How to Set Up a Laundry Room That Works for You

If there is one room in the house that can get messy in a hurry, it’s the laundry room!

Between dirty clothes, clean clothes waiting to be folded, and laundry supplies that never seem to stay put, this small space can turn into a hot mess before you know it.

But here’s the good news. You don’t need a big laundry room, fancy cabinets, or an expensive makeover to get things working better.

What you do need is a setup that makes sense for how you do laundry.

Whether you have a separate room, a small laundry closet, or just a washer and dryer tucked into a corner, I’ll walk you through how to set up a laundry room that is organized, easy to use, and much easier to keep that way.

And if you’re looking for more ways to get your home working better, you’ll find plenty of helpful ideas in my How to Organize guide.

When we moved into our smaller home, one of the biggest adjustments I had to make was with my laundry room.

In our old house, I had a HUGE laundry area. A big table for folding clothes, plenty of space for hanging things to dry, and even a dedicated sorting area. Everything had a place, it was bright and organized, and I actually enjoyed doing laundry in there!

Fast forward to our new home, and let’s just say things look a little different.

My laundry area is in the basement, where it’s dark, a little dingy, and nowhere near as roomy as what I was used to.

I had to get creative with storage and find tools that would help me make the most of the space I had.

And that’s what I want to help you do here. Not recreate some picture-perfect laundry room, but set up a space that works for you, your home, and the way you do laundry.

How Do You Set Up a Laundry Room?

To set up a laundry room, start by deciding what you need the space to do. Create an area for sorting dirty clothes, keep your laundry supplies close to the washer and dryer, and set up a spot for folding and hanging clean clothes. Use shelves, baskets, and wall storage to make the most of the space you have.

The goal is to create a laundry room that’s easy to use, easy to maintain, and works for your home and family.

How Much Space Do You Need for a Laundry Room?

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need a dedicated room to have a functional laundry setup.

Of course, having a separate laundry room with plenty of storage and counter space is wonderful, but it’s definitely not a requirement.

A laundry closet, a basement corner, or even a small area off the kitchen can work just as well when you set it up with a little planning.

The trick is to look at the space you have and decide what you can realistically fit into it.

For example, if you don’t have room for a folding table, you might use the top of your dryer or a wall-mounted folding surface. If floor space is limited, shelves above your washer and dryer can give you a place to store supplies without taking up any extra room.

Remember, the goal isn’t to fit everything into your laundry area. It’s to fit the things you actually need to do laundry.

Step 1. Decide What Your Laundry Room Needs to Do

Before you start buying baskets, shelves, or other organizing supplies, take a minute to think about what you actually need your laundry room to do.

Sure, washing and drying clothes are the main jobs, but what about everything else?

Do you sort your clothes before washing them? Do you hang certain things to dry? Do you fold everything right there, or do you take clean clothes to another room?

These are all things to consider before setting up your space.

Start by making a quick list of the activities you want to do in your laundry room.

A few examples might be:

• Sorting dirty clothes into loads.
• Washing and drying clothes.
• Hanging delicate items to air dry.
• Folding clean laundry.
• Treating stains or soaking clothing.
• Storing detergent and other laundry supplies.
• Keeping an ironing board or steamer nearby.

Once you know what you need your laundry area to do, you can start creating a spot for each activity.

And remember, just because you can do something in your laundry room doesn’t mean you have to.

If folding clothes on your bed works better for you, that’s perfectly fine! The goal is to set up your laundry room around your routine, not change your routine to fit the room.

Step 2. Set Up a Laundry Sorting Area

One of the easiest ways to make laundry day run more smoothly is to have a place for dirty clothes to go before they get washed.

And no, that doesn’t mean you need a row of fancy hampers lined up against the wall!

Start by thinking about how you sort your laundry. Do you separate lights from darks? Wash towels on their own? Have a special load for delicate clothing?

Choose a sorting system that matches how you actually wash clothes.

Here are a few options to consider:

• Divided laundry hamper: Great for separating clothes into two or three categories without taking up much floor space.
• Stackable laundry baskets: A helpful option when floor space is limited but you still want to separate loads.
• Rolling laundry sorter: Works well if you have extra room and want to move laundry easily from one spot to another.
• One simple laundry basket: Perfect if you prefer sorting clothes right before you wash them.

If your laundry area is small, don’t feel like you need to squeeze in a sorting station. You can keep hampers in bedrooms or bathrooms and bring the laundry down when it’s time to wash.

The important thing is to have a system that keeps dirty clothes contained and makes it easy to get a load started.

D/M Pro Tip: Before buying a laundry sorter, measure the space where you plan to put it. A hamper that looks perfect online won’t be much help if you’re tripping over it every time you open the dryer.

Step 3. Organize Your Laundry Supplies

Laundry rooms have a way of collecting more than just laundry supplies, don’t they?

Detergent, stain removers, dryer sheets, cleaning products, extra hangers, and before you know it, every shelf is packed full!

Before you start adding more storage, take a few minutes to sort through what you already have.

Keep the supplies you use most often close to your washer and dryer, and move extras or less frequently used items to another storage spot if space is limited.

Once you’ve narrowed things down, look for ways to make the most of the space you have.

Here are a few storage ideas that work especially well in laundry rooms:

• Wall-mounted shelves: Use the wall space above or beside your washer and dryer to store supplies without taking up valuable floor space.
• Baskets and bins: Group smaller items such as dryer balls, stain removers, and extra cleaning cloths so they’re easy to find.
• Slim rolling carts: A great option for narrow spaces between appliances or beside a laundry sink. Just be sure there’s enough clearance for ventilation and access.
• Cabinets: Helpful for keeping supplies out of sight, especially if your laundry area is part of another room.
• Hooks and hanging organizers: Use them for lightweight items such as laundry bags, empty hangers, and cleaning cloths.

And here’s something I always recommend: Give your everyday supplies the easiest spots to reach.

If you’re constantly stretching to grab detergent from a high shelf or moving three things just to get to your stain remover, your setup probably needs a little adjusting.

Remember, the goal isn’t to fill every available shelf or cabinet. It’s to have a place for the things you actually use so laundry day is easier, not more complicated.

One quick safety tip: Keep detergents and other laundry chemicals in their original labeled containers, stored securely away from children and pets. Avoid placing heavy containers on high shelves where they could fall.

Step 4. Create a Place for Folding and Hanging Clothes

One thing that can make laundry day a whole lot easier is having a place to put clean clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer.

Otherwise, you know what happens. Clean clothes end up in a basket, on top of the dryer, or piled on the nearest chair, waiting to be folded. And sometimes they stay there a little longer than we’d like to admit.

If you have the room, a folding table or countertop near your dryer is a great option. But if your laundry area is small, there are plenty of ways to make things work without adding more furniture.

A few ideas to consider:

• Wall-mounted folding table: Folds down when you need it and back up when you’re finished.
• Top of the dryer: A convenient folding spot if you have a flat, accessible surface and enough room to work safely.
• Wall-mounted drying rack: Perfect for hanging delicate clothing without taking up valuable floor space.
• Hanging rod: Install one beneath a sturdy shelf or in an open wall area for shirts, pants, and other clothes that need to hang dry.

And don’t forget about where your clean clothes go next!

Keep an empty basket nearby so you can carry folded laundry back to the bedrooms and put everything away.

D/M Pro Tip: If you don’t have room to fold clothes in your laundry area, don’t force it. Fold them on your bed, at the kitchen table, or wherever you have the space. Just make sure you have a plan for getting everything put away when you’re done.

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Step 5. Make Everyday Laundry Easier

Now that you have your laundry room set up, let’s talk about making laundry day a little easier.

Because even the most organized laundry room won’t help much if doing laundry still feels like a big production!

One of the best things you can do is look for small ways to make each load easier to start, finish, and put away.

Here are a few simple ideas that can help:

• Keep stain remover handy. Store it near your washer so you can treat stains before tossing clothes into the wash.
• Hang up a laundry symbols chart. This is especially helpful when you’re washing something new or aren’t sure what those little symbols on the clothing tag mean.
• Keep a small basket for stray items. Use it to collect loose change, buttons, or anything else you find in pockets before washing.
• Have a place for empty hangers. A hook or small hanging rod keeps them together and ready when you need them.
• Keep a basket for clean laundry. When clothes are dry, you can quickly carry them to the room where they belong.

And here’s one more thing that can make a big difference.

Try to finish one load of laundry all the way before starting another.

That means washing, drying, folding, and putting everything away.

I know that’s not always possible, especially on busy days. But when you can, it helps prevent those piles of clean clothes from taking over your laundry room.

DM Pro Tip: If laundry tends to pile up, try setting a reminder on your phone for when the washer or dryer finishes. It’s a simple trick that can keep a load from sitting forgotten for hours.

Step 6. Add a Few Finishing Touches

Just because your laundry room is a hardworking space doesn’t mean it can’t look nice, too!

Once you have your sorting area, storage, and folding space set up, you can add a few finishing touches to make the room feel more inviting.

And don’t worry, you don’t need to spend a fortune or give the entire room a makeover.

Here are a few easy ideas to consider:

• Brighten things up. If your laundry area is in a dark basement or doesn’t have a window, better lighting can make a big difference.
• Add a little color. A fresh coat of paint, a washable rug, or a colorful basket can make the room feel more cheerful.
• Use matching baskets. If your shelves are open, coordinating baskets can help everything look less cluttered while keeping supplies organized.
• Hang something you enjoy. A small picture or a simple piece of wall decor can make the space feel more like the rest of your home.
• Consider a curtain or screen. If your washer and dryer are in a shared living area, a curtain or folding screen may help conceal them when they’re not in use. Just make sure it doesn’t block ventilation or appliance access.

But here’s something I want you to remember.

You don’t need to decorate every empty wall or fill every shelf to have a finished laundry room.

Sometimes, having a little open space is exactly what makes a room feel organized and easier to use.

DM Pro Tip: Before buying anything decorative, spend a week using your newly organized laundry room. You might discover that an extra hook or basket would be more helpful than another pretty sign on the wall!

It’s particularly useful in areas like laundry rooms, where floor space might be limited.

Use the higher spots for things you don’t need every day so your everyday items are easy to reach.

Also, consider adjustable shelves so you can tailor the space to your needs as they evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up a Laundry Room

A Laundry Room That Works for You

Setting up a laundry room doesn’t have to mean a big renovation, expensive storage systems, or a picture-perfect space.

It’s about making the most of the room you have and creating a setup that makes laundry easier to manage.

Start with what you need, find a home for your supplies, and make sure you have a simple way to sort, fold, and put clothes away.

And remember, your laundry room doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to work well for you.

The best laundry room is one that fits your space, your routine, and your life today.

If you’re ready to make laundry day even easier, check out my laundry routine guide for a simple way to stay on top of the washing, drying, and putting away without letting laundry take over your week.

More Easy Organization Hacks:

• How to Create Space in a Small Kitchen
• How to Organize Kitchen Appliances in a Pantry
• How to Setup a Laundry Routine that Works