Organizing a Laundry Room

Expert Louise Kurzeka offers space-saving tips.

More from TIPical Mary Ellen
Filed under: Laundry Rooms, Organization, Cleaning, Storage, Housekeeping

Doing laundry for an entire family can be a big job. Spread the task throughout the week by attending to one or two loads a day vs. a Saturday marathon of 10 loads.

Figure A

Place an extra coffee mug close to the washer to hold items found in pockets (figure A).

Create a temporary drying area for fine washables with a collapsible dryer rack. An alternative is to install a retractable clothesline in the laundry room.

Figure B

When storing cleaning supplies, look for helpful tools that keep them accessible and handy. Products such as window cleaner, furniture polish and all-purpose cleaner are well suited for a carryall caddy (figure B). Infrequently used cleaners for leather, marble and shoes will still be accessible if stored on a turntable placed on a higher shelf in a laundry room cabinet.

Invest in sturdy hangers to store coats in a mudroom closet. Wire hangers cause a crease in garments and do not offer enough support.

Figure C

Set up labeled baskets with each member's name to store personal items such as gloves, sunglasses, hats and even cold-weather gear (figure C). Place on easy-to-reach shelves in the closet.

A boot or shoe rack with a drip tray below is ideal for keeping footwear dirt from coming into the rest of the house.

Shop Home Decor Products

Shop home decor products from rugs to mirrors, lamps and more

HGTV HOME Plant Collection - Confetti Craze

Shop Home Decor Products

Don't Miss:

Organizing a Laundry Room

Shop Home Decor Products

More From HGTV

HGTV Family

DIY Network

HGTV Gardens

FrontDoor

Travel Channel

Don't Miss:

Organizing a Laundry Room

Print Options

E-mail This Page to Your Friends

We Recommend...

Laundry Machines

Garage Makeover

Before and After: Laundry Room Makeover for Less Than $500

See Also:

HGTV Inspiration Newsletter

Shop Home Decor Products

HGTV Ideas

More From HGTV

HGTV Family

DIY Network

HGTV Gardens

FrontDoor

Travel Channel