When we think of stylish places in our homes, chances are, the laundry room isn’t very high on your list. We tend to think of these spaces as purely functional, the place to wash and dry clothes and the go-to storage spot for cleaning supplies, extra linens, and more. For many of us, the laundry area becomes a catch-all room that quickly spirals into haphazard chaos.

With spring cleaning upon us, it’s the perfect time to nix the clutter and create an organized laundry room with our top ten tips to organize your laundry room.

1. Declutter

The first step to organizing any space is to declutter. Take stock of everything in your laundry room, and remove anything that isn’t keeping you organized or maximizing function. Anything you no longer need or use can go, whether small, like that detergent with the smell you don’t like, or larger, like shelving that doesn’t fit correctly. Once you have a space that’s been cleared out, you’re ready to put it back together more thoughtfully.

2. Focus on function

Unless you’re purchasing a new home that includes your dream laundry space or embarking on a complete laundry room renovation, you need to think about your existing layout and how to make it work best. When your detergent and softener are on shelves out of reach from your washer, you constantly go between the two zones when washing clothes. If you’re hanging clothes in your doorway, but it’s on the opposite side from your dryer, it’s inefficient going back and forth for each load.

The key is to think about what needs to be accessible and where you’ll be using it to maximize your efficiency when you’re doing laundry. That feeling of “nothing is where I need it” when doing a chore you likely don’t love will add to your frustration the next time laundry day comes around.

3. Add shelves or cabinets

Utilizing shelves, cabinets, or a pantry in your laundry room is a great way to add more storage space. One trick is to keep your most frequently used items on open shelves. You have easy access to the items you regularly use, and the room will feel more open. If you prefer to keep things out of sight, cabinets may be the better way to go.

You can extend your cabinets to the ceiling to maximize your storage space. Keep your seldomly used items out of the way in your daily routine and dangerous items like bleach out of reach from young kids or pets.

4. Utilize wall space

Vertical space is the most under-utilized storage in our homes. When things are stored on the walls and off the ground, it leads to less clutter in the space. Installing hooks or a pegboard on the wall is a great way to hang items such as ironing boards, brooms, and mops.

Don’t let the space beneath your floating shelves go unused! Add wooden pegs or hooks to keep clothing hangers and lint rollers within reach but out of the way.

5. Install a hanging rod

A hanging rod is a great addition to any laundry room. You can air dry delicate items or hang clothes straight from the dyer for fewer wrinkles. There are plenty of styles, such as wall-mounted or over-the-door, so you can find an option that will work in even the smallest laundry space.

6. Use baskets or bins

You can use baskets or bins for almost anything in your laundry room – dirty clothes, clothes to be folded, towels, laundry supplies, and household cleaners. Group similar items together, and label everything to know where it belongs.

You can play with style and color to create any design you like. Opt for uniform baskets and bins for a cohesive look, or choose different types in the same color for a more playful twist.

7. Create a folding station

If you have a countertop or table in your laundry room, use it as your designated folding station. If your space doesn’t allow such a large item, try a wall-mounted folding workbench that can be pulled up when needed and folded away when you don’t. Creating a spot for folding clothes right after they dry may help you get the clothes put away more quickly.

8. Decant your laundry products

Visual clutter is a real barrier to creating a calm, organized space. Busy labels, loud packaging, and mismatched containers all contribute to that chaotic feeling. A small adjustment makes a laundry room feel more calm, unified, and aesthetically pleasing, like moving the dryer sheets out of their original packaging and into a decorative tissue holder. You can also decant liquid detergents, fabric softeners, and wool dryer balls into glass jars. Ensure everything is labeled so you don’t mix anything up!

9. Create a sorting system

Create a system for sorting your clothes and keeping them organized while they wait to be washed. You can convert some of your cabinets into sorting bins if you have the space. If space is tight, a pair of industrial rolling laundry baskets create a simple storage system for clothing that you can move in and out as needed.

10. Incorporate some fun touches

One 2023 home design trend is creating dramatic spaces, and the laundry room is a great area to take a risk. Dubbed “jewelry box rooms,” small spaces like the powder room or laundry are being used to incorporate shimmery finishes, rich patterns, bold colors, and whimsical wallpaper.

Other ways to make a statement include:

• Swapping in glass jars
• Using woven bins and baskets
• Updating the cabinet pulls
• Adding a new lighting fixture
• Bringing in plants or artwork
• Incorporating color and texture with a rug

While laundry may not be the highlight of your week, you may find it much more enjoyable if your space looks neat and pulled together.

Check out the Brookfield Residential blog for design advice, homebuying insights, mortgage tips, and more, including How to Prepare Your Home for Spring and 10 Household Cleaning Tasks You May Have Forgotten. You can also explore where we build and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!