15 Amazing Small Laundry Room Organization
A dedicated laundry room is a luxury. For most of us, laundry day happens in a closet, a hallway, or a corner of the garage. But limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function (or style).
Organization is the key. With the right layout, a tiny nook can work harder than a massive utility room. Whether you need to stack it, hide it, or roll it, here are 15 distinct ways to organize a small laundry space.
1. The Vertical Laundry Room
When you can’t go out, go up. This look relies on stacking your washer and dryer to free up floor space. But don’t stop there. Utilize the space above the stack for floor-to-ceiling shelving. It draws the eye up and maximizes every inch of vertical real estate.
2. The Laundry Closet Makeover
The “Laundry Closet” is classic apartment living. The trick here is utilizing the inside of the doors (see Style #11) and adding lighting. A dark closet makes laundry feel like a chore; a well-lit one with pretty wallpaper makes it a design moment.
No outlet in your closet? Use these rentals-friendly hacks:
- Motion Sensor Strips: Stick them under the shelf.
- Rechargeable Pucks: Magnetic lights for the ceiling.
3. The Mudroom Laundry Combo
Double duty. By combining the laundry with the mudroom, you create a “Drop Zone.” Use the bench for putting on shoes and for sorting laundry baskets. It keeps the mess contained at the entry point of the house.
4. The Bathroom Laundry Combo
In Europe, this is standard. In the US, it’s gaining traction. Tucking a washing machine under a bathroom vanity counter creates a seamless look. Just ensure you have good ventilation to handle the humidity from both the shower and the dryer.
5. The Kitchen Laundry Station
If you have a small home, the kitchen is often the plumbing hub. Hiding a washing machine behind a cabinet door that matches your kitchen joinery allows the appliance to disappear completely when not in use.
6. The Hallway Laundry Nook
Hallways are often wasted space. A shallow closet along a corridor can easily house a stacked unit. Use sliding barn doors or pocket doors so you don’t block the walkway when the laundry is open.
7. The Garage Laundry Corner
It might be a utility space, but it doesn’t have to be ugly. The “Garage Corner” look embraces industrial style. Use heavy-duty metal shelving and clear bins. It’s durable, easy to clean, and handles the temperature fluctuations of a garage.
8. The Rolling Laundry Cart
If you have zero storage, put it on wheels. A slim rolling cart can slide into the tiny gap between your machine and the wall. Pull it out when you need detergent; hide it when you don’t.
Maximize that 6-inch gap with these finds:
9. The Wall-Mounted Folding Station
The biggest complaint in small laundry rooms? “Nowhere to fold.” A wall-mounted drop-leaf table solves this. It folds flush against the wall when you’re washing, and pops up to create a counter when you’re folding.
10. The Pedestal Drawer Hack
Raise your machines. Not only does this save your back from bending over, but it also creates prime storage space underneath. You can buy manufacturer pedestals or build a custom wooden platform with deep drawers for bulky items.
11. The Over-The-Door Organizer
The back of the door is the most underutilized space in a small home. Use a wire rack system to hold your iron, ironing board, and spray bottles. It keeps the “awkward” shaped items off your precious shelf space.
12. The Pegboard Laundry Wall
Borrowed from the garage workshop, the pegboard is a laundry superhero. It’s fully adjustable. Add hooks for mesh bags, small baskets for dryer sheets, and shelves for stain removers. Plus, it looks cute and organized.
Paint your pegboard! A white pegboard on a white wall blends in, while a sage green or navy one becomes a feature wall.
13. The Floating Shelf Look
If bulky cabinets make your small room feel claustrophobic, switch to floating shelves. They keep the sightlines open, making the room feel wider. Just be sure to decant your supplies into pretty jars—everything is on display here!
14. The Curtain Concealment
Renovating cabinetry is expensive. A tension rod and a linen curtain are cheap. This soft, textured look is perfect for renters or anyone on a budget. It hides the ugly appliances and softens the acoustics of the room.
15. The Pull-Out Drying Rack
Air drying takes up so much space. Install a pull-out drying rack drawer (or a wall-mounted accordion rack). It expands when you need to dry delicates and collapses completely flat when you’re done.
How to Implement It Immediately
- 01. The Reset: Empty the room completely and only put back items you use weekly or monthly.
- 02. Vertical Space: Install one wall-mounted shelf above the washer and dryer for detergents and baskets.
- 03. The Gap Filler: Add slim rolling storage between machines or beside them for supplies.
- 04. Wall Utility: Hang hooks or a peg rail on the wall for bags, drying racks, and tools.
- 05. Containment: Use matching stackable bins and label them so everything has a fixed spot.
1. How do I organize a laundry room with no storage?
Use the “Gap” and the “Door.” A slim rolling cart fits between machines, and an over-the-door rack handles the tools. Also, magnets are your friend—use magnetic baskets stuck directly to the side of the washer.
2. Can I stack any washer and dryer?
No. You must have “Stackable” models (front loaders with control panels on the front, not the top). You also need a specific “Stacking Kit” to secure them safely.
3. How deep should laundry shelves be?
Ideally, shelves should be 12 to 14 inches deep. This fits standard detergent bottles and baskets without them getting lost in the back. Install the first shelf at least 18 inches above the machines to allow for lid clearance or folding space.
4. Where do I put the ironing board in a small laundry room?
Get it off the floor. Use wall hooks or an over-the-door hanger. Alternatively, buy a compact tabletop board or a magnetic ironing mat that sits on top of the dryer.