Let’s be honest—laundry is never going to be anyone’s favorite task. But I’ve learned that having a functional, organized laundry space makes such a difference. Whether you have a full room, a closet, or just a corner, there are so many ways to make it work better for you.
I recently reorganized my laundry area, and it’s amazing how much more manageable laundry day feels when everything has its place. Here are some ideas that might help you create a space that’s actually pleasant to use.
Make the Most of Your Space
First, let’s talk about what you’re working with. Not everyone has a dedicated laundry room, and that’s totally okay.
Full laundry room: You have the luxury of space, so think about adding a folding station, storage shelves, and maybe even a utility sink if you don’t have one.
Laundry closet: Stackable washer and dryer are your friends here. Use the walls for vertical storage with shelves or hanging organizers.
Kitchen or bathroom combo: Keep supplies contained in baskets or bins that you can easily move when needed. A rolling cart can be helpful too.
Apartment shared laundry: Keep a caddy with all your supplies that you can easily carry to and from the laundry room.
Storage Solutions
Good storage is what really transforms a laundry space. Here’s what works well:
Upper cabinets or shelves: Perfect for storing detergent, stain removers, dryer sheets, and other supplies. Wall-mounted shelves are easy to install and make a huge difference.
Baskets and bins: Use them to sort laundry by color (lights, darks, delicates) or by person if you’re doing laundry for a family. Label them so everyone knows where their stuff goes.
Rolling cart: Great for small spaces. You can wheel it out when you need it and tuck it away when you don’t.
Over-the-door organizers: Perfect for cleaning supplies, dryer sheets, or small items.
Hanging rod: Install a rod above your washer and dryer for hanging clothes straight from the dryer. This prevents wrinkles and saves you ironing time.
Create a Folding Station
Having a dedicated surface for folding makes laundry so much easier. If you have the room, consider:
Countertop over the washer and dryer: This is probably the most popular option and uses space you already have.
Fold-down wall-mounted table: Perfect for tight spaces. Fold it down when you need it, fold it up when you don’t.
Simple table: A small table or even a sturdy cart can work if you have floor space.
Make sure your folding surface is at a comfortable height—you don’t want to be hunched over while folding loads of laundry.
Sort Smarter
Having a sorting system makes laundry day faster and prevents the dreaded “I don’t have anything to wear” crisis:
Sorter with multiple compartments: These typically have 2-3 sections for different loads. Some are on wheels, which is helpful.
Individual baskets: Use separate baskets or hampers for whites, colors, and delicates. Place them where you get undressed so sorting happens automatically.
Mesh laundry bags: Keep them in your hamper for delicates or small items like socks. Toss the whole bag in the wash.
Keep Supplies Organized
Decant your detergent into nice containers if the original packaging bothers you. Mason jars, glass dispensers, or even just matching plastic containers can make the space feel more put together.
Use a small tray or lazy Susan to group smaller items like stain sticks, fabric softener, and dryer balls. Everything stays together and you can easily access what you need.
Add Some Personality
Just because it’s a laundry room doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Small touches make the space more enjoyable:
Paint or wallpaper: A fresh coat of paint in a color you love, or a fun wallpaper on one wall, can completely change the feel.
Artwork or prints: Hang something that makes you smile. It can be as simple as a framed print with a cute laundry-related quote or just art you love.
Rug or mat: A washable rug adds comfort and can catch any drips or spills.
Plants: If you have natural light, add a small plant. It brings life to the space.
Nice lighting: Good lighting makes any task easier. If your current lighting is harsh, consider changing the bulb or adding a small lamp.
Smart Additions
A few strategic additions can make your laundry routine smoother:
Utility sink: If you have space and plumbing access, a small utility sink is perfect for hand-washing delicates or treating stains.
Drying rack: A wall-mounted fold-down drying rack or a standing rack gives you a place for air-dry items.
Lint bin: Mount a small container near your dryer to collect lint. It’s more convenient than walking to the trash every time.
Lost sock solution: Keep a small basket or bag for single socks. When you find the match, reunite them. If you never find the match, eventually let it go.
Stain station: Create a small area with your stain-fighting supplies all together—stain remover spray, brush, and maybe a small bowl for soaking.
For Small Spaces
If you’re working with limited space, every inch counts:
Use the space between your washer and dryer with a slim rolling cart. Mount a pegboard on the wall for hanging supplies. Use the inside of cabinet doors for hooks or small shelves. Stack vertically whenever possible. Choose multi-purpose items, like a laundry basket that can also be a hamper.
Make It Functional First
Before you worry about how it looks, make sure it works for your actual laundry routine. Think about your process: Where do you sort? Where do dirty clothes go? Where do you fold? Where do clean clothes wait before being put away?
Set up your space to support that flow. Once the function is right, you can add the pretty touches that make you happy.
Keep It Maintained
A laundry room works best when it stays organized. Take a few minutes each week to put things back where they belong, wipe down surfaces, and check that you’re not running low on supplies.
Creating a laundry space that works for you makes the whole task feel less overwhelming. You might never love doing laundry, but at least you can love the space where it happens.