Is your laundry room filled with messy detergent bottles, baskets that are almost too full, and no space for folded clothes? You’re not alone. It may seem difficult to organize the laundry room when there isn’t much space, but it can be done. I’ll share with you how to improve your laundry area using the best laundry room organization ideas, smart storage tips, and even some easy-to-make laundry room organization DIY projects.
We’ll explore shelving options, cabinet ideas, storage for detergents, basket systems, and tips for both large and laundry room organization small space solutions. Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply reorganizing your existing setup, you’ll find inspiration and practical guidance to create a space that not only functions beautifully but looks incredible too.
Maximize Space With Vertical Laundry Room Organization
One of the most practical ways I’ve optimized limited laundry space is by going vertical. Wall space is put to good use with tall cabinets, stacked machines, and high shelves. When applied in a small room, this approach changes how the space is used. When storage is placed above your head, you can use the floor for other activities such as folding or sorting your clothes.
I have tall cabinets for laundry room storage, open shelves near the ceiling, and vertical pull-out racks in my design. Upper cabinets are used for seasonal items, and lower cabinets include hampers that are built-in. A narrow vertical unit close to the washer stores detergents and laundry room products, with bins that make them easy to reach.
I think vertical storage helps the room look open and works efficiently. Emily Henderson from HGTV suggests using vertical shelving in laundry room organization to save space and make the area more useful. It’s a concept that truly pays off in compact homes.
If you’re starting from scratch, consider adding a wall ladder-style shelf or a tower cabinet that goes to the ceiling. You’ll be surprised how much hidden storage you’ll unlock just by thinking upward.
Clever Shelving Ideas for Laundry Room Organization Shelves
Shelving plays a key role in organizing any laundry room. I prefer to mix style with usefulness, so my top picks are floating shelves, built-in cubbies, and wall-mounted units that can be changed. You can place jars of pods, woven laundry room baskets, and spare towels on shelves.
My favorite shelves for this design are open and made either of natural wood or powder-coated metal. They help organize laundry room items without blocking the whole area. I put up two floating shelves above the washer, one for decorative objects and the other for bins labeled with their uses.
Shelves that are open make it easy for me to see everything and stay organized. It allows you to add your own style using simple decorations. In my opinion, adjustable shelves are useful because you can change them as your needs change. At first, all you need is detergent and dryer sheets, but you’ll find that you need space for bins, jars, or folded clothes before long.
A good way to finish the design is by adding hooks or rails underneath the shelves for more hanging space. It’s the perfect complement to a well-layered shelving system.
How To Store Detergent With Style and Function
I have discovered that you can keep your detergent organized in the laundry room without using big plastic bottles. Rather, I move liquid detergent into clear glass containers with pumps or put pods in labeled amber jars. It makes the space look cleaner and more put together right away.
I like to place a small shelf above the washer, and put all my cleaning products on a tiered tray so they are easy to reach. I keep extra supplies in a drawer and leave open space for the things I use daily. This way, my things are tidy and I can find what I need without wasting time.
Often, designers from The Container Store recommend decanting as a way to see what you have and save space in your laundry room. I’ve taken that advice to heart and now swear by reusable labeled containers.
A great idea is to add a narrow pull-out drawer below the washer-dryer counter, meant for laundry liquids and sprays. It’s one of those laundry room organization storage ideas you wish you’d thought of sooner.
Turn Cabinets Into Custom Laundry Room Organization Zones
Adding organization cabinets in my laundry room helps me set up areas for stain removers and hand towels. I prefer using white or soft gray shaker-style cabinets in my kitchens because they fit well with modern designs and make the space look refined.
In every cabinet, I put in labeled bins or drawer dividers. I keep my extra detergent and fabric softener bottles in the upper cabinet. Another lower cabinet is a pet supplies zone. Making the cabinet interiors fit my needs prevents the usual messy junk-drawer situation in the laundry area.
If you want to reduce the amount of visual clutter, closed storage is the way to go. I’m a big fan of symmetry, so I’ll often flank open shelving with closed cabinets for a balanced look. Apartment Therapy says that combining open and closed storage in utility areas helps create a more pleasant atmosphere.
For an even better look, I’d put LED strip lights inside the cabinets. As a result, you can use and arrange every part of your storage, no matter how dim it is.
Organize Laundry Baskets by Color and Frequency
As soon as I began using several laundry room organization baskets, everything went much faster. I now use three baskets: one for whites, one for darks, and one for colors, and I put delicates in a separate small bin. Arranging my baskets by how often I use them is useful; because I use my gym clothes often, they’re easy to focus on.
I like having square baskets with handles, which are kept in built-in cubbies or under a broad countertop. If you’re customizing a space, include three pull-out drawers labeled by load type. Wire baskets with liners are both breathable and stylish at the same time.
Real Simple often suggests using baskets in neutral colors to bring everything together, and I think that’s a great idea. I chose white and gray baskets with labels and my laundry room looked much better organized.
The only thing I’d change is adding a rolling basket system beneath the counter so I can move them directly to the washer.
Use Wall-Mounted Racks for Smart Laundry Storage
When there is not much floor area available, wall-mounted racks are an ideal choice. I put in a drying rack that can be folded against the wall and hidden when not used. It looks modern and is convenient because I don’t have to deal with wet clothes cluttering the room.
Most of these racks are built from wood or metal, and they have rods or bars for hanging delicate clothing. I air-dry my sweaters on mine and sort the clothes hangers after every load. It’s a smart idea to put wall-mounted drying racks where they can catch sunlight coming through the window, which helps things dry faster.
I learned about vertical drying from Better Homes & Gardens, which pointed out that it helps keep laundry rooms neat when things are busy. It’s been a life-saver in my own narrow space.
Another thing I’d like to include is a second rack that can be placed higher and can pop out when needed, but stays tucked away the rest of the time.
Transform Small Spaces With Strategic Laundry Room Organization
Organizing laundry rooms in small spaces has made me come up with creative solutions. Because my laundry area is in a closet in the hallway, I have to make the most of every little space. I have stacked machines, overhead cabinets, and a slim rolling cart placed between the units in my layout.
I place shelves and hooks on the side walls for storing my items vertically. A collapsible folding station pulls down when needed. The inside of the closet doors also has bins attached and a caddy for spray bottles. It allows you to store a lot in the laundry room without feeling overcrowded.
When I make changes, I always remember what Nate Berkus said: “In small spaces, you need to be smart.” I always try to make every corner both useful and attractive.
I’d like to add a narrow countertop for folding and sorting close to the machines, as it would make things easier and look better together.
Store More With Double-Duty Laundry Room Organization Products
Whenever I design compact laundry rooms, I suggest using products that serve two purposes and are space-saving. Consider cabinets that hold fold-out ironing boards, benches that have storage inside, or counters that can be used for folding. With these pieces, laundry day is easier and the room stays neat and attractive.
I especially like the pull-out ironing board that is built into a base cabinet. It slides out when needed and hides seamlessly afterward. I have a bench that includes hidden compartments to keep additional detergent and dryer sheets. A mirror cabinet hung on the wall can both enhance the look of your bathroom and store cleaning sprays and cloths.
I once designed a laundry area for a family with four children, and they loved the rolling hamper that doubled as a seat the most. They said it changed how often laundry actually got done! Because of their dual role, these pieces make a utility space more versatile.
I’d still like to add a combination drying rack and folding table to my own setup—especially one that folds out from the wall or tucks neatly behind a cabinet.
Creative DIY Solutions for Laundry Room Organization on a Budget
If you’re working with a limited budget, there are still plenty of impactful laundry room organization DIY tricks that completely transform your space. I’ve made some shelves with recycled wood, hung pegboards for my tools and sprays, and designed labels for my glass jars using my Cricut machine. You can easily upgrade your laundry room on a budget and still make it look planned.
Useful DIY ideas are to put contact paper on shelves, use mason jars and clothespins for pods, and build a plywood countertop above front-load washing machines. You can put up baskets and magnetic bars on the walls in less than an hour to keep your lint rollers and sewing kits tidy.
Personally, I changed a client’s under-the-stairs laundry area for just $200 and a lot of effort. We marked off different areas, put our items in thrifted crates, and painted the walls white to make everything brighter. The final design looked as if it were taken from a design magazine.
One thing I’m planning to DIY next? A made-to-measure curtain that hides the machines when not in use is ideal for those with kitchens or hallways visible from the laundry area.
Label Everything: A Simple Step Toward Laundry Room Bliss
Even though labeling seems minor, it has made a huge difference in how I organize the laundry room. Labels that are easy to read help every member of the household find their way around. Labeling helps you store detergent, stain removers, or socks in their proper place and makes your storage look neat.
On glass jars, I use waterproof vinyl labels, and the same goes for the woven laundry room organization baskets. I make labels that fit inside plastic sleeves for my drawers. In cabinets, I attach tags to bins so that everything is easy to see. The aim is to save time finding things and avoid feeling tired when deciding what to clean.
According to Jen Robin, a professional organizer, it’s a good idea to label every storage container in areas used by everyone, such as laundry rooms. I started using that advice years ago and haven’t wanted to change. Now, I always suggest this to friends who are planning their laundry rooms.
For more organization, you can use different colors for your labels: blue for cleaning, green for delicates, and gray for seasonal items. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Use Clear Containers for Laundry Room Detergent Organization
Clear containers add a neat and attractive look to any laundry room arrangement for detergent. I put pods and powders in glass canisters, and use acrylic pump bottles for liquids such as softener and bleach. They not only look neat, but also allow you to notice if you’re almost out of something.
I have three glass jars on an open shelf above the machines, with one for pods, one for scent beads, and one for clothespins. I have also put up a small tray with labeled dispensers for liquid detergent and fabric softener nearby. All the items are easy to get and are neatly arranged like a carefully chosen collection.
The Spruce team suggests using decanted containers for both their appearance and how easy they are to use. I completely agree. Even with basic laundry detergent, your clothes feel and look nicer and are more organized.
You might also want to add a lazy Susan tray, which will help you turn things on your shelves without spilling anything.
Floating Shelves That Make the Most of Tight Spaces
I love using floating shelves in the laundry room to make the most of the walls. They offer storage space without taking up extra room and can be put above machines, near the ceiling, or in difficult places. Most importantly, they give you the chance to highlight both decor and function at the same time.
Usually, I put in two to three floating shelves made of white oak or black metal. I place detergent jars, a basket for dryer balls, and some simple greenery on these. Because of their minimal design, floating shelves help the room stay bright and up-to-date.
When I applied this method to a small galley-style laundry room, it really helped. Just two shelves made a blank wall useful and attractive for storing items. Better Homes & Gardens names floating shelves a key space-saving element, and I completely agree.
What’s missing in some designs is lighting—adding under-shelf LED strips would make nighttime laundry far more manageable, and it’s next on my upgrade list.
Create a Hidden Sorting Station Behind Doors or Curtains
Because not everyone can have a separate laundry room, I think a hidden sorting station is a great idea. You can hide this setup behind bi-fold doors, sliding doors, or a tension-rod curtain. It allows the space to work well and hide the clutter when friends or family drop by.
I once used a curtain panel to cover a set of labeled bins that were placed under a counter. When closed, it looked like part of the wall. When I opened it, I saw that the system had different bins for whites, colors, towels, and dry cleaning. Everything was labeled and off the floor.
Bobby Berk, a design expert, says this type of hidden storage is useful in small homes, especially for those who rent and can’t make permanent changes. Having the laundry area concealed makes it less stressful on my eyes and still allows me to get my laundry done without problems.
A new idea I haven’t tried is setting up an accordion-style door that can be used for writing laundry reminders. It’s functional and fun!
Stackable Baskets for Smart Laundry Room Organization Storage
Stackable laundry room organization baskets are an absolute lifesaver when you’re short on square footage but long on laundry. They offer the chance to place your bins vertically, so you can use the cleared floor space for other tasks. I place my plants in mesh baskets that go on a tall frame, which helps with air circulation and allows me to see them.
My preferred way is to place three or four wire baskets on top of each other beside the washer. You keep your delicates in one hamper, activewear in another, and the others are used as needed. When placed on top of each other, they make use of the vertical space that’s usually unused next to machines.
Martha Stewart Living shared a similar closet-sized laundry room, and I used the same idea in mine. It makes organizing your things easy without making a mess.
You can attach chalkboard tags to your baskets if they don’t have labels, making them both easy to use and change. You can change the tags whenever your laundry needs change.
The Power of Pegboards in Laundry Room Organization Ideas
Pegboards are one of the best but least used tools for organizing a laundry room. They make it possible to hang various tools and supplies on previously empty walls. In addition, they give a modern laundry room an industrial and polished look when combined with the right frame and hooks.
I put up a white pegboard above the folding table in the laundry room. It has scissors, a can of fabric spray, measuring cups for detergent, and a caddy for dryer sheets. The best part? I can easily change the contents of my bag by re-hooking the items in a matter of seconds. If you want, you can paint the pegboard to match the color of your cabinets.
A pegboard laundry wall shown in Real Simple made me realize I had to make one for myself. It’s very helpful for small areas and gives you more options for storage than shelves do.
I’d like to include a small hanging planter for herbs or air-purifying plants to make the room seem nicer and more welcoming.
Pull-Out Hampers: A Game-Changer for Laundry Room Flow
I’ve made the laundry room more organized by adding pull-out hampers to the cabinets. You can pull out these hidden hampers easily and keep your room looking tidy while sorting your clothes. They’re especially helpful in shared homes or family spaces where keeping the room tidy matters.
I chose a base cabinet unit with two built-in pull-out hampers, one labeled “lights” and the other “darks.” With removable canvas bags, the hampers make it very simple to move your laundry to the washer. I put a shallow drawer above them, holding stain sticks and mesh bags, to simplify how I prepare my laundry.
I agree with Shea McGee that concealing your laundry bins can help your home look more tidy and well-organized. They change a messy process into one that is simple and attractive.
I also think it would be helpful to add another pull-out bin for dry cleaning or clothes made from special fabrics. Another zone would enhance the way the sorting system operates.
Add Overhead Cabinets for Vertical Storage Wins
If there is extra wall space, your laundry room storage should go up. I prefer to put overhead cabinets in my home to keep seasonal items, additional supplies, and cleaning products that aren’t used daily. They make the room more attractive and practical right away.
I installed shaker-style overhead cabinets in white, with black matte handles to give them a contrasting look. I have put clear labeled bins inside to hold any extra supplies. I place child-proof locks on the cabinet doors to make sure chemicals are not accessible when needed. The tallness adds order to the space without making it feel crowded.
I believe that each laundry room should have at least one set of upper cabinets. They act like the pantry of the laundry room. HGTV experts say that they’re perfect for homes that don’t have a separate utility closet.
A thought I’ve had is to put under-cabinet lights or LED strips that turn on when I move. It would make the cabinets more noticeable and give them a premium look.
Store Cleaning Supplies Safely and Aesthetically
It’s simple for cleaning items to make the laundry room look messy, but I’ve figured out ways to arrange them neatly and nicely. I organize things by using cabinets, clear bins, and dispensers attached to the wall. A good organization plan should always consider both safety and style.
I hang a cleaning caddy from the door of a tall cabinet and keep sprays, gloves, and brushes in bins with lids. I like to put my small items in white baskets to make the space look nicer. Labels help me spot what I want without having to go through everything.
I have used some of The Home Edit’s methods for organizing my supplies. Even ordinary things seem carefully chosen because of their clear bin approach. When my storage is clean, I feel more encouraged to keep it tidy.
I’d like to place a magnetic strip on the door’s inside to hold scissors and scrubbers. It would make use of the area I’m not currently using.
Use Hooks, Hangers, and Rails for Hanging Efficiency
Hooks, rails, and hangers help a lot when it comes to organizing your laundry room. I have hooks above my washer for hanging freshly dried clothes, and I put up wall hooks for mesh bags and robes. This way, the space stays clean and your clothes keep their shape.
I have a matte black rail with adjustable hooks, and a wooden rack that is mounted on the side wall. I put my delicate clothes on velvet hangers and use metal clip hangers for drying small items. All the hooks are labeled above, which makes the arrangement easy to understand.
Many professional stylists prefer to hang clothes vertically for both drying and storing, and I find this to be very helpful for air-dry-only garments. It’s useful and gives the room a boutique-style atmosphere.
I will then install a two-level rail system so that I can arrange my clothes without them overlapping.
Compact Folding Stations in Small Laundry Rooms
Even in a small laundry area, a folding station is very useful. If your laundry area is small, you can add a folding surface above the machines or put in a pull-down tabletop. It’s one of the most practical upgrades I’ve made.
I have a butcher block counter placed over my front-load washer and dryer. It is attached to the side walls by brackets and can be used as a folding area or a regular work surface. The wood gives the room a cozy look, and the tall height makes it easy to use for folding and sorting clothes.
Domino Magazine explains that a single wall-mounted shelf can greatly enhance your workflow. I completely agree. It prevents clean clothes from being dropped on the floor or on furniture and helps your space look purposeful.
I’m thinking about getting a hinged version that lies flat against the wall when not used, making it a good choice for anyone with little space.
Use Drawers for Dividing Laundry Room Organization Supplies
In any laundry room, drawers give the most convenient and hidden place to store things. I keep dryer sheets, extra detergent pods, and hand towels in deep drawers that have dividers instead of displaying them on open shelves. It keeps the area organized so that everything is easy to reach.
In the design I am using now, I have soft-close drawers with compartments inside. Stain sticks, laundry markers, and fabric fresheners are kept in one drawer, while mesh bags and cleaning cloths are put in another. I keep my daily items in the top, shallow drawers and keep backup items in the deep bottom drawers.
This idea came from an article in Elle Decor describing how using drawer systems can make your space less cluttered and tasks easier. I think that using bamboo or acrylic dividers makes everything look more luxurious and well-organized.
In the future, I’d like to include custom inserts in the drawers that are designed for my products, for example, a space just for detergent cups and bleach pens.
Open vs. Closed Storage: Which Laundry Setup Is Best?
Choosing between open and closed storage in the laundry room is mostly about how the space is used and how smooth it is to access things. I often recommend a mix of both. With open shelving, you can reach your daily items easily, and closed storage helps keep your things out of sight and makes the space look neat.
I have chosen to place floating shelves above the machines to hold my decorative jars and everyday organization items, while the lower cabinets with doors are used for storing bleach, extra detergent, and big baskets. The use of visual balance makes the room look more organized and planned.
House Beautiful experts frequently encourage using cabinets in utility areas at home and open shelves in laundry areas. It all depends on how much the area is used and by whom.
To make the space better, I’d suggest putting in glass-front cabinets to give it a semi-open feel. You get the benefits of both without sacrificing style.
How to Create Zones: Washing, Drying, Folding, Storing
Creating separate areas in the laundry room is a basic way to organize it. It helps the process move smoothly, reduces unnecessary steps, and makes every task easier. When designing, I draw the zones according to the layout, even for small laundry rooms.
For example, I position the washer and dryer side-by-side or stacked as the “washing and drying zone.” Adjacent to that is a countertop for folding. The upper cabinets keep your supplies, and a pull-out rack nearby is used for drying or hanging. When I use zones, I can make sure that every task is separated, so things don’t get blocked.
Nate Berkus has mentioned several times that planning space, even in utility areas, is important. He believes in designing homes for daily activities, and I totally agree with him.
I’d like to include a vertical chart or signboard that helps people identify the zones. It could help houseguests or family members who need to use the laundry machines.
Optimize Narrow Spaces With Slimline Storage Racks
Small spaces in laundry rooms are perfect for organizing your laundry room. Rolling carts or pull-out towers are great slimline storage options that can fit in unused space and still be very useful.
I have a 5-inch-wide rolling rack placed between my washer and the wall. It has extra dryer sheets, spray bottles, small towels, and essential oils for making the clothes smell nice. It is light, fits me perfectly, and comes out smoothly when I need to use it. I have grown to love this product for organizing my laundry room.
Better Homes & Gardens highlighted these narrow solutions in a recent article, calling them “sneaky-smart storage.” I think that’s the perfect description. You can enjoy a lot of convenience with very little space.
You might want to add a vertical magnetic strip on the side of the rack to keep metal tools like lint brushes and tweezers. It would make use of all the height available and organize smaller items properly.
Rolling Carts: Portable and Stylish Laundry Room Organizers
I consider a rolling cart to be the most useful tool in my laundry room DIY setup. Whether you’re folding clothes, storing supplies, or sorting by load type, a cart makes it easy to move things exactly where you need them. My favorite carts are made with metal frames and wood shelves, as they give a touch of warmth to a useful piece.
I make sure to keep detergent jars, a basket for delicates, clothespins, and a lint bin in my cart. After folding, I take the cart with my clean laundry to the bedroom. Being portable is very useful in laundry areas that are used for other things as well.
When I saw a rolling cart in a California boho-style home on Apartment Therapy, I was immediately drawn to its appearance and what it could do. I now think it is a necessary part of any flexible laundry design.
I am interested in getting a three-tier cart with hooks on the sides and trays that can be taken out. It would make it easier to store more things in cramped spaces.
Tidy Up Lost Corners With Built-In Storage Ideas
Corners are usually neglected in the laundry room, but if you plan well, they can become great places for storage. I have made corner shelves, bench units, and angled cabinets to use every available inch in these areas.
I love the design I chose, which has a corner bench with cubby space for laundry room baskets. You can use the top to sit and sort your laundry or to put a bin while folding your clothes. I put a shelf above the bench to keep extra detergent and dryer sheets, which are all kept in clean white containers.
Many interior designers, such as Emily Henderson, point out how important it is to make use of corners in rooms that are not regular shapes. When you design them well, corners can serve as areas for sorting, drying, or storing items vertically.
For a more interesting approach, I’d suggest creating a triangle cabinet with matching doors, so this neglected area becomes really useful.
Laundry Room Organization Tips for Busy Households
When families are busy, the tips for organizing the laundry room should be quick, practical, and simple to upkeep. I think it’s best to use visual reminders, sort items in batches, and have pre-sorting bins to control the mess. The arrangement should make it possible to access everything easily and reset quickly.
I use labeled bins for everyone in the family, a drawer just for socks, and baskets that are color-coded in my designs for families with a lot to do. I also choose wipeable materials and use closed containers to keep the mess under control. Hooks and folding tables allow children to take part in laundry without making it too difficult for them.
Marie Kondo suggests that you organize by type of item and arrange them by how often you need them. I use this approach in my laundry room, and it makes it easier to avoid daily mess and tiredness from making decisions.
Adding a calendar or task list on the wall can make things easier for families when it comes to laundry. It makes delegation easy and avoids any missed loads.
Keep It Fresh: Seasonal Deep Clean and Declutter Plan
No matter how tidy your laundry room is, it can still get messy with time. That’s why I always recommend a seasonal refresh. A thorough cleaning, checking of all systems, and removal of unused products help keep the laundry room clean and useful.
Every season, I take out all the items from my shelves and drawers, clean the surfaces, and throw away expired cleaners or things I no longer use. I then reorganize based on what we’re using most. My strategy is to put extra bins for winter clothes in the winter and focus on swimwear and towels in the summer.
The Spruce suggests cleaning utility areas every three months, and this is what I do too. It only requires a couple of hours and helps you stay clean and efficient.
I plan to make a checklist for the next refresh so that it is not stressful. Having a printable version on the wall would help you remember.
Conclusion
A well-organized laundry room doesn’t just save time—it transforms your entire routine. With smart storage solutions, stylish cabinets, and space-saving ideas, even the smallest room can feel functional and fresh. Whether you’re tackling clutter or starting from scratch, these laundry room organization tips help create a space that works for you. Ready to refresh your laundry zone? Start today!
