Laundry Room Organization: How to Simplify a Homemaker’s Most Dreaded Task in 6 Simple Steps

Simplify your laundry routine with these practical tips for laundry room organization. Learn how to declutter, maximize small spaces, and create an efficient sorting system for a functional and cozy laundry space.

Laundry can often feel like an endless chore, but having an organized and functional laundry room can make a world of difference. When your space is clean, tidy, and set up for efficiency, the task becomes more manageable—and maybe even a little enjoyable.

This guide will walk you through practical tips for laundry room organization so you can simplify your routine and turn your laundry area into a space that works for you.

Why Laundry Room Organization Matters

A disorganized laundry space can make a simple chore feel overwhelming. Piles of clothes, misplaced supplies, and cluttered countertops only add to the stress. With a little effort, you can create a clean, streamlined laundry area that saves time and energy while keeping your home running smoothly.

1. Declutter Your Laundry Space

The first step to organizing your laundry room is to declutter. Over time, we tend to accumulate mismatched socks, empty detergent bottles, and other unnecessary items.

How to declutter your laundry room:

• Remove everything from shelves, countertops, and cabinets.
• Toss or recycle empty or expired products.
• Donate duplicate items or things you don’t use.
• Only keep essentials, like detergent, stain removers, and fabric softeners.

By eliminating what you don’t need, you’ll have more space to focus on functionality.

2. Invest in Storage Solutions

Efficient storage is key to maintaining an organized laundry room. The right containers and organizers can keep everything tidy and easily accessible.

Storage ideas for a functional laundry room:

• Baskets or bins: Use labeled baskets for sorting whites, colors, and delicates. (These are the baskets I use. When filled it equals about one load of laundry. I simply toss the bin full of clothes in the washer and get it started.)
• Shelves or cabinets: Install shelves or use cabinets to keep detergents and cleaning supplies off the counters.
• Wall-mounted racks: Use racks or hooks for drying clothes or hanging ironing boards.
• Clear containers: Store powders or pods in clear jars for a streamlined look that helps you see when you’re running low.

Having a place for everything ensures your laundry room stays clean and functional.

3. Create a Sorting System

Sorting laundry is one of the most time-consuming parts of the process, but a simple system can make it much easier.

Tips for simplifying laundry sorting:

• Place separate hampers or baskets for whites, darks, and delicates in your laundry room.
• Use color-coded labels or signs to help family members sort their own laundry.
• Add a small basket or bowl for collecting loose change, buttons, or other items found in pockets.

A good sorting system reduces the amount of time you spend separating clothes before each load.

• Why You Need a Laundry System + What’s Working for Us

4. Maximize Small Spaces for Laundry Room Organization

If your laundry room is on the smaller side, make the most of the space you have by thinking vertically and creatively.

Ways to maximize small laundry rooms:

• Install a fold-down drying rack or ironing board to save space.
• Use over-the-door organizers for smaller items like stain remover or dryer sheets.
• Hang a tension rod above the washer and dryer for air-drying clothes.
• Utilize the tops of machines for slim storage bins or baskets.

Small laundry rooms can still be highly functional with the right storage and organization solutions.

5. Add a Personal Touch

Your laundry room doesn’t have to feel purely utilitarian. Adding small touches of decor can make the space more inviting and enjoyable.

Decor ideas for a cozy laundry room:

• Hang a cheerful sign or artwork that fits your home’s style.
• Add a small plant or vase of flowers for a touch of greenery.
• Use attractive baskets, jars, and containers to keep supplies organized and visually appealing.
• Incorporate a pleasant scent, like a lavender sachet or essential oil diffuser, to make the space smell fresh.

A welcoming laundry room can make the task feel less like a chore and more like a part of your homemaking routine.

6. Establish a Laundry Routine

Even the best laundry room organization won’t help if laundry isn’t done regularly. Establishing a routine can prevent piles of clothes from taking over your space.

Laundry routine tips:

• Assign specific days for different types of laundry (e.g., towels on Tuesday, sheets on Saturday).
• Set a timer or alarm to remind you to move loads between the washer and dryer.
• Teach family members to fold and put away their own laundry to share the responsibility.

A consistent routine helps maintain order and keeps laundry manageable.

Final Thoughts

Laundry may never be the most exciting part of homemaking, but an organized and functional laundry room can transform it into a task you can tackle with ease. By decluttering, investing in storage solutions, and creating an efficient system, you’ll save time and reduce stress in your homemaking routine.

Take a little time this week to simplify your laundry space—it’s a small effort that can make a big difference!