Ever opened your laundry closet only to be greeted by a tumble of detergent bottles, mismatched baskets, and that one missing sock you swear you just washed? If your laundry routine feels chaotic, you’re not alone. A well-designed laundry room storage plan can turn piles into order, speed up chores, and actually make laundry feel less like a punishment and more like a quick, efficient routine. In this guide you’ll get practical DIY tips, step-by-step improvement ideas, and design inspiration you can apply today.
Why Smart Laundry Room Storage Matters
Good storage does more than hide clutter. It creates zones for sorting, folding, and storing supplies so you spend less time searching and more time doing. Whether you have a spacious laundry room or a compact closet with stacked machines, the right storage solutions—from wall-mounted shelves to pull-out hampers—can transform your space.
Laundry Room Storage Basics: Plan Before You Build
Before swinging a hammer, take time to plan. A quick planning session saves money and prevents rework.
Step 1 — Measure and Map It Out
- Measure width, depth, and height of the space including doors and baseboards.
- Sketch a simple layout with appliance locations and where plumbing/electrical lives.
- Note how you use the space: do you need more folding room, hanging space for delicates, or storage for bulk detergent?
Step 2 — Declutter & Categorize
Empty the room and sort items into keep, donate, and trash. Group like items—cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, clothespins—this helps you decide what storage types you need (closed cabinets vs. open shelving).
Step 3 — Create Zones
- Work zone: folding surface, countertop, and task lighting.
- Supply zone: detergents, stain removers, and extra towels in cabinets.
- Sorting zone: labeled hampers or pull-out bins for lights, darks, and delicates.
- Drying zone: wall-mounted drying rack or retractable clothesline for air-dry items.
DIY Laundry Room Storage Projects (Easy to Advanced)
1. Floating Shelves and Baskets — Fast Upgrade (1–2 hours)
Install 2–3 floating shelves above the washer and dryer. Use woven baskets for supplies to keep a clean aesthetic. Tools: level, drill, anchors. Materials: floating shelf kits, baskets, labels.
2. Build a Folding Countertop (2–4 hours)
- Measure the width above your front-loading machines.
- Cut plywood or butcher block to size; sand and finish with polyurethane for moisture resistance.
- Mount brackets to studs and secure the countertop. Add a removable cutting board for extra use.
Result: a dedicated folding area that can double as additional workspace.
3. Install Pull-Out Hampers and Slim Rolling Carts (Beginner to Intermediate)
Pull-out hampers slide out from a cabinet or under a countertop and are perfect for sorting laundry by color. For narrow gaps, a slim rolling cart stores detergents and brushes and can tuck between stacked units.
4. Create a Pegboard Command Center (1–3 hours)
Mount a painted pegboard on an empty wall to hold sprayers, lint rollers, small baskets, and a clipboard for laundry instructions. Pegboards are inexpensive, flexible, and instantly organize small tools.
5. Cabinet Makeover with Pull-Out Shelves (Intermediate)
Convert deep cabinets into usable storage by adding pull-out shelves or lazy Susans. This reduces bending and keeps bottles accessible.
Design Inspiration: Styles That Work for Laundry Areas
Laundry spaces can be stylish as well as useful. Here are a few looks to consider:
- Modern Minimalist: White cabinets, quartz countertop, matte black hardware, and clear labeled jars for detergents.
- Farmhouse Charm: Open wood shelves, galvanized baskets, apron-front sink, and shiplap walls.
- Scandinavian Bright: Light wood, pastel accents, floating shelves, and lots of natural light.
- Industrial Utility: Metal shelving, concrete-look countertop, and hooks for heavy-duty tools.
Small-Space Laundry Room Storage Solutions
If you have a closet washer/dryer or tiny laundry nook, use vertical and hidden storage:
- Over-the-door organizers for cleaning supplies and small tools.
- Wall-mounted drying racks that fold when not in use.
- Magnetic spice jars or clear canisters on appliance sides for pods and clothespins.
- Stackable bins and labeled baskets to keep counters clear.
Budget-Friendly Tips and Materials
You don’t need to spend a lot. Here’s how to upgrade economically:
- Paint cabinets and swap hardware for a fresh look.
- Use inexpensive plywood and a clear sealer to create countertops.
- Shop thrift stores for baskets and vintage labels to add character on a budget.
- Repurpose a bookshelf as an open-shelving unit for towels and supplies.
Maintenance: Keep Your Laundry Storage Working for You
Routine maintenance keeps systems functional:
- Every 3 months, declutter and check expiry dates on chemicals.
- Re-label containers if use patterns change.
- Clean lint traps and vacuum behind machines to prevent buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best storage ideas for a small laundry room?
Maximize vertical space with wall shelves, use over-the-door organizers, install a slim rolling cart between appliances, and use stackable, labeled baskets. Wall-mounted drying racks and fold-down countertops also help in tight spaces.
2. How can I make a laundry room look organized without a full remodel?
Paint cabinets, add matching baskets or bins, install a few floating shelves, and use clear or labeled containers for detergents. Good lighting and consistent hardware finishes can make a big visual impact with minimal cost.
3. Are pull-out hampers worth the investment?
Yes—pull-out hampers reduce visible clutter, make sorting easier, and can be customized for capacity. They are especially useful if you want a clean, built-in look and fewer exposed bins on the floor.
Putting It All Together
Transforming your laundry room storage doesn’t require a contractor or a huge budget. With a plan, some smart DIY projects, and a few stylish storage pieces, you can create a functional, beautiful laundry area that saves time and stress. Start by measuring, decluttering, and creating zones—then pick one small project to tackle this weekend.
Ready to make progress? Check out our collection of DIY projects for step-by-step tutorials or browse more home design ideas for inspiration. Get started today and turn laundry day into a breezy, organized routine with better laundry room storage.
