Do have a budget to get cabinets built or is this a DIY project?

Mine is open to where we should be able to park cars. (We can't, but that is another story.) Is yours?

I purchased cheap white laminate cabinets from Lowes. They are the Estate brand. Some hang on the wall and some sit on the floor. I put a lower shelf than yours over the washer/dryer. We left the water heater open. I put stuff I liked to look at on top of the cabinets and on the shelf. I also put a rug in front on the washer/dryer.

It is not like having an inside laundry, but one advantage is that when, not if, the washer overflows, it just runs down the garage floor and out the door, lol.

What is in front of the water heater? You can make a utility closet for the water heater but it has to be fully accessible, so that might not be an option in your case.

How much space do you really have to work with? a little floor plan and some more pics might help.

Maybe create a bit more of a room

I think there are lots of options for this space depending on how far you want to go and what your needs are. It can be simple - just add a tall cabinet to the right and wall cabinets all the way across ( make them deeper so they are easier to reach and hold more ) or you can get much more creative.

Good luck!

I would love for it to be a DIY, but realistically may need help with the cabinets. Yes, this faces directly out to the main garage where cars are parked so really couldn’t change the layout or add a wall. I’ll take a look at Lowe’s doe cabinets. Thank you! In front of the water heater is a water pressure tank. It may be difficult to do a built in around both. I’ll take some measurements/floor plan and post as well. I appreciate the help already!

I’m not a construction expert, far from it, but your layout reminded me of this before and after I saved on Instagram a while back.

I‘m not suggesting do exactly this, just thought it might provide some inspiration:

I personally wouldn’t need that sink, and would prefer it all be a flat surface for folding and/or hanging things. I’d take the cabinets to the ceiling, lose the sink and lights, tile, paint, or wallpaper where the brick is, change your light to something fun, and have a good-looking indoor/outdoor rug in front of everything.

I got this cart on A.mazon for my laundry room and love it. I keep cleaning things and laundry stuff on it:

It might not be big enough for your needs, just search laundry carts for lots of different kinds … or maybe rolling hampers:

Good luck!

I think your actual set up looks potentially very practical but just may need some organizing.

How often do you need to access the items on the shelf above your water heater, washer, and dryer? I find it hard to reach above machines and would put things up there that you rarely need to reach. If that is the case here, just get some nice plastic bins at Target to contain the items you already have on that shelf and just make it look tidier. I don't suggest putting cabinets up there. Too hard to reach.

The top of a machine is a great surface for storing bottles of detergent, which you are already doing. If you want to make it look nicer, just get some more bins in which to place the detergents.

The area to the right of your washer and dryer also looks really useful for charging your vacuum and storing your ladder and ironing board. Is there anywhere else you can charge and place these items? If so, then you could put a pre-made set of shelves or a pre-made cupboard in this space. I found many of these items at Lowe's to organize my basement. (Inter Metro metal shelves are always great if you want something open. Super easy to put together.

If it suits you to keep using that space for the vac, step ladder etc items, then you can invest in all kinds of fancy doo-dads to hang these items on the wall. Check out garage, vacuum, and ironing board organizing at The Container Store.

I personally would not want to hang dry or fold laundry in the garage with cars. I'm not even sure why. I guess most garages I've been in have dust and dirt.

Maybe get some inspiration here:

Elfa White Laundry Unit

“I personally would not want to hang dry or fold laundry in the garage with cars. I'm not even sure why. I guess most garages I've been in have dust and dirt.”

That’s a good point, I somehow missed that this was in the garage, even though it’s RIGHT THERE IN THE TITLE.

Ixnay that for sure. And I’ll learn to read better. :D

I like your idea of enclosing the water heater. This is a nice look and it wouldn’t impinge on your parking area. I love the elevated washer and dryer.

Milford Laundry Room · More Info

I would add a wall on right of water heater to separate from laundry area. If planning to put up cabinets, you’ll want to consider putting framing up first to bring cabinets forward on the wall so cabinet door are closer to front of machines. You’ll likely need the step stool to reach upper cabinet. Also consider making a top that spans both machines with side boards to support. If you still need storage space consider getting a cute 2 shelf roll cart to keep all your laundry supplies in. Can keep it next to the water softener.

Is there room about 3’ or 4’ in front of the machines to put an island or bookshelf of sorts? Something to separate the laundry from the garage? I see the overhead door back there, so maybe there isn’t room.

If you have the room you could build a storage room to house your ironing board and vacuum, etc. Just not sure without measurements if it's even a possibility. I do like the cabinets that ffpalms posted too.

What is the code for how much space a water heater needs around it if it is to be enclosed? Or, if there is no code, what are the minimum clearances recommended by the manufacturer? Also, practically speaking, how much room does a repair person need to access it and work on it? Call your plumber, or a plumber and run your plan by them. See if the gripe and kvetch or if they say no sweat, don't worry about it. I'm big on the practicality of mechanicals. (Daughter of a mechanical engineer!)

I say, keep your water heater and your machines free of cabinetry and restricted access. They are in a garage. The space can be tidy and organized without being overly remodled and impractical. Paint the back wall a pretty color or use removable wall paper. Get pretty shelves and bins. And call it a day.

Post and pics of a very similar garage set up and how they enclosed the water heater.

https://ahomefordesign.com/Blogpost/umus/Laundry-nook-in-garage-makeover--before-and-demo

Another where they had to enclose a water softener machine - smaller than a water heater.

https://www.anikasdiylife.com/garage-laundry-room-makeover/

I would:

• Remove the existing shelf.
• Install a couple of rows of heavy-duty wire shelves between the water heater and the edge of the dryer (example: ClosetMaid Maximum Load 16 in. D Silver Ventilated Wire Shelf)
• Buy totes as needed to put on the shelves to store and organize stuff.
• Place a tall, metal cabinet to the left of the dryer (example: Husky Ready-to-Assemble 24-Gauge Steel Freestanding Garage Cabinet)
• Hang a pegboard on the wall adjacent to the water heater for tools (example: ClosetMaid ProGarage Black Metal Slatwall Panel System with Accessories)
• Leave the water heater alone.

Most of the world over people hang laundry out their windows in urban areas with a lot more dust and detritus from traffic and pollution than you find in a typical garage. In fact, well-kept garages are probably less dusty than basements.

Ixnay to constantly running dryers and killing the planet, but no persuading most Americans of that.

https://www.quora.com/Where-do-European-people-dry-their-clothes

Saying ”ixnay” like I did (and like you mocked) regarding the garage doesn’t mean there are no other places to hang clothes to dry. Backyards, patios, rooms in the house, etc can be used if someone would prefer not to hang them in a garage.

I’ve lived in Europe. “European people” don’t all do the same thing.

I like how my laundry closet worked out. You have a lot more room to add more.https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6168392/laundry-closet-wall-color

you have all that great space. lots you can do.

start off w/decent lighting.

here's an idea to conceal the water heater

how about a place to fold? maybe install a sink. some shelves

I renovated the garage laundry area in my niece's house a few years ago. It was an easy DIY project. I laid sheet vinyl in the garage alcove and covered the cement lip of the foundation with vinyl base. I edged the sheet vinyl with a vinyl reducer strip to finish the raw edge and transition to the rest of the cement garage floor. I replaced the 45-year-old washer supply valves and installed cabinets (from Home Depot) for storage. I built a table using a hollow-core door cut in half that I reinforced and painted for the side panels, and ¾” melamine-coated particle board that I cut to the dimensions I wanted for the top and center support. I edged the table with 1”x2” maple that I sanded and gave a clear polyurethane finish. I made a small melamine-particle board box that sits on one corner of the table to cover the water valves and drain pipe. The table can be unscrewed from the wall and the vertical cabinet and moved easily in case service is needed on the W&D. The total cost including the new W&D was about $3000. Everything has held up well for 4 years. Here are before and after pictures. You have a great space to work with! Go for it!