When storage space in your home is minimal, your belongings often end up stacked and stowed in places like the laundry room. Because of its utilitarian nature, this room often becomes a prime place for storage when space has been maximized in other areas.
With spring cleaning upon us, and the great organizational and storage solutions available at your local True Value hardware store, getting your laundry room in order is easy.
Organize Your Laundry Room
Laundry rooms usually get the least amount of attention when it comes to organization – especially if they’re in the basement. Here are a few ways to make your laundry room an efficient storage area as well as a place to wash clothes.
Step 1: Install Shelves and/or Cabinets
Shelves and cabinets add storage space and help control clutter. They can also give you room for folding clothes and organizing detergent, fabric softener and other laundry supplies.
Keep your shelves organized by using storage containers for stowing away items and keeping them clean and dust-free. With storage containers, you can keep similar items on the same shelf. This will make finding everything, from holiday decorations to extra blankets, easier. Keep a small container around for items lost in the washer/dryer, such as coins, buttons, extra socks, etc.
Helpful Tip
A small trash bin for lint and used dryer sheets is great next to the washer and dryer.
Step 2: Use Laundry Hampers or Sorters
It may go without saying but the more organized your dirty laundry is, the easier it will be to clean it. A hamper or basket will keep your dirty laundry neatly contained and easier to handle before you wash. A sorter may also be helpful when organizing dirty laundry into separate loads.
Step 3: Get a Clothes Rack
A drying rack next to the washer gives you the perfect place to hang clothes as they come out of the washer, especially delicates. It allows you to lie clothes flat to dry, gives you a place to hang garments and keeps you from scattering wet clothes all around your laundry room.
Step 4: Use a Folding Table
A folding table or rollaway cart is a great resource for folding clothes as they come out of the dryer. It’s there for you when you need it and easy to put away when you don’t, keeping your laundry room organized when it’s not laundry day.