Make the Most of a Small Laundry Room

Laundry is one of those ongoing household responsibilities that most people would eliminate if they could. Nonetheless, many of us are confronted with the challenge of conquering a mound of unwashed clothes more than once a week. Lacking adequate space in which to do laundry can make this necessary chore a dreadful one, but that does not have to be the case. Maximizing the functionality of a small laundry room is simpler than it may seem.

Perhaps your laundry area is cramped simply because it is packed with too many large objects. Some common laundry needs—such as drying racks, ironing boards, laundry supplies, baskets and tables—can take over a small laundry space fast. But why not consider making the switch to collapsible items to save space? For instance, a drying rack that attaches to the wall and can be extended for use and collapsed otherwise is a no-floor-space-required alternative to a free standing rack. Another space saving idea is to replace rigid laundry baskets with collapsible hampers, which can fold flat when not in use and be stowed in the space between the washer and dryer or flush with the wall. If you are one of the many people who cannot live without a working surface in the laundry room, you may consider replacing your standard table with a foldable one that can be collapsed when not in use. Putting away the table when not in use opens up valuable floor space that can double as an area for ironing.

Another way to maximize the utility of a small laundry area is to make the most of vertical space. With a washer and dryer occupying considerable floor space, vertical space is all that is available in many small laundry rooms. Shelves mounted to the wall above and surrounding the washer and dryer provide ample space for laundry supplies and solve most storage issues. Shelves can be installed fairly easily and inexpensively using boards affixed to L brackets. Replacing a standard washer and dryer with space efficient stackable ones is another option for using vertical space, though such specialized appliances tend to be more costly.

Manufacturers of laundry appliances and products are increasingly aware of the challenges associated with small laundry spaces, and many have begun offer products that provide the same functionality in smaller packages. Stackable washer and dryer units are a great example of space conscious innovations. Also, laundry detergent is now being manufactured in a condensed formula, which is packaged in a smaller container and requires less per load than regular detergent.

A few simple upgrades can make a big difference when it comes to maximizing the utility of a small laundry room. Before you perform a laundry room overhaul, assess what issues may be contributing to your lack of space. Are the washer and dryer situated in the best location to maximize the usable space in the rest of the room? Is the laundry room packed with items unrelated to laundry? Sometimes the answer is right in front of you, and all it takes to improve on your current system is taking the time to assess what you can do to utilize the space you do have more efficiently.

About the Author: Stephen Nickse is the founder of Closet Solutions, a leading provider of quality Boston closets, strategically headquartered in the nation’s design capitol, Boston, Ma. For more information, please visit www.closet-solutions.com.