Laundry Closet Ideas: How to Make a Small Space Work
Laundry Closet Ideas: How to Make a Small Space Work
Your laundry closet is a tight space with a stacked washer and dryer crammed into a 4-foot wide nook. There’s no counter space, no storage, and barely room to open the door. You dread doing laundry because the space is cramped and disorganized. But even a small laundry closet can be functional with the right layout and storage solutions. You don’t need a big room. You need to use the space you have efficiently. Here’s how to make a small laundry closet work.
A laundry closet is a small enclosed space containing a washer and dryer, typically in a hallway, kitchen, or bathroom. Unlike a dedicated laundry room, a closet has limited space for storage and workspace. The challenge is maximizing the available space for sorting, washing, drying, and storing supplies.
To organize a laundry closet, use vertical space with shelves above the machines, install a fold-down table for folding, use over-door storage for supplies, choose stackable machines if space is tight, and add slide-out storage between or beside the machines. Keep the space functional and uncluttered.
Layout Options for Laundry Closets
Stacked Machines
Stack the dryer on top of the washer to save floor space. This is the best option for narrow closets.
Benefit: Saves the most floor space. Frees up space above and beside the machines for storage.
Drawback: Harder to load and unload the top machine. No counter over the machines.
Side-by-Side Machines
Place the washer and dryer side by side. This requires a wider closet (at least 5 feet).
Benefit: Easier to load and unload. Counter space above both machines for folding.
Drawback: Requires more width. Less storage space.
Compact Machines
Use compact (24-inch) machines instead of standard (27-inch) machines. This saves width in tight closets.
Benefit: Fits in narrower closets. Leaves more room for storage.
Drawback: Smaller capacity. More loads needed.
Storage Solutions for Laundry Closets
Over-Machine Shelves
Install shelves above the machines for detergent, stain removers, and other supplies. Keep frequently used items at arm’s reach.
Products: Use Tide Free and Gentle detergent, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam for stains, and Arm and Hammer Baking Soda for odors.
Over-Door Storage
Use the back of the closet door for hanging storage organizers. This is valuable space that’s usually wasted.
Slide-Out Storage
Use the gap between or beside the machines for slide-out storage. Narrow slide-out carts fit in 2 to 3 inch gaps and hold detergent and supplies.
Fold-Down Table
Mount a fold-down table on the wall above or beside the machines. Fold it down when you need to fold clothes, and fold it up when you’re done.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Mount a drying rack on the wall inside the closet. Fold it out when you need to air-dry delicates, and fold it flat when not in use.
Hanging Rod
Install a tension rod across the closet for hanging shirts and delicates to air dry.
Comparison: Storage Solutions
| Solution | Space Used | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-machine shelves | Vertical | Low | Detergent, supplies |
| Over-door storage | Door | Low | Small items, cleaning supplies |
| Slide-out cart | Gap between machines | Medium | Detergent, stain removers |
| Fold-down table | Wall | Low | Folding clothes |
| Wall drying rack | Wall | Low | Air-drying delicates |
| Hanging rod | Above machines | Low | Hanging shirts |
Tips for Small Laundry Closets
Use the door. The back of the door is valuable storage space. Hang a shoe organizer for small supplies.
Use vertical space. Install shelves all the way to the ceiling. Store rarely used items on the top shelf.
Keep it minimal. Don’t store non-laundry items in the laundry closet. Every inch counts.
Use the right detergent size. Buy concentrated detergent in a small bottle. Use 2 tablespoons per load.
Keep the machines clean. A dirty machine takes up space with residue. Clean monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.
Add lighting. Good lighting helps you see stains and sort colors. Install a bright LED light in the closet.
Ventilate. Laundry closets need ventilation to prevent mold. Install a louvered door or a vent fan.
FAQ
How do you organize a small laundry closet? Use vertical space with shelves above the machines, install a fold-down table for folding, use over-door storage for supplies, add slide-out storage between machines, and keep the space minimal. Don’t store non-laundry items in the closet.
What can you fit in a laundry closet? A stacked or side-by-side washer and dryer, shelves above for supplies, a fold-down table for folding, a wall-mounted drying rack, and over-door storage. Use every inch of vertical and door space.
How wide does a laundry closet need to be? A stacked layout needs about 2.5 feet of width. A side-by-side layout needs at least 5 feet. Compact machines (24-inch) can fit in narrower spaces. Include at least 3 feet of clearance in front for loading.
How do you add storage to a laundry closet? Install shelves above the machines, use over-door storage organizers, add a slide-out cart in the gap between machines, mount a fold-down table on the wall, and install a wall-mounted drying rack.
How do you ventilate a laundry closet? Install a louvered door (which allows airflow) or a vent fan. Leave the closet door open during and after washing to let moisture escape. Without ventilation, moisture from washing can cause mold.
References
- The Spruce. “Laundry Closet Ideas.” thespruce.com.
- HGTV. “Small Laundry Closet Design.” hgtv.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Laundry Closet Organization.” bhg.com.
- Houzz. “Laundry Closet Design Tips.” houzz.com.
