Laundry rooms are where we clean clothes and linens, but they are often messy, dark, and disorganized. If you find yourself hunting for stain remover, wishing for counter space, or draping clean cloths over the washing machine lid, read on! We promise there is a better way.
The Basics:
1. Somewhere to fold clothes - Depending on the size of your space, this can be a countertop, the to of a dryer, or a pull out shelf. We really like Askano’s pull out shelf. It works great for a stacked unit or under a cabinet for extra folding space without taking up square footage.
2. A rack - Hang up damp blouses and shirts to keep them from getting wrinkled. Hang shirts fresh out of the dryer to save on ironing or elevate it altogether. Bonus: get a holding sweater rack, they fold flat, tuck neatly away, and will help your sweaters maintain their original shape and size
3. Shelving - Keep detergents, fabric softeners, stain treatments, and dryer sheets neatly organized near the washer and dryer. Bonus: keep a small bowl on the shelf for items let in pockets
4. Ironing Center - If you iron on a weekly basis, stop wrestling with the board and rearranging every time you need to iron. Have a dedicated place to iron and a smart way to keep it out or the way the rest of the time. We love Iron-a-way’s fold away ironing center. It can be installed in a cabinet, on a wall, or mounted inside a wall. Best of all, it fold way when it is not needed. If you prefer a simple hook, Pottery Barn has an attractive shelf and hook combo that stores the iron as well. Bonus: create a sewing kit so that you can tighten up a button in a snap instead of waiting for it to fall off or hunting for a needle
Is your laundry room doing double (or triple!) duty? Here are some organizational extras if your are using your laundry room as a mud room or for cleaning product storage.
The Extras:
No so clean cleaning products?
1. Dedicate a caddy to each type of product or room - Example - dusting, bathroom, pet washes, car washing supplies, etc.
2. Install hooks for brooms and dusters
3. Have a spot for the vacuum
4. Give cleaning towels and washcloths a small laundry basket so you don't have to put them in with your clothes
Tame mudroom madness:
1. Rack or closet - Have a closet or rack to hang parkas and winter coats on.
2. Rubber mats - Get a rubber mat for boots or wet shoes
3. Baskets - Each family member gets a basket for gloves, scarves, and hats
Now that you have the know-how, you can create an effortlessly organized laundry room with everything’s in its place.