21 laundry room organization ideas to maximize space

Shelves can easily fit in small alcoves, closets or corners. Have a laundry closet instead of a laundry room? Install shelving above your washer and dryer to store detergent, laundry boosters, stain fighters and other essentials.

Consider using a door rack for storing an iron, detergent or other items. Don’t want to put a rack on the door? Consider installing shallow shelving on the wall behind the door. It may help you create more space for fabric softener, dryer sheets and so on.

Is there space between your washer and dryer? Don’t waste it! Instead, install a shelving unit—either stationary or on wheels—to help store everything you need to finish a load of laundry.

Buy or build a laundry cart to hold laundry baskets or cleaning supplies. Its mobile nature makes it easy to bring out on laundry day and store out of sight when chores are over.

This laundry room shelving idea helps take care of several issues with one simple fix! Install an angled shelf above your washer and dryer with a lip to hold up multiple laundry baskets. This system can get dirty clothes up off the floor—and make sorting laundry even easier.

Believe it or not, your choice of laundry detergent can affect how much storage space you need. Swash^® Laundry Detergent¹ is 8x concentrated, so you need less than regular detergent. Its Auto-Stop Top dispenses the amount you need for clean clothes, while its ultra-concentrated formula means the bottle takes up less space than traditional, bulky detergent bottles. Learn more about HE laundry detergent options to find the right choice for your laundry day needs.

Can’t have a clothesline outside? Consider installing a hanging drying rack, bar or retractable clothesline in your laundry room to air dry and organize all at once.

Use curtains to conceal your appliances or create multiple rooms within your laundry space. It’s a great way to create stations for prepping, washing, line drying, ironing and mending.

Hang two charts up in your laundry room—a basic laundry guide and a stain treatment guide. Not only are these good references for adults, but they also help kids learn laundry basics so they can help out.

If you don’t have a closet in your laundry room, don’t despair. You can still maximize storage space for mops, irons and other essentials by installing a peg board on one or more walls. With a few hooks and baskets, you can organize your laundry gear in no time.

Don’t have room for multiple laundry baskets? Consider hanging up laundry bags labeled “darks,” “whites” and “colors” instead. Not only will you help reduce clutter, but this system also makes it possible for everyone in the family to sort their own clothes.

Create or convert as much flat space as possible into areas for mending or folding clothes. You can use a wall-mounted desk, repurpose a small table or even install a counter above your washer and dryer.

If you have room for cabinets and drawers, convert some of this space into pull-out or fold-down ironing boards and drying racks. This small laundry room idea helps you make the most of your space and provides a built-in storage option.

Laundry pedestals are an excellent way to create more storage space in even the smallest laundry room. These pedestals also lift your washer and dryer, making it easier to load and unload clothes.

A countertop can be a great place for pre-treating stains. It gives you plenty of room to spread out your garments, check for stains and apply your treatment of choice before tossing the garment into your washer.

If you’re looking to maximize space, a stackable washer and dryer may solve your problems. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual, as some washers and dryers may not be stackable. Read this guide on how to stack your laundry machines to help save on space.

Create a laundry room workflow that works for you and your family's needs. For example, place your detergent and bleach by the washing machine or dryer sheets by the dryer. This can help reduce the need to search for essential items when you need them and may save you time on laundry day. Accessories like pedestals for your washer and dryer can help to keep cleaning supplies organized and the tops of your appliances clear.

Instead of waiting to sort your clothes before you do laundry, you can presort it using multiple hampers or baskets. You can sort between lights and darks and further organize your laundry by separating delicates or other fabric types.

Cabinets can help create extra storage space and reduce visual clutter. You can easily fill a cabinet with detergent, fabric softener, stain remover and many other laundry essentials that currently overflow your laundry space.

Clear containers can help organize your space while giving you a quick glance at what’s inside. Unlike cabinets, clear containers can help you quickly see what you have on hand and what you may need more of. Be sure to read your product manuals before storing certain items, such as detergent pods, out of their original packaging.

Try drying your clothes using a clothing rod. This can take up less space than a clothes drying rack and help eliminate extra floor clutter. Some clothing rods can even retract when not in use.