Simple Ideas To Organize A Laundry Room
If you want easy, everyday ideas on how to organize your laundry room… I’m so happy you are here! I just refreshed my very average, modest-sized laundry room with a few affordable organizing items and some cute home decor tweaks and I’m so happy to be sharing my simple ideas on how to organize a laundry room. All easy to duplicate, for a pretty and practical laundry room!
Welcome to day 20 of our 4 week Cleaning & Organizing Challenge. Today I’m sharing some of the best tips and ideas for good closet organization. Following the Free Printable Checklist/Calendar, Jess Mom4Real and I are continuing to share our completed tasks & projects with you.
Click the link below for our checklist and jump-in anytime, you can work at your own pace!
Simple Ideas To Organize A Laundry Room
If you followed along for the 4 week challenge, please forgive my delay in getting this last project up. We had a few things come up and it couldn’t be helped.
My laundry room is located in our lower level walk-out basement, and it’s the one room in the house that doesn’t have a single window. So please excuse the lighting.
It’s also a shared room, in that it is a combination laundry room & powder bathroom.
When you saw it last, I was sharing my jewelry organizing ides.
I’ve since decided to utilize this counter space 100% for laundry use.
When we installed the cabinets and counter, I intentionally had a small gap left between them and the wall, so that I could have the perfect spot for my ironing board. I’ve never regretted it. It’s so easy to get to, yet never in the way!
There is also room for a small space-saving folding step stool, and even my bathroom scale! Again, both so easy to grab quickly for frequent use.
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If you have a traditional top load washing machine, and are a shorty like me, having a step in front of the washing machine is such a help!
Making a step for our top load washer was a simple DIY. We used some scrap wood, and simply attached a frame to the side of the cabinet and the back wall. Then a top piece to the frame. Followed by caulk and paint for a finished look that matches the cabinet base.
We kept the step the same depth as the cabinet for a smooth transition. This eliminates accidental toe kicking, yet it’s plenty wide to access the washing machine tub safely and comfortably.
The ceiling in our bathroom is fairly low and it has a slant as well. To keep things feeling light and open, we opted for an open shelf rather than cabinets over our washer and dryer.
Simplifying what was on my shelf, I decided to leave just my glass detergent dispenser. With the push down toggle, it’s easy to reach and operate.
With more free space, I added some greenery to give a little life to the room. Which looks much clearer, brighter and more cheerful in person. Artificial light does not photograph well at all.
And while I still absolutely love the chunky wood shelf we made out of vintage reclaimed crown moulding, it’s a little far for me to reach. These are the adjustments I made, and they suite me so much better.
I ADDED A CUTE & FUNTIONCAL BASKET TRAY TO MY DRYER TOP.
Now, I’m keeping my washing soda right next to the washer tub. It’s in a thick glass lidded jar, which I adore, but it’s heavy. I feel this is a much safer location for it, as opposed to me really reaching to get it on and off the shelf every time I want to add a scoop to a load of laundry.
The same with my wool dryer balls! It’s so much faster and more efficient to have them literally right within reach.
Since this is a shared space, the WAKE UP art makes sense in here for me, where as in a traditional stand-alone laundry room, it might not. It’s the first thing I see in the morning and the bold black & white adds a nice punch to the message!
When we hung the chunky DIY wood shelf, we also made a simple wood box to help camouflage the water lines for the washing machine. It’s not fancy, but it beats looking at a white plastic insert, water lines and brightly colored knobs! I painted it the same color as the wall and I’ve been so happy with it!
Speaking of painting… when I took these photos, the camera really magnified what a disparity there is between the ultra bright white of my washer and dryer, and the creamy soft white of my vanity! I was already considering updating the soft grey walls, and now I think I need a whole new plan because that vanity needs some kind of attention. Or replacing.
When I was organizing our laundry room, just for fun I changed out the knob hardware on the cabinet doors and the vanity with some cute chunky wood & brass ones that I had in my stash. I happened to have an extra, so I added it to the vintage glass bin lid. I’m using it to store my face cloths.
It’s nice to have them right where I need them, as my facewash and eye make-up remover are located right under the sink. Plus it’s so handy to just roll them up right out of the dryer and tuck them away!
Behind the entry door, on the wall opposite of the commode, I’ve got a hardworking wood & metal shelf.
For being a free-standing piece, it’s such a great fit for this space.
After purging and re-organizing it’s actually looking a bit bare!
Of course, I don’t have my laundry that needs ironing hanging up right now… (I spared you that) but the bar it so perfect for that.
And hang drying too. I hang all my intimates, the delicate elastic doesn’t fare well with the heat of a dryer. Being in the Pacific Northwest, it’s nice to have somewhere indoors for that.
The three baskets on top are pretty & practical — holding my cleaning rags, hand towels, and extra washcloths.
Those are the baskets I kept sharing with you guys because the price was so good. I told you I was getting more too, and boy am I glad I did because they are perfect here! They are the Water Hyacinth Baskets, and you get set of FOUR baskets! [click here].
Because I had a little extra room, my bunny came to help oversee my laundry duties. And he also makes sure I put the clothes pins back when I am done with them.
And yes, we are still sporting the DIY wood plank wall we installed using fence board! For us, it was a great fix/cover up for our rough, poured in place concrete wall.
It was fast, easy, has held up well… and only cost $28.00 to complete! We did this prior to shiplap being so popular. It’s a less refined look, a bit more rustic. Sometimes, we can’t all afford to do major renovations or remodel, and I think having less expensive options to fix things up is nice, and I enjoy sharing them with you.
My house and head feel so much lighter as I’ve reached the end of our cleaning and organizing challenge. I hope you feel the same!
Want to know a secret? Organizing has a profound affect on my mental health. I love how relaxed I feel in my home when everything is neat, clean and tidy. I’ve always liked to clean, because I love the results and how it feels afterwards. I feel the same about organizing. The act itself is such a calming activity for me. Going through our things… accessing, purging, and keeping only what we need and use. It’s so satisfying as it falls back into place. Better.
Also, I’ve found that when things get hectic, overwhelming, or I don’t feel in control… it’s nice to have something that I can take in-hand, tackle, and dominate! lol
And the best gift of all, is that an organized home is easier to clean, to keep clean, and overall just works better for ourselves and our families. Love & light, Shan
I’ve included convenient clickable shopping links below for you. Some may be affiliate links. Click here for full disclosure.
SOURCES:
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Water Hyacinth Baskets, set of FOUR(4) [click here] These are the baskets on top of the rack.
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Water Hyacinth Baskets, set of TWO(2) [click here]. You’ve seen these in my entryway & pantry.
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My big Wood & Metal Shelf/Garment Rack ONLY $69 bucks! [click here] Note* we did just add solid wood shelves to ours, but had it as sold for a few years previous. Just wanted a new look and a bit more heft.
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Alternative: UNDER $50 – Two Tier Garment Rack With 3-Drawer Organizer! [click here] I’ve got several pieces from this Better Homes & Gardens collection and it’s really nice.
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I’ve got loads of baskets sourced here for you [click here] Also, try HomeGoods & Target for great prices.
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My thick lidded glass jars are vintage, but you can find the same look and style [click here] and [click here].
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I found a link for the glass jar on my vanity as well! It’s called a Penny Jar [half gallon click here]. I’m sure referring to penny candy, as it’s exactly what it reminds me of!
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Full gallon Penny Jar [click here] and for TWO full gallon Penny Jars [click here].
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Round White Shiplap Mirror [click here]
Marty says
Love this laundry room, it looks amazing.
SUSAN says
Love this room! Makes doing laundry some what of a pleasure.
Shannon Fox says
Susan, it’s so enjoyable to open my tidy cabinets, and everything is so easy to reach now 🙂
THANK YOU!!
Diane says
Your laundry room is just gorgeous! I used to have a set of similar shelves with a bar for hanging delicates and we used it for years until re-doing our laundry room a couple of years ago. We also put task lighting under the cabinets…. you could try that too since there are no windows in the room. I almost always use the task lighting and never turn on the over-head light. Strip lighting would be pretty affordable if you don’t want to go the expensive route…. That being said, I truly love your laundry room! Great job!
Shannon Fox says
Thank you! Yes, it’s very handy. I love having a dedicated spot to hang things.
That’s a grand idea, and I’d thought of it but it would have to be battery powered… so I don’t think I will.
Otherwise, I’d love to!
Hooray for a new laundry room for you!!
Mary says
Glad to see your Fox with a TopHat back! I always loved him in your other rooms.
Shannon Fox says
Awe thanks Mary! I just love him too.
I actually have two 😉 hehe
I bought one for my mama, and I’m waiting for a car visit to get it to her!
Madeline Jean Woods says
Could you please tell me where to get those baskets? I am always looking for baskets that are good quality and still affordable! I absolutely love the ones that you have on display!
Shannon Fox says
Hello!
I sure can. I updated the post and it’s full of sources at the bottom for you now.
But here is the link for the baskets. https://bit.ly/3sQJHs1 (they are still in stock, I just checked!)
They ship free too.
Shannon 🙂
Marty says
What a great space. I love how you’ve decorated every nook and cranny
Shannon Fox says
Thank you sweet Marty 🙂
I’m just rolling along and getting rid of so much!
Simple is so much easier.
BEST, Shan
Terri says
I really love how your room came together! I have to find a glass container for my face cloths now! The knobs have a cool vintage vibe. There are always so many different whites in a bathroom they rarely match each other. In our old house we painted our white vanity a soft charcoal and it was a fabulous neutral.
My day begins and ends with laundry. Putting a load in is usually the first thing I do in the morning and folding one is often the last thing I do before I go to bed. Our laundry room is a shared space in a storage closet with open wire (shudder) shelving everywhere. We have a slanted ceiling in there too with lots of hoses and wires in full view along with a lovely array of winter coats in sizes I promise I’ll fit into one day. It also houses extra blankets, sheets and king size comforters that have long since blown out their space bags and are taking over those wire (shudder again) shelves like giant sta-puff marshmallows. There’s a little table for laundry supplies that are constantly competing for space with my iron and my cactus drying balls which have fallen enough times for me to step on and say words sailors have tattooed on their biceps. I have to constantly move the hamper to open the dryer door. The wire (omg another shudder) shelf that I hang my clothes on is way too high so I sometimes have to jump to catch the hanger. I count that as exercise. I think this might be my next project.
Shannon Fox says
Hey honey!
You can usually find those at the thrift stores for next to nothing! Mine was probably a quarter. LOL
The knobs were on the TV armoire upstairs and I changed them out at Christmastime.
You know I’m all about real. I feel everything you shared about the laundry room situation! LOL
Our basement level is nothing fancy, but it’s perfect for us size wise.
We’ve got a walk-in storage closet down there though, and I spent a full work day organizing.
It’s the only closet besides our bedroom downstairs, and it was out of control.
I finally felt strong enough to spend a full day on my knee back and forth (and it got to be a priority) and I can not TELL you how much calm and relief I felt when it was done.
I won’t blog it, it’s not pretty. We built massive wood shelves from plywood and 2 x 4’s and it is purely functional.
Now, I’ve got our luggage in there, all electrical/lightbulbs/extension cords, house tools, back-stock household items, my step ladder, vacuum, several totes of keepsakes tucked in. Plus I was able to add a full size rack for all of our shoes, and I dedicated and entire shelf to my rugs, and also two to all of our bed linens.
I touched everything, cleaned everything, and it’s ALL organized. FINALLY 🙂
I wish you were closer, it’s something I truly love to do! I’d come help you and we would whip that into shape.
Cooper could help. xoxo Shan
If you ever want ideas or a cheerleader, just let me know 🙂
Terri says
You have always been my greatest cheerleader! Love you! Oregon is just too far away from NC. We need to ouch them closer ????
Shannon Fox says
You know I love the South! Maybe one day…
Hugs sweetie.