Let’s face it—when it comes to laundry rooms, most of us are lucky to have a single shelf to hold detergent and a tiny counter for folding shirts. But because doing laundry is a weekly task that will never, ever end, finding more space to deal with it is a big bonus. Here are six smart ways to squeeze extra storage into your little laundry room. Who knows, maybe these tricks will make laundry a little more enjoyable. Maybe.
Stack the units
Need extra inches to treat stains or store supplies? Investing in a stackable washer-dryer set could be your quickest fix. Vertical units help save space and the cost is comparable to side-by-side versions. For a clever hack, consider jacking up your washer-dryer set onto pedestals. Not only do they raise appliances to an ergonomic level, but you can stash a small hamper, soaps, and other supplies in them without taking up floor space.
Get creative with your shelving
Adding more shelves is an obvious storage fix, but there are ways to make these built-ins work harder. Wire or mesh shelves give a unique look and utility. You can gain storage and a place to dry delicates simply by poking hangers into the holes. You should also think vertical: Overhead shelving doesn’t usually extend to the ceiling, so this is an excellent spot for more storage. Adding in custom details can also maximize your space, experts say. Pull-out hampers, U-shelves for sink bases, and roll-out trays make drawers and shelves much more efficient. A large shower caddy also tucks neatly between machines to hold supplies. Or try floating shelves for a clean, airy look. And it doesn’t have to look ugly—you can spruce up your storage space by spray-painting baskets. A single color is trendy and makes your random collection look so much better. Don’t have space for shelves and baskets? Back-of-the-door organizers are also handy. You could install wire, molded plastic, or a hanging shoe holder for supplies.
Lose the doors
Many laundry rooms are made even smaller by doors that don’t open all the way, so remove them to free up your nook. And don’t worry about exposing your appliances for the world to see. The modern washing machine is a thing of beauty. Not OK with no way to hide your machines? Try pocket doors—they’re a space-saving miracle.
Tuck in an ironing board
The iron is likely the biggest item to store in your too-small laundry room. We all struggle with the archaic ironing board, so think about installing an Iron-A-Way to save precious space. Wall-mounted boards or pull-out drawer styles are ideal for a tiny laundry room. It’ll look like a closed drawer, but when it’s open, it expands and rotates as needed.
For drying space, look up
Ceiling space is often underutilized in a small room. Mount a drying rack from hooks for instant storage, air drying, and hanging newly ironed garments. For a clever hack, you can repurpose an old ladder from the garage, which allows you to do away with a conventional drying rack. Another hack is filling overhead space with racks and rods. A pull-down rod allows you to reach up to access hanging clothes and then gently send it back. An adjustable shower rod or a retractable clothesline are cheap, but efficient options. It’s a nice option because it takes up less space and can be hidden away when not in use.
Choose clear storage
Not sure where to put your laundry pods? A wall-mounted fishbowl saves shelf space and looks pretty cool. You can also recycle glass jars to hold detergent and clothespins. Clear jars are practical and decorative in a laundry room. Try placing them on a space-saving Lazy Susan for a hint of style and a smart use of space.