Laundry Room efficiency ideas

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

We just moved into a new house and this is the smallest laundry I've ever had.

6.5' deep x 6.75' wide. Usable space 6' x 3.25' with door open. Can't push the machines back any farther.

We have really tall ceilings so how can I maximize the height? In the front corner we have two wicker baskets for each of our laundry, but our household laundry has to be kept in a nearby large hallway closet. The baskets are always being pushed around.

Add a rod for DH to hang clothes? Not that I want them there because he's known to make the laundry his closet if given the chance.

I can't reach the shelf, 6ft high, without a step stool. I think they put them high to allow those who use the storage bases?

There are 12inches to the left of the washer for an ironing board or dry rack. But now I'm thinking maybe a slimline storage option?

Would it be worth putting in a countertop? The irony is I took one out of the last house because it seemed to limit use (and it was ugly). Now it makes sense.

Featured Answer

Toronto Veterinarian

4 years ago

Looks like a lot of space, as far as I'm concerned.......I've had a laundry closet just big enough for a stacked W/D for the last 15 years. I'd add another shelf (at your preferred height), and leave that 12" space empty, to allow better access to the hook ups at the back. At most, hang a broom and mop there - something that can be easily removed for access. In the corner with the baskets, you could add some wall hooks for hanging, if that's important to you.

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Comments (7)

sushipup2
4 years ago
More shelves above the machines, and hanging racks on the other walls.
missmgrrl
4 years ago
Elfa shelving from Container Store inspiration:
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Lyndee Lee
4 years ago
Push the machines closer together and closer to the side wall. An inch between and an inch to the wall will leave you enough room for a nice shelving unit. If you use a metro unit or similar knockoff, you can probably find something between 15 and 18 inches wide and 30 or 36 deep. Put it on wheels and roll it out of the way whenever you need access to the machines. If you want to store an ironing board or a broom, put a hanger on the wall behind the door swing.
quasifish
4 years ago
The laundry room at our place is similar, except that it is a pass through between the hall and the garage, so it has doors (read: in the way) on the wall opposite the machines.

We put shelves above the machines, up to the ceiling. It's great storage, though does require a step stool to get to the top shelves. At one point we considered getting stackable machines, to push them off to one side completely, and then have room for some other type of storage unit.

We also considered putting in a counter top, but decided against it when one of the machines needed repairs and we realized that in a small space, a counter would be a major hindrance to work around. If you do want a counter, I'd suggest having one put in that can be lifted off and easily removed from the room in case of maintenance.
Momof5x
4 years ago
1. Since your washing machines don’t open from the top, you can place a chopping board like table ( wall to wall) on top of them to use for your laundry baskets.
2. Add another shelf , above washing machine for soap containers etc and you can use baskets to organize all things like pegs, cloths, etc..
3. In the corner where there are the larger baskets, see if you can fit a slim corner cabinet, just for hanging some clothes etc if need be.
4. Use the inside of the door by hanging one of those shoe organizers with many pockets, this will come in handy for holding stuff too. I find mine useful for holding sanitizers, scrubbing brushes, lint brushes and the like.
Jen K (7b, 8a)
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
@Momof5x, @quasifish, @Lyndee Lee, @Toronto Veterinarian, @missmgrrl, @sushipup2

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and helpful suggestions. I look forward to implementing them.