Small laundry rooms can feel cramped and tough to manage. When space is tight, you really have to make every inch count.
But honestly, with a bit of smart planning and some creativity, you can totally transform even the tiniest laundry space. It’s possible to make it both functional and nice to look at.
This guide shares practical ways to make your laundry space work harder. You’ll find storage solutions for tight spots, tips for using your walls and doors, and ideas to keep everything in order.
1. Install wall-mounted shelves
You can use these shelves with both top-load and front-load machines. Most cost less than $100 if you build them yourself or buy them ready-made.
Stack your detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning supplies right where you need them.
2. Use stackable washer and dryer units
Stacking your washer and dryer frees up valuable floor space in your small laundry room. You can use that extra room for cabinets, a folding counter, or maybe even a small sink.
This setup fits well in closets, apartments, and other tight spots.
3. Add pull-out laundry baskets
Pull-out laundry baskets keep dirty clothes out of sight but close by. Install them under a counter or inside a cabinet.
You can sort laundry by color or type this way. It also keeps your floor clear and the room tidy.
4. Hang a fold-down ironing board
A wall-mounted ironing board folds up when you’re done. This keeps it out of your way and opens up the floor.
Install one in your laundry room or even inside a closet. When you need it, just pull it down and get ironing.
5. Incorporate magnetic detergent holders
Magnetic holders stick to the metal sides of your washer or dryer. They give you instant storage without using up any floor space.
Toss detergent bottles, dryer sheets, and stain removers in there. Everything stays within arm’s reach while you do laundry.
6. Use clear bins with labels
Clear bins let you see what’s inside right away. Label each one—maybe stain removers, dryer sheets, or lint rollers.
Group similar things together in separate bins. That way, your supplies stay organized and easy to grab.
7. Mount a retractable drying rack
These racks work great in tight spaces like small bathrooms or laundry nooks. They usually hold several items and keep your space clean and organized.
Pull it out to dry clothes, then tuck it away again.
8. Utilize over-the-door organizers
The back of your laundry room door is free real estate. Hang an over-the-door organizer to stash detergent, stain removers, and dryer sheets.
You won’t have to use up shelf or floor space for these supplies.
9. Choose slim rolling carts
Slim rolling carts fit right in the narrow gap between your washer and dryer. Most have 3 or 4 tiers for storage.
You can load them up with detergent, dryer sheets, and cleaning sprays. They roll out when you need something and disappear when you don’t.
10. Add hooks for hanging frequently used items
Hooks are a quick fix in small laundry rooms. Mount them on the wall or even on the door.
Hang clothespins, brushes, or cleaning supplies to keep things off your counters.
11. Install under-cabinet LED lighting
Stick LED strip lights under your cabinets to brighten up dark counters. They’re easy to install and don’t use much energy.
Pick plug-in or battery-powered lights for a quick setup. Mount them near the front edge for the best effect.
12. Use pegboards to organize small tools
Pegboards keep cleaning tools easy to see and grab. Mount one on a blank wall and hang up spray bottles, brushes, and dusters.
Add small bins for sponges and cloths. This frees up both floor and shelf space.
13. Paint walls in light, bright colors
Light paint colors really do make small laundry rooms feel bigger. White, soft gray, and pale blue reflect light and open up the space.
Brighter hues create a fresh vibe that helps the room feel less cramped. Lighter shades just make everything look more inviting.
14. Install a countertop over front-loading machines
A countertop over your front-loading washer and dryer gives you a spot for folding clothes. It’s a simple way to add workspace in a small laundry room.
You can use wood or laminate to build the counter. Plus, it stops stuff from falling between the machines.
15. Opt for cabinetry with pull-out shelves
Deep cabinets make it hard to reach things in the back. Pull-out shelves solve that by bringing everything forward.
They work best in cabinets at least 20 inches deep. You can access cleaning supplies and detergents without digging around.
16. Place a slim hamper in narrow spots
Slim hampers slide right into tight corners and awkward gaps. Go for tall, narrow designs that use vertical space instead of the floor.
Pop one between your washer and the wall or beside a door. Dirty clothes stay contained without crowding your room.
17. Use decorative baskets
Decorative baskets hide messes and add a little style. Place them on shelves or the floor for dryer sheets, clothes, and other small stuff.
Pick woven baskets that match your colors to keep things looking neat.
18. Install a small sink with a faucet
A utility sink gives you a spot for handwashing delicate clothes or rinsing dirty items. Find compact models for tight corners or narrow spaces.
Wall-mounted or slim cabinet sinks won’t crowd your laundry area.
19. Add a fold-out drying rack
A fold-out drying rack above your washer gives you drying space when you need it. When you’re done, just fold it flat against the wall.
This setup works well for small loads and delicates that can’t go in the dryer.
20. Add a stool that doubles as storage
You know what’s actually handy? A small storage stool. It gives you a comfy spot to sit while you’re folding laundry, which is honestly underrated.
Just lift the top and stash your detergent, dryer sheets, or whatever cleaning bits you need inside. You keep everything out of sight, but it’s still right there when you need it.