And only put things in the closet that belong there. That helps.

There doesn't seem to be enough room for all the laundry to be hung in that closet plus all the laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.

Ur so right... However, there is no other closet available so we've made do. I'm hoping for ideas on how to manage it all. Thanks for ur comments

You'll have to create a storage area/closet somewhere else in the area.

If you are using it for storage gets some attractive boxes with lids and put the stuff in it and then put it on the shelf.

If you have to have clothes there because you are using it as a closet, try replacing the hangers with identical plastic ones and some fuzzy ones for sweaters. Hang the beach towels on hangers, too, if you use them frequently. If the use is seasonal, put them in a plastic bag on the top shelf.

You may want to sort through the laundry supplies to get rid of not-useful cleaners or to use up dibs and dabs.

Add a higher closet rod or small towel bar for those extra hangers, too.

Also, think about how stores "face" merchandise forward. It takes a few minutes to straighten and face. Stores do not keep things that don't get sold; well-used closets should have high turnover, too.

I have the exact same layout, only without the doors.

The previous owners put in 3 shelves above the units so that's where we store rags, extra paper towel, cleaning supplies and the like. We put curtains across the front of it to hide it, and as far as making it attractive, we keep the curtains closed. Some areas are going to be almost impossible to spruce up other than to keep stuff put away.

Is it possible to install two regular doors (instead of folding)? The backs of doors are great for hooks and storage). Are the clothes going to be moved to the bedroom closets or is this where they stay? Baskets (as suggested by others) are a great way to go. Make them colourful and label them. You could add a narrow shelf to the right of the washer for the smaller bottles (with a ledge to keep the bottles/containers from falling into the wash).

Better Homes & Garden website has lots of ideas and pictures on how to organize small spaces. Check it out.

Try and declutter as much as possible. Try and use storage containers for what must be kept in there. I almost think you should consider stacked units when it is time to buy new ones. Then you could have lower storage on the one side and hanging above. New flat doors instead of folding is a great idea and simply leave them closed for an uncluttered look.

Are the hanging clothes there as storage or because you are drying them or need to iron? If you need this space as hanging storage, place a rod up high across the closet width and an open cabinet below. Divide the open cabinet in half - one side for laundry supplies and one half for folded clothing. A closet company can build this for you.

For a quick, cheap solution I would switch the clothes rod to above the washer instead of the dryer. That would give you space for more full shelves above the dryer. Everyone else also has good suggestions of decluttering and using containers for organization.