Guest post by Haley Kieser from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
If your laundry room has a stack of clothes resembling the Leaning Tower of Pisa or if you struggle to see the laundry room floor, then it’s time to officially declutter and take back your space. A clean laundry room helps you save time spent trying to hunt for clothes. It can also help save money from buying extra products.
Here are seven tips to follow for clearing laundry room clutter:
1. Remove unnecessary items
The best way to organize a space is by starting with a clean slate. Remove all items from the laundry room, save the washer and dryer and order by what you can keep and what you can give away. Chances are there are several items you can trash or recycle such as broken hangars, empty detergent and broken laundry hampers.
Use this opportunity to put a small trash can in the room if there isn’t one already. Remove other items that aren’t related to laundry needs, such as books and sports equipment.
2. Consolidate products
Combine any half empty jars of laundry detergent or dryer sheets to help get rid of extra bottles. The next step is setting aside a space to put these items and keeping them there. This can be a great time to evaluate the products you use and narrow them down to what works best for a variety of fabrics.
3. Maximize your space
Whether the laundry room is an actual room or a space in a closet, there are always ways to add more space. The best way to organize a space is by going vertical. Invest in shelves and stack them wherever possible. The back of a laundry room door also works for hanging ironing boards or other items. Look for a wall-mounted drying rack, which helps air dry items without taking up too much room. Don’t forget to look out for hidden storage spaces, such as under a dryer or under a table.
If you’re having trouble with ideas on adding space, then consider hiring a professional organizer.
4. Invest in small storage containers
Not only do containers help you keep everything together, they also help hide laundry items from guests who stop by. These containers work well for storing items such as stain sticks, dryer balls or runaway socks. You can also use a small jar to store all the loose pocket change that ends up in the dryer. Families with small children should also consider sealable containers that will keep toxic items away from arms’ reach.
5. Label everything
Set a specific space for your laundry items and use labels judiciously. Not only will this help you keep everything organized, but it will also prevent someone else from using the laundry room and leaving detergent where it doesn’t belong.
6. Create laundry stations
Set aside two spaces for the laundry room: One for before clothes go in the washer and one for when clothes come out of the dryer. The first space is where you would put laundry baskets. The second can be a counter or table where you fold clothes or hang them up to dry before putting them away. This helps with the laundry process so you can put clothes away as soon as they’re dry instead of leaving them to wrinkle.
7. Consider a machine upgrade
Not only are modern machines more energy efficient, but they can also take up less space. Consider stacking appliances for small closets or studio apartments. Many small appliances also include pedestal drawers, which act as an extra option for storage. If you do go this route, make sure to properly dispose of your old appliances.