Laundry Room Cabinet Organization Ideas

A well-organised laundry room can make doing the washing a more enjoyable task. There are many ways to organise your laundry room cabinets, from choosing the right colour scheme to making the most of the space inside.

One way to make the chore of doing laundry less tedious is to personalise your laundry room with bold colours and patterns. For example, brilliant blue cabinets paired with palm-frond wallpaper can fashion a fun, tropics-inspired room.

It's also important to strike the right balance between storage and workspace. Consider the activities that take place in the laundry room, such as treating stains and sorting or folding clothes, as well as the items you need to store, including detergents, cleaning products, and ironing supplies.

You can also maximise storage by installing floating shelves along the walls to keep supplies out of the reach of children but still within easy reach for you.

Utilise wall space with shelves or cabinets

Utilising wall space with shelves or cabinets is a great way to organise your laundry room. If you have a small space, it's important to make the most of every inch, and wall-mounted storage is an effective way to do this.

One option is to install floating shelves. These can be placed along the walls, at any height, to store laundry essentials. Floating shelves are a great way to keep supplies out of the reach of children but still within easy access for adults. Clear jars or vases can be added to floating shelves to store detergents and fabric softeners, ensuring they are easy to see and reach.

Another idea is to install wall cabinets. These can provide closed storage for a tidier, more polished look, while also keeping items dust-free. If you have a small laundry room, consider installing cabinets that stretch to the ceiling to maximise storage space. You can also utilise the space above your washer and dryer by adding two sets of storage cabinets. This will reduce your countertop workspace, but it can be a clever trade-off for more storage.

If you prefer the convenience of open storage, opt for open shelving instead of cabinets. This can be achieved by removing the doors from regular cabinetry and filling in any holes left by the hardware. Open shelving provides easy access to everyday laundry essentials and can be styled with decorative bins to add a stylish touch.

For a unique look, consider installing a combination of shelves and cabinets. Upper shelves can be used for decorative or less frequently used items, while closed cabinets keep lower spaces tidy and organised. This mix-and-match approach offers multiple ways to store laundry room necessities and can be customised to your needs.

Create a space for clothes that can be worn again before washing

If you like to wear your clothes a few times before washing them, it's a good idea to create a designated space for them in your laundry room, so they don't get mixed up with the wash pile. This will help keep your laundry room organised and prevent your re-wear clothes from ending up in a pile on the floor or on a chair. Here are some ideas for creating a space for clothes that can be worn again before washing:

Use a Separate Laundry Hamper

Consider using a separate laundry hamper or basket for clothes that can be worn again. This will help reduce visual clutter in your laundry room and ensure that your re-wear clothes don't get mixed up with the clothes that are ready to be washed. You can place the hamper next to your existing one or store it in your laundry room cabinet or closet.

Install Hooks or Pegs

Install some hooks or pegs on the back of your laundry room door or on a wall. This is a great way to hang up lightly worn clothes and keep them separate from the clothes that need to be washed. It's also a space-saving solution, especially if you don't have room for an extra hamper or basket.

Create a Designated Shelf or Drawer

Designate a shelf or drawer in your laundry room cabinet specifically for clothes that can be worn again. This will help keep your laundry room organised and ensure that your re-wear clothes don't end up in a pile on the floor or on a chair. Just make sure not to let too many items accumulate on the shelf or in the drawer before wearing them again or putting them in the hamper.

Use a Rolling Garment Rack

Keep a rolling garment rack in your laundry room to hang up worn clothes. This is a stylish and functional solution that can also be used to store accessories. It's a great option if you have the space and want to keep your re-wear clothes separate from the rest of your laundry.

Put Clothes Back with Clean Ones

Although this method may make it harder to keep track of what you've worn, you can put your lightly worn clothes back with your clean ones in the drawers or closet. This option is ideal if you don't have space for extra hampers, shelves, or hooks. Just make sure to fold or hang the clothes immediately after taking them off.

Install a hanging rod for drying clothes

A hanging rod for drying clothes is a great way to save space in your laundry room. There are a few different ways to go about installing one. You can buy a ready-made laundry valet, which is a heavy-duty steel rod that can be locked into different angled positions and folds away when not in use. Or, if you're feeling creative, you can make your own like one person who used an old curtain rod and plant brackets, which they screwed into the wall above their door. If you don't want to drill into your walls, you could try a free-standing option, such as a metal valet rod that attaches to a grid closet component or a wall-mounted rack that uses cast iron pipes.

When installing a hanging rod, it's important to consider the height and placement. You want to make sure it's easily accessible—perhaps at a comfortable height for you to reach and with enough space to hang clothes without touching the walls or any cabinets. If you're installing a rod above a door, like in the DIY option, you might need a step stool to reach it if you're on the shorter side.

A hanging rod is a convenient way to dry clothes that need to be air-dried, and it's a great space-saving solution for small laundry rooms. Whether you buy a ready-made option or create your own, this addition to your laundry room will surely make the chore more enjoyable and efficient.

Use bins, baskets and containers for storage

Bins, baskets and containers are essential for optimising storage in your laundry room. They can help to keep your space tidy, organised and easily accessible. Here are some tips on how to use them effectively:

Choose the Right Type of Container

Select containers that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. Opt for pretty storage containers that complement your laundry room's style. For instance, vintage crocks or clear jars can be used to store laundry pods, while decorative fabric storage bins can hold clothes, towels and blankets. Pull-out baskets, rolling carts and bar carts are also great for storing laundry supplies and can be easily moved around.

Utilise Different Sizes and Types of Bins

Use a combination of small, medium and large bins to accommodate various items. For example, you might use large bins for towels and blankets, medium-sized bins for laundry pods and detergent, and small bins for clothespins and other small items. Additionally, consider using bins with lids to protect their contents from dust and moisture.

Label Your Containers

Labelling your containers can make it easier to find what you need and maintain an organised laundry room. You can use Post-It notes, Sharpies or a label maker to indicate the contents of each bin. This is especially helpful if you're storing similar items in different locations or if multiple people use the laundry room.

Maximise Space with Strategic Placement

Place your bins, baskets and containers in areas that maximise storage space. For instance, utilise open spaces inside cabinets or built-ins to store laundry bins. Install floating shelves or hanging rods to create additional storage for containers and hanging items. Make use of wall space by hanging wall hooks or pegboards to hang laundry baskets, drying racks and shelves.

Keep Items Accessible

Arrange your containers in a way that makes items easy to access. Place frequently used items at eye level or within arm's reach. Use rolling shelves or carts to access items stored in the back of cabinets or on high shelves. Ensure that your container placement makes sense for your laundry routine, creating a seamless workflow.

Label containers to keep things organised

Labelling containers is a great way to keep your laundry room organised. It ensures that everything has a designated place and makes it easier for you and your family to find what you need. Here are some tips for labelling containers in your laundry room:

Choose a Labelling Method

You can use a variety of methods to label your containers. Some options include:

• Using a Sharpie or label maker to write directly on the containers.
• Printing labels and sticking them on the containers.
• Using chalk markers to write on the containers, which can be easily wiped off if you need to change the labels.
• Using chalkboard paint to create reusable labels on metal bins, jars, or drawers.
• Using self-stick vinyl letters or adhesive vinyl labels, which are great for dark areas like basements or garages.

Decide on the Information to Include

In addition to the name or category of each item, you can include additional information on your labels. For example, you can write the recipe or instructions for items like custard powder or pancake mix directly on the container. You can also include the expiry date or purchase date of the items, so you know when to replenish or rotate your stock.

Standardise Your Labels

For a cohesive look, try to standardise the labels as much as possible. Use the same colour, font, and label size for all the containers in your laundry room. This will make it easier to locate items and create a sense of organisation.

Label Placement

Place the labels in a visible spot on the containers. If you're using clear containers, consider labelling the front and back, so you can easily identify the contents from any angle. For opaque containers, you may also want to label the lids or tops for quick identification.

Create a Master List

If you're using numbered labels or colour-coding your containers, create a master list or key that explains what each label or colour represents. This will be especially helpful if you're storing items on high shelves or in places that are not easily accessible. With a master list, you can quickly find what you need without having to climb up and down to check each container.

Frequently asked questions