Small Laundry Room Organization Ideas: What Works and What to Avoid
Small Laundry Room Organization Ideas: What Works and What to Avoid
You have a small laundry room and want to organize it. Maybe your laundry room is a closet, a corner, or a narrow space with just enough room for the washer and dryer. Small laundry rooms can be organized and functional with the right ideas. Here’s what works and what to avoid for small laundry room organization.
Small laundry room organization is the process of arranging shelving, storage, and layout in a compact laundry space to maximize functionality. The key to organizing a small laundry room is using vertical space, choosing wall-mounted storage, keeping the floor clear, and organizing products by frequency of use.
To organize a small laundry room, use wall-mounted shelves, over-the-washer storage, over-door organizers, stackable bins, a folding station, and labeled containers. Don’t use freestanding shelves, don’t clutter the floor, don’t block ventilation, and don’t use deep shelves.
What Works
Use Vertical Space
Use vertical space by installing wall-mounted shelves above the washer and dryer. This maximizes storage without taking up floor space.
Over-the-Washer Storage
Install over-the-washer shelves or cabinets that span the width of both appliances. This provides 2 to 3 shelves of storage without using floor space.
Over-Door Organizers
Hang an over-door organizer on the back of the laundry room door for small items like stain removers, dryer sheets, and measuring cups.
Stackable Bins
Use stackable clear bins on shelves to group similar items and maximize vertical space. Clear bins let you see what’s inside without opening them.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Install a wall-mounted drying rack that folds flat when not in use. This provides a drying space without taking up floor space.
Folding Station
Create a folding station by installing a fold-down shelf or using the top of the dryer. Keep it clear for folding clothes.
Labeled Containers
Label all containers and bins for easy identification. This saves time and keeps the space organized.
Magnetic Strips
Install magnetic strips on the wall for small metal items like scissors, measuring cups, and hooks.
Tension Rods
Use tension rods between walls to hang clothes on hangers or to hold small bins.
Slim Carts
Use a slim rolling cart that fits between the washer and dryer or in a narrow gap. This provides extra storage that can be moved.
What to Avoid
Freestanding Shelves
Don’t use freestanding shelves in a small laundry room. They take up valuable floor space. Use wall-mounted shelves instead.
Cluttering the Floor
Don’t clutter the floor with baskets, bins, or supplies. Keep the floor clear for easy access to the machines.
Deep Shelves
Don’t use shelves deeper than 12 inches. Deep shelves take up too much space and make the room feel cramped.
Blocking Ventilation
Don’t install shelves or storage that blocks ventilation around the machines. Leave at least 2 inches of clearance.
Blocking Access
Don’t install storage that blocks access to the washer controls, dryer lint filter, or detergent dispenser.
Overloading Shelves
Don’t overload shelves with heavy items. Follow the weight limit for your shelves.
Using the Room for Non-Laundry Storage
Don’t use the laundry room for non-laundry storage. Keep only laundry supplies in the room.
Small Laundry Room Organization Ideas
Idea 1: Wall-Mounted Shelving System
Install wall-mounted shelves above the washer and dryer. Use 10 to 12 inch deep shelves. Organize products by frequency of use. Label each shelf.
Idea 2: Over-Door Organizer
Hang an over-door organizer on the back of the laundry room door. Use it for stain removers, dryer sheets, measuring cups, and small items.
Idea 3: Slim Rolling Cart
Use a slim rolling cart between the washer and dryer or in a narrow gap. Store detergent, stain removers, and small items. Roll it out when needed.
Idea 4: Fold-Down Drying Rack
Install a wall-mounted fold-down drying rack. Use it for air-drying delicates. Fold it flat when not in use.
Idea 5: Stackable Clear Bins
Use stackable clear bins on shelves to group similar items. Label each bin. This maximizes vertical space and keeps items organized.
Idea 6: Tension Rod for Hangers
Install a tension rod between two walls for hanging clothes on hangers. Use it for shirts that need to air dry.
Idea 7: Magnetic Strip for Small Items
Install a magnetic strip on the wall for small metal items like scissors, measuring cups, and hooks.
Idea 8: Pegboard Wall
Install a pegboard on an empty wall. Use pegboard hooks and bins for small items and supplies.
What to Store in a Small Laundry Room
| Product | Storage Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Detergent | Eye level shelf | Keep sealed |
| Stain removers | Eye level shelf | Keep upright |
| Baking soda | Any shelf | Store in sealed container |
| White vinegar | Lower shelf | Heavy, store low |
| Machine cleaner | Higher shelf | Used monthly |
| Dryer sheets | Over-door organizer | Lightweight |
| Measuring cups | Over-door or magnetic strip | Small items |
| Spare rags | Stackable bin | Fold neatly |
Recommended Products
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Baking soda: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
FAQ
How do you organize a small laundry room? Use wall-mounted shelves, over-the-washer storage, over-door organizers, stackable bins, a fold-down drying rack, labeled containers, and slim rolling carts. Keep the floor clear and use vertical space.
What is the best storage for a small laundry room? Wall-mounted shelves are the best storage for a small laundry room. They use vertical space without taking up floor space. Use 10 to 12 inch deep shelves.
How do you maximize space in a small laundry room? Use vertical space with wall-mounted shelves, over-the-washer storage, and over-door organizers. Use stackable bins, fold-down drying racks, and slim rolling carts. Keep the floor clear.
What should you avoid in a small laundry room? Avoid freestanding shelves, cluttering the floor, deep shelves, blocking ventilation, blocking access to machine controls, overloading shelves, and using the room for non-laundry storage.
How do you create a folding station in a small laundry room? Install a fold-down shelf on the wall or use the top of the dryer. Keep it clear for folding clothes. Install it at a comfortable height.
References
- The Spruce. “Small Laundry Room Organization Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Ideas.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Small Laundry Room Ideas.” bhg.com.
- HGTV. “Laundry Room Organization Guide.” hgtv.com.
