Getting The Most Out Of Your Laundry Room

It's no secret that for most of us, laundry feels like a necessary, if boring, chore that we'd prefer to think about as little as possible. As a consequence, the laundry room is often an afterthought in our homes, frequently tucked into an inconvenient corner or closet, if not relegated to the garage altogether. But with the changing way we're using our homes, having a workable, multifunctional laundry space can help us maximize efficiency, free up space in other areas of our homes, and turn laundry from a tedious chore into a truly satisfying task. 

Making your laundry room work for you can be as simple as rearranging your existing space to accommodate your "flow" as you work, or as complicated as adding specialized storage to maximize whatever room you have and move items that are now stored in other places in your home. Whatever space you're working with, here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your laundry room.

1. Consider How You Want The Space To Work

A great laundry room is more than just a washer and dryer. Before you start on a laundry room upgrade, consider how you want the space to function for you. Do you wash a lot of clothes that need special care or require handwashing? Do most of your items go into the dryer, or do you need space for items to air dry before they're stored? 

Thinking about how you would like to use your laundry space can help you to prioritize how that space is arranged. If, for example, you have a lot of delicate items that must be hand washed and air dried, adding a laundry sink and a collapsible drying rack or closet rod can make that task easier while freeing up space in other rooms, such as the kitchen or bathroom, that might otherwise be used for that purpose.

On the other hand, if you don't have many delicate items but you're doing a large volume of laundry, consider maximizing your counter space by adding counters instead of a laundry sink, or adding counters on top of front-loading washers and dryers. 

Setting up your laundry room based on function is a key element in staying organized. It's always easier to avoid clutter and keep your space feeling relaxing when it actually works the way you need it to. Having a designated spot for everything you use, and making sure that your common tools are accessible can make laundry feel like less of a chore and more of a relaxing, mindful exercise. 

2. You Can Never Have Too Much Storage

Even if your laundry routine is pretty straightforward, there's no question that laundry supplies take up space. Adding dedicated storage for all of your laundry supplies can reduce clutter — and keep dangerous items out of the curious hands of little ones. 

Labeled baskets that can sit on a shelf are an easy way to store items in a way that makes them easy to find while still keeping them out of sight and keeping your space looking uncluttered. If you've got a bit more room, the laundry room is a great place to add cabinet space to store laundry supplies, general cleaning products and tools, or guest linens. Specialized storage, such as a slim cart between your washer and dryer, can keep frequently used items close at hand, while cabinets can store specialty items that you use less often. 

3. Think Vertically To Maximize Your Space

Especially if you're working with a small space, it's important to utilize every square inch to the fullest, which means thinking vertically. A stacked washer and dryer can help to use limited square footage more efficiently, as can modular hook and panel wall storage that provides space for hanging items. Mounted collapsible dryer racks can create space to dry items while folding back into the wall when not in use, allowing your space to work more efficiently. Similarly, pull-out shelves and drawers can allow you easy access to everything you need while hiding clutter and making the room feel open and airy.

Shelves large enough to hold laundry baskets or a vertical stacking unit with wire mesh drawers can provide a space to sort items, preventing you from having to dig through a hamper to try to get things organized by color or type. 

4. Consider Color And Design

The design of the laundry room is often neglected, with function taking precedence over form. However, this is still a space where you're going to be spending some time each week, if not more frequently — why not make it beautiful? Cool neutral colors on the walls and simple, clean decor can help improve your mood and add a sense of calm to what can otherwise be a rushed and tedious task. A bluetooth speaker can add some ambience and allow you to enjoy some music or a podcast while you're folding clothes. Storing supplies like detergent and fabric softener in attractive, matching containers can also make your room look more beautiful and inviting. 

Ready To Create A New Space That Works For You?

The new year is a great opportunity to focus on DIY projects that make your life better. Ready to check out a new place that makes even doing laundry a pleasure? While it's hardly business as usual right now, we know that the Chicagoland real estate market is still strong. That's why your local Baird & Warner agent is with you at every step of the way, from finding the perfect home to connecting you with local experts in mortgage and title. The market is moving — and if you're ready, you can too.