40 Clever Ways to Clean Up and Organize Your Laundry Room

For a place where so much action happens day-to-day, the laundry room doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But with a few upgrades, you can transform this household hub into the most efficiently used square footage in your home — not to mention a more pleasant site for ironing.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

By: Deanne Revel and Catherine Strawn

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Photography: WE Studios; Design + Staging + Styling: Design Harmony

Photo By: Tessa Neudstadt

Photo By: Jared Kuzia Photography

Photo By: Karyn Millet

Photo By: Giana Shorthouse

Photo By: Tessa Neudstadt

Photo By: Jared Kuzia Photography

Photo By: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography

Photo By: The Container Store

Photo By: Tessa Neudstadt

Photo By: Brian Bieder

Photo By: Tessa Neudstadt

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Photo By: Alyssa Rosenheck

Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Getty Images

Photo By: Karyn Millet

Photo By: Laura Hull Photography

Photo By: Sam Henderson

Photo By: Ikea

Photo By: Victor M Samuel

Photo By: Sunny Side Up

Photo By: Whirlpool Brand

Photo By: Not Another Housewife

Photo By: Kalalou

Pull-Out Ironing Board

If you've ever caught a finger in the hinge while expanding an ironing board (it's the worst!), you will definitely appreciate this storage hack. Instead of setting up and setting out an ironing board every time clothes need to be ironed, this homeowner installed a custom, roll-out drawer. The ironing board simply pulls out whenever needed and goes back into the drawer when not in use. No more fussing with clunky stands and temperamental hinges.

From: Harmony Weihs

Fold-Up Folding Table

Instead of turning the couch or the bed into a folding station every time you do laundry, why not add a folding table in your laundry room? It doesn't have to be big. This small tabletop from Pottery Barn folds up against the wall so you don't need any extra floor space.

SHOP | FOLD-OUT TABLE: Pottery Barn, $299

Hooked On Organization

Dropping your bags and jacket on the floor — we’ve all been there. Keep the mess off the ground by installing utility hooks on the wall or back of the door for a designated catchall space.

From: Stefani Stein

Decorative and Practical

Who says storage solutions can’t be décor as well? Definitely not us. Decorative baskets serve as storage in this home’s trendy laundry room.

From: Kristina Crestin

Opt for Cabinets Over Open Shelving

This laundry room has loads of cabinet space for all of your laundry room essentials. Closed cabinets hide the clutter better than open shelving, creating a more unified and orderly space.

From: Kelly Ferm

Space Saver

Can’t find the right storage solution for your space? Stop the search and save money by putting together a one-of-kind compartment to fit your needs. Here, a metal basket holds essentials while secured straps bolster an ironing board. Spruce up the project by adding bright paint and fun patterns.

Get the how-to: Corral Ironing Essentials With This DIY Storage Solution

Hidden Laundry Closet

No laundry room or utility closet? Fake it in the kitchen. This homeowner wanted a dedicated laundry space but didn't have the budget to remodel. So designer Giana Shorthouse of Terracotta Properties teamed up with a local cabinetmaker to create a custom wall of cabinets in the kitchen instead. The cabinet doors are made from a metal mesh, which allows hot air to circulate but blends in with the kitchen's existing style.

From: Terracotta Design Build

Room for the Dogs

If you keep your dogs bed or food bowl in the laundry room, consider this - a spot under the counter to keep Fido out of the way. Below the folding table you can also see a built-in doggie food and water bowl.

From: Stefani Stein

Stylish Baskets

This laundry room features overhead shelving with storage baskets - making for a more stylish way to store all the little things you need for laundry day.

From: Kristina Crestin

Peg Holders

This laundry room makes use of its wall space by adding a row of pegs for brushes and brooms. This organization idea makes use of wasted space and is a charming way to decorate your laundry area.

Small Space Solution

Small space? No problem! Take advantage of otherwise unused space by installing a storage rack on the back of the laundry room door for maximum organization.

Doggie Drawer

Here's an ingenious space-saving solution: food and water bowls for the family pet are hidden neatly inside a drawer in the laundry room.

From: Stefani Stein

Mobile Hamper

If you follow HGTV host Jillian Harris on Instagram, you know she has a dream-worthy laundry room right down to the swanky, canvas laundry bins on wheels. You can get the same look with these mobile hampers from Anthropologie. It makes lugging heavy towels a thing of the past.

SHOP | MOBILE CANVAS BIN: Anthropologie, $178

Double Duty

We're a big fan of stackable washers and dryers at HGTV. They're space-saving, energy-efficient and typically don't require bulky hose hookups. And with all that space and water you're saving, why not add another column? If you have a big household and it feels as though you're constantly buried under piles of laundry, you might want to swap out one XL washer and dryer for two compact units. This setup really helps if you have a multi-generational household and have multiple people doing laundry for themselves on different schedules.

From: Maggie Griffin

Multipurpose Hampers

When it comes to small areas like the laundry room, things can get cluttered fast. Look for smart storage with more than one purpose, such as this laundry sorter. With an ironing board on top and wheels on the bottom, it's a one-stop shop for organization and chores. This would also be perfect for a college dorm or studio apartment where square footage is super tight.

SHOP | LAUNDRY SORTER WITH IRONING BOARD: Wayfair, $102.99

See-Through Storage

We love a good wire basket cubby at HGTV. Wire baskets are way more attractive and practical than bulky, plastic bins because you can actually see what's inside. This shelving unit of wire baskets would be handy for sorting laundry between different members in the house. Baskets are also a great way to get kids involved in doing chores, such as putting up clean laundry.

From: Stefani Stein

Magnetic Storage

If you don't have a dedicated laundry room and your washer and dryer are in the bathroom, it can be frustrating trying to find space for storage. Enter this nifty, magnetic rack. It attaches to any metal siding and has bars, pockets and hooks for all sorts of cleaning supplies, dryer sheets and more. You could also empty it and use it as a drying rack for items like tennis shoes and hats in a pinch.

SHOP | MAGNETIC RACK: Food52, $58

Drop a Line

A simple solution for the clothes you can't throw into the dryer? A tried-and-true clothesline. This retractable option from The Container Store takes up just a couple inches on the wall yet provides nearly 8 feet for hanging shirts, pants and more.

SHOP | RETRACTABLE CLOTHESLINE: The Container Store, $14.99

Compact Drying

Or, if you'd rather not have a hotel-style line going across the room, mount a drying rack to the wall. This slim unit from The Container Store pops out when you need it and folds up against the wall when not in use. It's the perfect size for drying items that need hand washing and air drying, such as silk pillowcases.

SHOP | WALL-MOUNTED DRYING RACK: The Container Store, $79.99

Hangers Within Reach

Instead of scrambling around the house checking everyone's closets for spare hangers, have a dedicated spot in the laundry room for unused hangers. This little space between the two cabinets was created to hold a bar for hangers and makes hanging up wet items much faster.

Wall-Mounted Hamper

Short on floor space? Mount your hamper to the wall! This vertical hamper from West Elm is perfect for apartment living if you don't have a dedicated laundry room. But it's also great for larger households because it can be used to separate items that require specific settings, such as kitchen towels that need a high-heat antibacterial wash.

SHOP | WALL-MOUNTED HAMPER: West Elm, $160

Lots of Natural Light

Nope, this isn't a kitchen. It's a laundry room. But it sure looks like a farmhouse kitchen with the large, antique sink flanked by windows. If you want to make your laundry feel less utilitarian, take design cues from the kitchen. If your laundry room has an exterior wall, explore windows or a door that lets in more natural light. Natural light makes a room feel so much happier, even a room dedicated solely to chores.

SEE MORE: 30 Laundry Room Ideas You'll Love

From: Vernich Interiors

Super Slim Storage

Is there an awkward sliver of space between your washer and dryer? Turn that area into additional storage with this pull-out wonder. This tower is super narrow, meaning it can fit into those awkward empty spaces. It's perfect for storing detergent, fabric softener and more. These slim units are also handy in a shared space like an unfinished basement with a washer/dryer hook up.

SHOP | SLIM ROLLING STORAGE CART: Williams Sonoma, $119.95

Compact Folding Bar

How cute is this folding bar? It's wide enough that a hamper or a stack of towels can rest on top, but it's compact enough that it doesn't jut out into the room. It's also the perfect width for a laptop if you're working from home and multi-tasking.

Stackable Storage

The phrase "stackable storage" is music to our ears. This rolling unit from West Elm features a cart and a removable top basket. It's handy for putting up or transporting laundry in a shared residential building.

SHOP | LAUNDRY BASKET WAGON: West Elm, $153

Dedicated Hanging Space

If you have space for a longer bar, make a dedicated hanging rack between cabinets or the wall. This prevents scuffs on the molding if you usually hang items over a door, or saves someone the hassle of moving a bunch of wet clothes off the shower curtain rod.

From: Lauren Jacobsen

Collect Lint

It's absolutely critical to remove lint from the dryer filter between each load. Even the smallest buildup can start a fire. This little lint bin can be wall-mounted or set up against the dryer as a reminder to swipe the filter tray. We also love the retro font.

SHOP | LINT HOLDER BIN: Amazon, $24.99

Mix in Antiques

While we love organizational products from stores like The Container Store and Bed Bath & Beyond, we also love the personality that vintage or antique storage solutions can bring to a space. This Colonial home is true to character, even in the laundry room. The folding table has a turned leg, which is reminiscent of early 20th-century Colonial homes. And the antique Dutch door is as practical as it is charming because it's perfect for a little extra ventilation.

From: Tim Barber Ltd.

Retro Containers

Instead of bulky plastic boxes, upgrade to stylish storage. This vintage-inspired tin is perfect for storing detergent or gel pods. It even comes with a handy matching scoop.

SHOP | DETERGENT STORAGE BIN: Amazon, $24.73

Over-the-Door Storage

If your laundry room and utility closet are one and the same, over-the-door storage is super helpful for keeping vertical pieces like brooms and ironing boards off the ground. This rack from The Container Store is even sturdy enough to hold an iron or bulky detergent bottle.

SHOP | OVER-THE-DOOR IRONING BOARD HANGER: The Container Store, $27.99

Clever Coat Hooks

Or, if you don't want to use an over-the-door rack for an ironing board, just use two coat hooks. This simple hack keeps a large ironing board up off the ground and flat against the wall.

From: Sam Henderson

A Spot for Everything

No cabinets needed for this small-space storage unit featuring an adjustable rack and folding platform. Mounted wall baskets and hooks make sure there’s an assigned place for all supplies, accessories and even a mismatched sock or two.

Cute Vignettes

Floating shelves are a great way to cheat extra storage if you don't have the space or the budget for cabinets. Just make sure to check the weight restrictions before adding a hefty bottle of detergent! A great way to make floating shelves feel less random and more intentional in a space is with art. This vintage-style sign from Hearth & Hand is perfect for a little laundry room vignette.

SHOP | WASH & FOLD SIGN: Target, $27.99

Upgrade to a Sliding Door

Most laundry rooms — especially in new construction — have that same cookie-cutter door with slats for ventilation. For something a little bit more stylish, consider a sliding barn door. Keep it open when appliances are in use for air circulation, but slide it closed when you have company over. Beyond appearance, sliding doors are much more practical for small spaces and navigating with an armful of clothes.

From: Jonathan Rachman

Separate Delicates

If too many of your delicates have accidentally wound up in the regular wash, you need a dedicated container to keep laundry sorted. This rolling hamper from Wayfair can fold up when not in use but pops out to keep expensive garments that need dry cleaning or fabrics that require handwashing, such as silk, safe from the washer.

SHOP | METAL DOUBLE LAUNDRY CART: Wayfair, $283

Create a Steam Station

Not everything needs ironing. Sometimes clothes just need a quick steam. While you can do the old shower trick, installing a valet hook in the laundry room is just as simple. This tiny hook pops out for steaming blazers, dresses and other garments. It's also handy for hanging up dry cleaning orders.

SHOP | VALET FLIP-DOWN HOOK: The Container Store, $19.99

Conceal Your Dirty Laundry

Sorting bins for lights, darks and towels don't have to be front and center. When Erin Rollins of the blog Sunny Side Up was redoing her laundry room, she created drawers that disguise her plastic baskets. "Laundry can be such a chore," she says, "so I wanted a room that made the process as streamlined as possible."

Give Appliances a Lift

An easy way to increase storage space when it's time to upgrade your washer and dryer: pedestal drawers. Most manufacturers offer versions that perfectly fit their models. Plus, the added height makes loading and unloading a little easier.

Store Supplies in Style

If your favorite dryer sheets' package clashes with your color palette, transfer the contents into a container that's more in line with the decor. Stacy Risenmay of the blog Not Just a Housewife chose an old metal box that adds the perfect patina to her laundry room.

Turn Lost Socks Into Found Art

Instead of letting lonely socks pile up here and there, turn them into wall decor. This funny, functional sign, available from Iron Accents, puts singles on display and makes it a cinch to pair them up once you track down the perfect mates.

40 Clever Ways to Clean Up and Organize Your Laundry Room

Related To:

Shop This Look

Pull-Out Ironing Board

Fold-Up Folding Table

Hooked On Organization

Decorative and Practical

Opt for Cabinets Over Open Shelving

Space Saver

Hidden Laundry Closet

Room for the Dogs

Stylish Baskets

Peg Holders

Small Space Solution

Doggie Drawer

Mobile Hamper

Double Duty

Multipurpose Hampers

See-Through Storage

Magnetic Storage

Drop a Line

Compact Drying

Hangers Within Reach

Wall-Mounted Hamper

Lots of Natural Light

Super Slim Storage

Compact Folding Bar

Stackable Storage

Dedicated Hanging Space

Collect Lint

Mix in Antiques

Retro Containers

Over-the-Door Storage

Clever Coat Hooks

A Spot for Everything

Cute Vignettes

Upgrade to a Sliding Door

Separate Delicates

Create a Steam Station

Conceal Your Dirty Laundry

Give Appliances a Lift

Store Supplies in Style

Turn Lost Socks Into Found Art

How to Clean a Washing Machine

15 Ways to Organize a Small Closet for Less Than $50

How to Successfully Organize Your Pantry and Keep It Neat All Year

14 Best Laundry Room Ideas and Essentials

10 Laundry Room Signs to Cheer Up Chore Time

13 Things Every Laundry Room Should Have, According to a Cleaning Expert

Related Pages