Many homes near city centers or in gentrified or historic districts- and even in newly build housing- end up with laundry rooms the size of the modern closet. This creates a big challenge in figuring out what to put where in a space where function is key. Read on to find out some neat ideas on maximizing your small laundry room without compromising style or requiring any HGTV episode remodeling.
Collapsible Hamper
A bulky hamper is the last thing you want to fit with for space in your laundry room. Collapsible hampers are perfect because the fold down when they are empty and are very light to carry.
Narrow Storage Cart
Even the smallest laundry rooms usually have a few inches of space between the washer and dryer...the perfect spot for a narrow storage cart that slides in and out easily. This product is great for storing lint rollers, clothes pins, detergent, dryer sheets and other laundry essentials. You can find them online priced anywhere from $15 - $50.
Countertop Over Washer/ Dryer
Give yourself folding space by putting a countertop over your washer and dryer. If you’re handy (or know someone who is) you can build a table with a countertop that sits above your washer and dryer. This will give you a smooth, flat surface to fold on without taking additional space in your laundry room. Of course you’ll need to own front-loading machines for this idea to be applicable.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
Just like it sounds; this is an ironing board that is mounted to your wall. You can pull it down when you need to use it then neatly retract it back up against the wall.
Over-the-Door Garment Rack
When the weather does not allow me to use my clothesline, I love to use my door rack to hang-dry garments. It fits snuggly over any door and is very reasonably priced at around $10. You can also find variations of this product that mount to your ceiling or wall.
Wire Shelves
Cheap yet effective, wire shelves are great for storing laundry products and aids. You can find them at a local hardware store sold as single shelves or complete shelving systems.
Hooks
I don’t think I need to explain what hooks are. They are useful for many things ranging from hanging laundry bags, garments that need ironing, panty hose, bras and anything else that can be hung.
The key to making the most out of your small laundry room is to keep the essential organized (detergents and softeners together, garment repair kits and stain treatments) and everything off the floor. Stackable washers and dryers are great for the small laundry room as well as wire shelves. Laundry is a chore most of us dread so it’s important to make this room as inviting as possible. Use bright lights to make the room appear larger and add décor like wall stencils and pictures.