This post will share practical tips for any laundry space – whether you’re working with a tiny closet or a spacious room – plus product ideas and kid-friendly strategies to lighten your load. Let’s tame that laundry monster together!
Simple Laundry Room Organization Tips
Below are my top tips as a professional organizer for getting your laundry room in order and turning it into a serene (and aesthetic) space you actually enjoy.
1. Use a Peg Board
Even in a small closet, a pegboard system can transform wall space from chaos to order.
2. Small But Mighty Baskets
Small baskets keep supplies within reach and maximize every inch of your laundry area.
3. Go Vertical
Use walls or doors to free up floor space. Install shelves or cabinets up high for storing detergents and supplies. Every bit of vertical storage makes a difference.
4. Fold-Away Drying Rack
Bulky drying racks take up too much space. Opt for a wall-mounted rack that folds down only when needed.
5. Over-The-Door Hanger
No wall space? An over-the-door hanger is perfect for air-drying delicates in a compact laundry area.
6. Slim Hampers & Bins
Traditional baskets can be tripping hazards in tight spaces. Choose tall, slim hampers or hanging laundry bags. Use multiple small bins to sort clothes by color or family member.
7. Try a Multi-Purpose Cart
Slide a narrow rolling cart between your washer and wall to store detergent, stain sprays, and clothespins. Some folding carts even double as a small tabletop for folding or ironing.
8. Designate Zones
Think of your laundry room in zones: a sorting zone, a washing/drying zone, and a folding zone.
9. Add a Folding Surface
Install a countertop or drop-down table over your washer/dryer to fold clothes straight from the dryer. Even the top of your machines can double as a folding station—just keep it clutter-free.
10. Organize Your Cabinets
Group similar supplies into labeled bins: stain removers, rags, extra detergents, etc. This cuts down hunting time and keeps your space neat.
11. Keep a “Lost Socks” Bin or Basket on a Shelf
Designate a small basket or bin for solo socks. Hold a matching session once a month!
12. Embrace Open Space (but avoid clutter)
A roomy laundry area is great, but you don’t need to fill every inch. Keep only what you actually use. Add a cozy touch with a rug, wall art, or good lighting to make the space inviting.
13. Make Sure Everything Has a Home
Give everything a place: dirty clothes in hampers, clean clothes ready to fold, supplies in bins. No more chaotic piles! A clear system saves time and calms the mind.
Stick to a Laundry Schedule
A good routine is key. Here are a few simple systems that can save your sanity:
14. Do One Load a Day
Many moms find that doing one small load daily beats a marathon laundry day. Try tossing in a load each morning or assigning themed days like “Towel Tuesday” and “Sheet Saturday.” It’s manageable—and you’ll get your weekends back!
15. Finish Each Load Completely
Always finish the load the same day: wash, dry, and put it away. It prevents musty clothes and saves you from digging through laundry baskets later.
16. Make it Enjoyable
Pair laundry time with something fun: listen to music, a podcast, or call a friend. It turns a chore into a little pocket of “me time.”
Pick a system that fits your life. Even one small change can make a big difference. Once you find a rhythm, laundry won’t loom so large over your week.
Get the Kids Involved (Yes, Really!)
Teamwork makes the dream work—and that includes laundry! Involving kids early teaches responsibility and eases your load. Here’s how to make it doable:
17. Start Small & Make it a Game
Little kids love to help if it’s fun. Turn laundry into a sock-matching race or a clothes-tossing game. Be enthusiastic—kids mirror your attitude. A small reward, like picking the next family movie, keeps it exciting.
18. Give Age-Appropriate Jobs
Toddlers can move clothes into the dryer. Preschoolers can match socks. Grade-schoolers can sort clothes, and tweens/teens can handle full loads start to finish. (Bonus: you’re teaching them life skills before college!)
19. Celebrate Team Effort
Praise their help with a simple “Thanks for folding the towels—it really helped!” Over time, pitching in becomes just part of family life—not a dreaded chore.
Laundry may never be anyone’s favorite task, but with smart organization and a few family strategies, it doesn’t have to control your week. Whether your “laundry room” is a closet or a large utility space, small changes add up. Use what you have, repurpose baskets, add a few hooks if needed—and enjoy a more functional, peaceful space.
More Organization Tips and Routines:
Laundry Simplified: The Essential Routine that Changed my Life!