If you’re like me, your laundry room might be cluttered.
You may see stacks of detergent, fabric softeners wobbling, and mismatched containers everywhere. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Organizing your laundry room isn’t the most fun task. But when you finish, it feels great.
Whether your space is small or large, these simple tips will help you stay organized. You’ll save time and feel more in control.
1. Assess Your Laundry Room’s Needs
What Do You Actually Use?
The first step in organizing your laundry room shelves is figuring out what you actually use. And I don’t just mean the obvious laundry detergents and fabric softeners.
I’m talking about those random items you’ve been shoving in there—old dryer sheets, unused stain removers, or maybe even that forgotten bottle of bleach you didn’t know you had.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What products do I use regularly? (Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, etc.)
- What items are just taking up space? (Ahem, old fabric softener that’s been sitting there for months!)
- Do I need to store any cleaning supplies or other household items? (Sometimes the laundry room becomes the catch-all for miscellaneous stuff.)
Once you’ve identified your essentials, you’ll know exactly what needs to be on the shelves and what can be tossed or relocated.
2. Choose the Right Shelving System
Open Shelves vs. Closed Cabinets
Now, let’s talk shelves. Do you want them open for easy access or closed to keep things neat and tidy?
Both options have pros and cons, so it’s all about what works for your space and style.
- Open Shelves: Perfect for easy access, but they can get messy fast. If you go this route, consider using baskets or bins to keep everything in place. Otherwise, it’s a free-for-all.
- Closed Cabinets: These are great if you want to hide the clutter. A good option if your laundry room doubles as storage for cleaning supplies or extra toiletries.
- Floating Shelves: If you want something sleek but functional, floating shelves are the way to go. They give you space without overcrowding the room.
Pro Tip: If you’re tight on space, go vertical! Tall, narrow shelves can provide plenty of storage without taking up too much room.
3. Sort and Categorize Items
The Power of Categorization
Once you’ve chosen your shelving system, it’s time to group your items. Trust me, grouping like items together will save you so much time and frustration down the line.
Here are some categories you can consider:
- Laundry Supplies: Detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, etc.
- Drying Supplies: Dryer sheets, dryer balls, wool dryer balls (Yes, I swear by them!).
- Cleaning Products: Sponges, rags, floor cleaner, etc.
- Extra Storage: Extra toilet paper, paper towels, or other miscellaneous household items.
Not only does this make everything easier to find, but it’ll help you spot when you’re running low on essentials (so you don’t end up washing clothes with nothing but water!).
4. Use Containers and Bins
Don’t Let Loose Items Take Over
Okay, let’s talk containers. You know those rogue laundry pods that always seem to roll around like they have a mind of their own?
Or that bottle of bleach that could use a cozy little home?
Containers are your best friend.
You can pick up a few clear plastic bins or cute baskets to corral your laundry essentials.
I personally love the clear ones, so I can see what’s inside without having to open every single one. (Because let’s face it, who has time for that?)
Here’s what you should be storing in containers:
- Laundry Pods: Keep them in a container with a tight lid. No one wants a laundry pod explosion all over their shelves.
- Spare Towels: If your laundry room is also where you store towels, keep them neatly folded in a basket. They won’t end up in a tangled mess.
- Loose Items: Dryer balls, lint rollers, and even extra hangers can all have a home in a container.
FYI: Label your containers. Trust me, you’ll be thankful when you’re not wasting 15 minutes hunting for that one thing.
5. Maximize Shelf Space with Hooks and Racks
Hang It Up!
Let’s talk about the often-forgotten potential of your walls.
Hooks, racks, and pegs are a great way to maximize your shelving space and keep things organized without crowding your shelves.
Here are some clever ways to use hooks:
- Hanging Baskets: Use hooks to hang small baskets for odds and ends like dryer sheets or fabric softener bottles.
- Clothing Hooks: If you need to hang up any delicates or air-dry items, install some hooks to keep them off your shelves and out of the way.
- Ironing Board: Many people store their ironing boards in the laundry room. Mounting it to the wall with hooks saves valuable shelf space and keeps it within easy reach.
Hooks are perfect for those items that need a little extra room to breathe but don’t necessarily belong in a cabinet.
6. Keep Things Clean and Accessible
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Once your laundry room shelves are all organized, it’s time to keep them that way.
I know, it’s tempting to toss things back in there when you’re in a hurry (hello, laundry day chaos!), but taking just a few extra minutes to maintain the order will save you tons of time in the future.
Here’s how to stay on top of it:
- Routine Cleaning: Wipe down shelves once every few weeks. Dust and detergent residue can pile up quickly.
- Use Shelf Liners: Not only do shelf liners make your shelves look neat, but they’re also a great way to protect your surfaces from spills or leaks.
- Declutter Regularly: Once every few months, check what you actually use. If you haven’t touched something in a while, maybe it’s time to toss it or repurpose it.
Trust me, you’ll be glad you did when it comes time to do laundry. No more scrambling for a missing sock (or detergent).
7. Don’t Forget About Labels
Because Why Not Make It Pretty Too?
If you’re really into organizing (like, can’t stop won’t stop kind of into it), labeling your containers and shelves is a great way to add a touch of personality to your laundry room.
Plus, it helps everyone in the household know exactly where to put things.
You can get as fancy as you want with labels—chalkboard labels, modern font labels, even cute washi tape labels. It’s all about what makes your space feel functional and cute.
Bonus points if you label shelves with categories like “Laundry Detergent” or “Dryer Supplies” to make everyone’s life just a little bit easier.
Conclusion: Now, Look at That Organized Laundry Room!
There you have it—your complete guide to organizing laundry room shelves like a pro.
By following these simple steps, you’ll not only make your laundry room more functional but also more enjoyable to spend time in (yes, even the laundry room can be fun!).
So go ahead, grab a basket, tidy up, and show your laundry room who’s boss. After all, who says organizing has to be boring?
And when you’ve finished? Pour yourself a glass of something nice. You’ve earned it. 😎
