The Tiny house Blog

How to Organize Your Laundry Room (Laundry Day Made Easy)

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
June 28, 2024
how to organize laundry room

Image Source: Canva

Let's face it, nobody leaps out of bed with joy at the thought of laundry day. But what if your laundry room could be transformed into a place of order, where socks never mysteriously vanish and you're not ambushed by an avalanche of linens the moment you open the door? Imagine a world where you're not playing hide and seek with the detergent.

Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Well, get ready, because we're about to turn that fantasy into reality. Stick around and we'll reveal how you can conquer the chaos and create your own laundry haven.

Assessing Your Laundry Room

Before diving headfirst into the chaos of organizing, let's take a step back and give your laundry room a good, old-fashioned 'once over'. Roll up your sleeves, put on your detective glasses, and prepare to do some sleuthing!

Start by looking around. Is your laundry room a Bermuda Triangle where socks disappear, never to be seen again? Or perhaps it's more like a jungle, filled with precarious towers of towels and clothing? Whatever the scene, it's important to assess what you're dealing with.

Next, take stock of the space you have. Is it a spacious room or a cozy nook tucked away in a corner? Remember, size doesn't always matter. It's about making use of what you've got.

Now, evaluate your appliances. Are they functioning well or are they reminiscent of a 1980's horror movie, growling and shaking with every spin cycle? If it's the latter, you might want to contemplate an upgrade.

Finally, think about your habits. Are you a 'wash-as-you-go' type or a 'mountain-of-laundry' weekend warrior? Understanding your habits will help tailor your organization strategy.

Now that we've assessed the situation, we can move on to the next step: storage. But we'll save that for the next subtopic!

Essential Laundry Room Storage

With the lay of the land now firmly in your grasp, let's tackle the first order of business on our laundry room makeover journey - creating some nifty storage solutions that'll keep your socks in pairs and your sanity intact.

Here's the deal: you need space, so let's make it. Start by investing in some wall-mounted shelves. They're a godsend, freeing up floor space and providing a spot to store detergents, fabric softeners, and that bleach you swear you'll use one day. Just be careful not to turn the top shelf into a Bermuda Triangle for single socks.

The next item on our list? Laundry baskets. Get a couple; one for dirty laundry and another for clean. And if you're feeling adventurous, get a third for those 'maybe I can wear it one more time' items.

Consider a pegboard too. It's not just for tools in the garage. This versatile piece can hold small baskets, hangers and even your ironing board.

Lastly, don't forget about over-the-door organizers. They're the unsung heroes of the laundry room, perfect for stashing lint rollers, stain removers, and other knick-knacks.

Sorting System Tips

Now, let's grapple with a rarely celebrated but essential part of laundry life: sorting - because, let's face it, the 'throw everything in together and hope for the best' method can only get you so far. And by 'far', we mean 'pink socks and faded jeans'.

So, unless you're aiming for a wardrobe that doubles as a tie-dye experiment, it's time to level up your sorting game. Start by investing in multiple laundry hampers. Label them 'Lights', 'Darks', 'Delicates', and 'Unidentifiable'. Okay, maybe skip that last one, but you get the idea.

Make it a rule that dirty clothes go directly into the right hamper. This way, you're sorting as you go - a time-saver on laundry day.

Next, have a small basket for items that need special treatment, like that silk blouse you splurged on or those jeans with mystery stains. This prevents them from becoming casualties in the wash.

Lastly, remember to check pockets before tossing clothes in the wash. Nothing ruins a sorting system faster than a rogue red lipstick or a forgotten pen.

With these tips, you'll not only have a tidy laundry room but also avoid any unexpected fashion statements.

Image Source: Canva

Laundry Room Cleaning Hacks

Alright, let's explore some laundry room cleaning hacks that'll turn this often overlooked space into a squeaky-clean, highly efficient, and - dare we say - enjoyable place to spend your time.

First off, keep in mind that lint is your enemy - it's like the villain in a cheap horror movie, lurking in every corner. Keep a small trash bin nearby to collect it and prevent it from spreading.

While you're at it, why not create a DIY lint collector by sticking a piece of duct tape to the wall? It's a fun, quirky solution that'll give you a chuckle every time you use it.

Next, tackle those pesky detergent spills with a toothbrush and a bit of vinegar. It's not just for salads anymore, folks! Vinegar's natural acidity cuts through soap scum like a hot knife through butter.

To keep your washer smelling fresh, run a hot cycle with two cups of vinegar (again, this stuff's amazing) and a drop of your favorite essential oil. It's like a spa day for your laundry machine!

Finally, don't overlook your dryer. A quick swipe with a damp cloth inside the drum every week will prevent build-up and keep it running smoothly. Trust us, your clothes will thank you.

Adopt these hacks and your laundry room won't just be clean - it'll be practically gleaming.

Implementing a Laundry Schedule

Often, the key to conquering your laundry room chaos is as simple as implementing a sensible laundry schedule. You might be thinking, 'A schedule for laundry? Isn't that a bit over the top?' Trust me, it's not. It's like having a GPS for your dirty clothes — you'll always know where you're headed!

Start by figuring out your laundry needs. Are you the type who can't bear to see a single dirty sock on the floor? Or do you wait until you're down to your last pair of clean underwear? Be honest with yourself.

Next, allocate specific days for laundry. Maybe you're a 'Wash on Wednesdays' kind of person, or perhaps 'Sunday Suds' is more your speed. Find a rhythm that fits your lifestyle.

Remember, variety is the spice of life — and laundry. Mix it up! Do whites one day, colours the next. This way, you're not spending your entire Saturday sorting socks.

Lastly, stick to your schedule. Tempting as it may be to ignore that mounting pile of clothes, remember your GPS. You wouldn't ignore directions to your favourite café, would you?

Utilizing Wall and Ceiling Space

Look up, my friend - your laundry room's walls and ceiling are prime real estate for organization, begging to be put to good use! They're just sitting there, doing absolutely nothing, while you're wrestling with a mountain of clothes. Let's change that.

Ceiling space is perfect for installing a hanging drying rack. It's out of the way, and your clothes won't come out looking like they've been in a wrestling match with the dryer. Plus, you'll save money on electricity, and your delicates will thank you.

Now, onto the walls. Shelves are your new best friend, so don't be shy. Install a few, and suddenly you've got a home for your detergents, stain removers and that lonely sock looking for its partner. Hooks are also key. Hang your ironing board, brooms, and even a small bag for those pesky loose change you always find in pockets.

And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, why not install a fold-down ironing board on the wall? It's a space-saver, a time-saver, and let's face it, it's just plain cool.

Designating Areas for Different Tasks

Now, let's play a game of 'zone defense' with your laundry room, because, let's be honest, the key to keeping this place in tip-top shape is by designating specific areas for specific tasks.

Think of it as a game of laundry room basketball; each player has a specific role, and every role has its own spot on the court.

For starters, assign your washer and dryer the roles of 'point guard' and 'shooting guard'. They're your key players, and they need their own dedicated spaces. That's non-negotiable.

Then, the ironing board can be your 'power forward'. It needs a spot where it's ready to jump into action but isn't obstructing the flow of the game.

Your laundry supplies, they're your 'small forwards'. They need to be within reach, but not underfoot. Consider a shelf or a basket nearby the washer/dryer, accessible but out of the way.

The dirty laundry? That's your 'center'. It needs a big area, like a hamper or laundry basket, preferably with some sort of lid to keep those dirty laundry secrets safe.

In this game of laundry room organization, everyone wins. Especially your sanity.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! Take charge of that chaotic laundry room head on, corral those wild socks, and make laundry day a walk in the park.

With a bit of planning, some clever storage solutions, and a pinch of humor, you'll be a laundry room superstar.

Remember, organization is an ongoing process, not a one-time chore. So, keep tweaking, keep laughing, and keep those clothes clean.

Here's to making laundry day easy-peasy!

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