorting system. Use a hanging hamper with multiple compartments or a slim, tiered laundry sorter that can fit into narrow spaces. This way, you can pre-sort your laundry into colors, whites, and delicates as you go, which also speeds up your laundry routine.
I used to struggle with laundry, but here are some things that helped me:
- I switched to a smaller hamper, so it fills up quickly. This means I do smaller loads more often, like twice a week. It only takes me about 10 minutes to fold and put away the clothes.
- As soon as I get home, I change into my pajamas and either hang up or fold my work clothes right away. This helps me avoid feeling too tired to do it later.
- I keep a trash bag in my closet and if I haven’t worn something in about a year and don’t plan to wear it again, I put it in the bag. I add one or two items to the bag every month or so, and when it’s full, I donate it. This keeps my closet from overflowing and makes it easy to find what I need.
- When the clothes come out of the dryer, I put them in the hamper and place it on my bed. I don’t let myself go to bed until the clothes are put away.
- When trying on clothes, I try to put away anything I decide not to wear right away. If I’m in a rush, I leave it on my bed and put it away later, either when I change after work or before bed.
This routine might sound like a lot, but it’s become second nature to me now. I don’t even have to think about it anymore. And if I can do it, so can you!
Add Some Personal Touches
Finally, just because the space is small and utilitarian doesn’t mean it can’t be cute. Add a small plant, use attractive containers for your laundry supplies, or hang a piece of art. These small touches can make routine chores more enjoyable.
The thing about small laundry rooms is we have to make a commitment to keep only what you really need. They become dumping grounds otherwise. I know the struggle. My laundry area isn’t much big but I loved organizing it.
Organizing a small laundry area efficiently is all about making smart use of the space you have. With a little creativity and the right storage solutions, you can create a highly functional and uncluttered space.
Check out more easy and effective Bathroom Organization Ideas.
