How to Organize Your Laundry Room for Maximum Efficiency (20 Ideas)

To make the most out of every nook and cranny, we’ll dive into how to organize a laundry room, one of the oft-overlooked spaces in a house.

A well-organized laundry room can transform a routine chore into an efficient task.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

1. A Stitch in Time: Planning Your Laundry Room Organization

When it comes to how to organize a laundry room, the first tip is to think ahead. If you’re in the design stage of your laundry room, don’t overlook the benefits of early planning.

Consider your habits and preferences, decide what you want within reach, and think about the overall flow of the room.

This allows you to create a space that not only meets your needs but makes the process of doing laundry a lot more convenient.

2. The Sky’s the Limit: Storing Rarely Used Items Up High

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Everyone has those laundry items that aren’t needed on a regular basis. For these, think vertical. Use the upper cabinets or high shelves for items like ironing supplies, seasonal fabrics, or special detergents. This keeps them out of the way but still accessible when needed.

3. Basket Case: Using Baskets to Organize Your Laundry Room

Baskets are versatile, easy to use, and they add a touch of style to your room. They can store laundry supplies, hold dirty clothes, or even separate clothing types to streamline your washing process. This way, everyone knows where things are and where to put them back.

4. Vertical Integration: Stacking Appliances to Save Floor Space

If you’re wondering how to organize a laundry room with limited floor space, stacking appliances is a game-changer. A stacked washer and dryer setup can free up significant space for other laundry necessities, while also giving the room a sleek and clean look.

5. Out of Sight: Keeping Laundry Supplies in Drawers

If you prefer a minimalist and neat space, then storing supplies in drawers is an excellent option. This also keeps children and pets away from potentially harmful substances. A well-organized drawer system can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your laundry room.

6. Floating Wonders: The Benefits of Floating Shelves

Floating shelves can be both decorative and practical. They are an effective way to display and organize items that are used frequently, such as detergents, stain removers, and fabric softeners. Moreover, they give you the flexibility to adjust heights according to your needs.

7. Within Reach: Keeping Often-Used Items on Open Shelves

Open shelves are great for items you use frequently. These can be fabric softeners, detergents, or dryer sheets. Keeping them on open shelves makes it easy to see what you have and what you might need to stock up on. It also makes the process of doing laundry faster and more efficient.

8. A Breath of Fresh Air: Making Space for Airing Clothes

When planning how to organize your laundry room, don’t forget about the need for airing clothes. Some garments need to be air-dried to maintain their quality.

Install a collapsible drying rack or use an unused corner to hang a clothesline. This can also serve as a space for hanging clothes fresh out of the dryer to prevent wrinkles.

9. Room to Breathe: Creating Space for Airing Bed Linens and Towels

Just like clothes, bed linens and towels can benefit from airing out. Designate a space for this purpose, which can be a collapsible rack or an extra rod. This can also be a great way to freshen up linens and towels between washes.

10. The Name Game: Labeling Laundry Baskets

Lastly, label your laundry baskets. This may seem minor, but it can significantly increase efficiency. It’s especially useful in households with multiple people.

You can have separate baskets for whites, darks, delicates, and more. Labels help keep everything in order, simplify the sorting process, and ensure that nothing gets washed in the wrong load.

A Clean Sweep: The Power of Organization

There’s something satisfying about an organized, efficient space. It not only makes the task of doing laundry less daunting but also adds a sense of calm and order to your daily routine. Remember, the key to knowing how to organize your laundry room lies in understanding your needs and working to create a space that caters to them.

Every laundry room is different, as are the people who use them. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, these tips offer a robust starting point. You can pick and choose what works best for you and your space. Whether you implement one or all of these tips, the aim is to create a space that works for you.

A laundry room that’s well-organized doesn’t just look good – it can also save you time and effort, which, let’s be honest, we could all use a bit more of. After all, the less time we spend doing laundry, the more time we have to enjoy the finer things in life. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get organizing!

20 Laundry Room Organization Ideas to Declutter Your Space

So, you’re ready to maximize the potential of your laundry room? Great! Here are 20 ways to transform your laundry room from cluttered chaos to organized oasis.

1. Pocket Doors: The Magic Trick to Hide Your Washer and Dryer

Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway Design Studio + Shop

Pocket doors, with their space-saving charm, can hide your washer and dryer, keeping them out of sight when not in use. They serve to keep your space tidy, add a dash of style, and even quieten the noise from your appliances.

2. Optimizing Your Storage: Every Inch Counts

Spacecrafting for Bria Hammel Interiors

Optimize your storage by using every square inch wisely. Use stackable shelves, vertical storage solutions, or even the backs of doors to create extra storage. Every bit of unused space is an opportunity.

3. Decant Your Laundry Products: For a Cohesive Look

Martin Vecchio for Neat Method

Decanting your laundry products into matching containers can enhance the aesthetic of your room. Not only does it make everything look neat and uniform, but it also ensures you can see when you’re running low on supplies.

4. Carving Out a Niche for Soaps and Sprays

Jess Isaacs for Jenn Feldman Designs

Designate a specific area for soaps and sprays. A shelf or a rack near the washer makes it easy to reach these items when needed. Plus, it frees up your countertops.

5. A Small Desk Space: Making Room for Laundry Prep

Maggie Griffin Design

A small desk in the laundry room can serve as a space for folding clothes, placing your laundry basket, or even tackling light paperwork while waiting for a load to finish.

6. The Farmhouse Sink: A Trendy and Functional Addition

Vanessa Francis Interior Design

A farmhouse sink isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s also functional. You can use it for pre-soaking stains or handwashing delicates. It’s a stylish addition that can elevate the look of your laundry room.

7. Hard-Working Faucet: Your Laundry’s Best Friend

Jess Isaacs for Jenn Feldman Designs

An extendable, swivel faucet can make tasks like handwashing and spot treating a breeze. Choose a faucet that can withstand the demands of your laundry room.

8. Installing a Countertop Over Your Washer and Dryer: Extra Workspace

Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway Design Studio + Shop

Installing a countertop over your washer and dryer can create additional workspace for folding clothes or sorting laundry. It’s a practical solution for a more efficient laundry process.

9. Understanding Your Storage Needs: Tailoring Your Space

Molly Culver for Meredith Owen Interiors

Different households have different storage needs. Evaluate your family’s laundry habits, the supplies you use, and how often you do laundry to design a storage system that best suits your needs.

10. Hang a Rack: More Than Just Airing Clothes

Justin Jordan for Bethany Adams Interiors

Hanging a rack in your laundry room can serve multiple purposes. It’s perfect for air-drying clothes, hanging freshly ironed garments, or even storing hangers.

11. Matching Baskets: Unifying Your Space

Julie Baker Interiors

A set of matching baskets can help in organizing and decluttering. They can sort your laundry, hold supplies, or even store clean towels, creating a unified and orderly appearance.

12. Every Little Corner: Maximizing Space

Jenifer McNeil Baker for Maestri Studio

Maximize your laundry room’s capacity by taking advantage of every corner. Corner shelves or racks can hold supplies, while a corner hamper can keep dirty clothes contained and out of the way.

13. Open Shelving: Displaying Family Favorites

Madeline Harper Photography for Leah Ashley

Open shelving can offer easy access to your most-used items and provide a space to display sentimental items, such as family photos, making your laundry room feel cozier.

14. Clear Counter Space: The Key to Efficiency

Spacecrafting for Bria Hammel Interiors

Keep your counter space clear. This allows you to have ample room for folding, sorting, and stain treating. Plus, it keeps your room looking neat and tidy.

15. Kitchen Pot Holder: An Unconventional Laundry Room Ally

Tara Carter Photography for Morse Design

Who said pot holders belong solely in the kitchen? Use a pot holder to hang delicates that need air-drying or to keep often-used tools handy. It’s a creative and efficient use of vertical space.

16. The Power of a Bench: Seating and Storage in One

Codi Lynn for Neat Method

A bench can serve as a place to rest while sorting and folding laundry. Choose a bench with built-in storage for an extra place to stash items like laundry bags, softener sheets, or even a good book to read during wash cycles.

17. Hamper Away: Adding a Hamper or Two

Room & Board

A well-placed hamper can make all the difference in maintaining an organized laundry room. Whether it’s a basket for dirty laundry, a space for clean clothes ready to be folded, or a place for delicates needing special care, hampers are your friend.

18. Going Tall with Cabinetry: The Sky is the Storage Limit

Amy Bartlam for Jenn Feldman Designs

Tall cabinets can store a multitude of items and utilize vertical space, which is often underused. From bulkier items like spare towels and blankets to less-frequently used supplies, tall cabinets can hold it all.

19. Everything in Its Place: The Golden Rule of Organization

Bethany Nauert for Peltier Interiors

Assign everything in your laundry room a place. This makes tidying up a breeze and reduces the chances of items getting lost. Labels can also help in maintaining this order.

20. Lay Down a Rug: Add Comfort and Style

Lauren Pressey for MBC Interior Design

A rug can add a splash of color, protect your floor, and provide comfort underfoot. Opt for a durable, easy-to-clean rug, as laundry rooms are prone to spills and splashes.

With these 20 ideas, you’re well on your way to creating an organized, efficient, and stylish laundry room that’s tailored to your specific needs. Remember, organization isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process. Your needs may change, and your organization strategies can evolve with them. Happy organizing!