Does your small laundry room make you feel overwhelmed? You are not alone. Many people struggle with a cluttered, tiny space. But you can transform even a small laundry room into an efficient, organized area. DIY storage solutions offer amazing benefits. They are budget-friendly storage options and let you customize everything. This post gives you practical laundry room ideas to maximize space. Get ready to reclaim every inch of your small laundry room storage!
Why DIY for Small Laundry Room Storage
You might wonder why you should tackle DIY projects for your laundry room. The answer lies in overcoming common frustrations and gaining amazing advantages.
Challenge of Limited Space
You know the feeling. Your small laundry room often feels like a puzzle you can’t solve. You face daily struggles that make laundry a chore.
You might struggle to reach laundry supplies on high shelves. It’s tough when you need to grab detergent but can’t quite stretch.
Those laundry baskets? They always seem to be in the way. They block access to your washer or dryer.
Maybe your tiny linen closet just doesn’t have enough storage space for all your towels and cleaners.
You also need a spot for a foldable stool, but where does it go in such a tight area?
Sometimes, you even need to push your dryer closer to the wall just to gain an extra inch. These everyday frustrations show you need better laundry room storage. They make your small space feel even smaller.
Benefits of DIY Storage
This is where DIY storage solutions truly shine. You get to create exactly what you need for your unique space. No more trying to fit a square peg in a round hole! You can build custom shelves that fit perfectly above your machines. You can design clever ways to store those pesky laundry baskets. Maybe you need a slim rolling cart that fits a specific gap. Store-bought items often do not offer this level of precision. DIY projects are also budget-friendly storage options. You save money by building things yourself instead of buying expensive pre-made units. This means you can get more storage for less cash. Plus, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. You transform your space with your own hands. You feel proud of your organized small laundry room. These personalized laundry room ideas make your space work for you. You turn a problem area into an efficient, organized space you will love.
Vertical Laundry Room Storage
You can make the most of your small laundry room by looking up! Vertical storage is your best friend. It helps you use every bit of vertical space. These smart storage solutions turn empty walls into functional areas.
DIY Floating Shelves
Floating shelves give you extra storage without taking up floor space. You can build them from materials like 1″ x 8″ or 1″ x 4″ pine boards. Plywood, a large butcher block, or even a custom desk slab also work well. For a super durable option, consider crisp, metal shelving. You can place these shelves above your washer and dryer. This uses that often-wasted vertical space. You can also put them on any unused wall. Secure a 2″ x 2″ furring board to the wall as a support. Then, build a box around it. Use wood glue and 1½ finish nails. Fill any gaps with wood putty. Sand it smooth with 220 grit sandpaper. Then, stain or paint it to match your room.
Wall-Mounted Drying Racks
Wall-mounted drying racks are perfect for air-drying delicate clothes. They fold away when you don’t need them. You can find collapsible or pull-out styles. Install them on an empty wall or even above your sink. Remember to check the weight capacity. Some racks, like the ProDryingRack Wall Mount, hold 25 lbs per shelf. Others, like the Brightroom™ rack, can hold 22 lbs. This helps you choose the right one for your needs.
Pegboards and Slatwalls
Pegboards and slatwalls offer flexible vertical storage. You can hang tools, small baskets, or cleaning supplies. To install a pegboard on drywall, first attach furring strips to its back. Use 3/4-inch wood or drywall screws. Then, mark the bottom line on your wall. Secure a scrap piece of wood along this line for support. Balance the pegboard on this support. Drill pilot holes through the pegboard and furring strip into wall studs if you can. Use 2-inch wood or drywall screws to secure it firmly. This creates a gap behind the pegboard for hooks.
Angled Shelves for Baskets
Consider angled shelves with a lip for laundry baskets. This is a clever laundry room idea. You can slide your empty or full baskets onto these shelves. They keep baskets off the floor. This frees up valuable vertical space. You can build these shelves from plywood. Just make sure the angle is gentle enough for easy sliding.
Smart Cabinetry & Drawer Storage Solutions
You can make your laundry room work harder with smart cabinetry and drawer storage solutions. These DIY projects transform your space. They give you a place for everything.
Over-Appliance Cabinetry
That space above your washer and dryer is prime real estate. You can build custom cabinets there. Measure the area carefully. Then, construct simple box frames from plywood or MDF. You can also modify existing kitchen wall cabinets to fit. Paint them to match your room. This creates seamless storage. You get a clean look and hide away supplies.
Pull-Out Bins & Dividers
Inside your cabinets and drawers, things can get messy. Use pull-out bins to organize detergents, fabric softeners, and cleaning supplies. Clear containers help you see what you have. You can also make custom dividers from thin plywood or cardboard. These keep items from shifting around. Store-bought inserts also work well. They make your laundry room organization much easier.
Under-Sink Storage
The area under your laundry room sink often goes to waste. You can change that. Build a simple plywood enclosure around a utility sink. Add a hinged door for easy access. You can even create faux drawers for a high-end look. For a quick fix, consider a fabric sink skirt. This conceals the area. It gives you hidden storage for less attractive items. You can also add tiered organizers or custom shelving. These maximize this often-overlooked space.
Cabinet Upgrades & Rods
Give your existing cabinets a fresh look. Paint them a new color. Add new hardware. You can also add wood shelving inside for more storage. For hanging clothes, install a rod. You can use an old curtain rod with sturdy plant brackets. Screw these into wall studs. Another option is a thick wooden dowel with closet rod sockets. Install it over your appliances. Make sure you leave space for cabinet doors to open. Hardware stores also sell collapsible wall-mounted rods. These pull out when you need them. They push flat against the wall when you don’t. These storage solutions help you dry clothes without clutter.
Utilizing Unconventional Spaces to Maximize Space
Don’t forget about those often-overlooked spots in your laundry room! You can find hidden potential in areas you might not consider. These clever ideas help you maximize space and create even more functional storage.
Door-Mounted Organizers
The back of your laundry room door is a goldmine for extra storage. You can easily add door-mounted organizers. These are perfect for items you need often but don’t want cluttering your countertops. Think about hanging your ironing board here. You can also store cleaning supplies or small accessories like lint rollers and stain removers. Many options exist, like hangers for doors or clip-on baskets. The term ‘over door laundry organizer’ is a recognized product category. This shows you have many suitable options to choose from.
Rolling Carts & Slim Units
Do you have narrow gaps between your washer and dryer, or next to a cabinet? A slim rolling cart is your answer! These mobile units slide into tight spaces. They give you easy access to detergents, fabric softeners, or even extra towels. For example, the HORNAVAN Cart is only 10 1/4 inches wide. It fits into very slim spots. The VESKEN Cart is even narrower at 7 1/8 inches deep. You can find it in white or black. These carts are fantastic storage solutions. They let you use every inch of your laundry room storage.
Corner Shelving
Corners often become dead space. You can bring them to life with corner shelving. These DIY shelves are easy to install. You can cut triangular pieces of plywood or MDF. Then, mount them directly into the wall studs. This creates valuable vertical space for small baskets, folded towels, or decorative items. You can also find pre-made corner units that simply fit into place. Using these awkward spaces helps you maximize space in your small laundry room.
Aesthetic Touches & Organization
You have built amazing storage solutions. Now, make your laundry room truly shine! Adding aesthetic touches and maintaining good organization makes a big difference. It turns a chore space into a pleasant one.
Labeling & Containers
Clear containers and labels are your best friends for laundry room organization. They help you quickly find what you need. You can use glass jars for laundry pods or powder. Clear plastic bins work well for dryer sheets and stain removers. Label each container clearly. You can use a label maker, chalkboard labels, or even simple handwritten tags. This keeps everything tidy. It also makes sure everyone knows where things belong.
Lighting & Decor
Good lighting transforms a small laundry room. It makes the space feel bigger and brighter. You can install flush-mounted or semi-flush ceiling fixtures for general light. Recessed lighting offers balanced and bright illumination, especially if your room has no windows. Consider undercabinet LED lighting to eliminate shadows over counters. LED tape lights or puck lights also work well here. For detailed tasks like stain treatment, add wall lamps. Adjustable swing-arm designs are very helpful. Choose LEDs with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 and up. This helps you see colors accurately. Cooler color temperature LED bulbs (around 3000K) help you tell clothing colors apart. Finally, add a small plant or a piece of art. These small touches make the room feel more inviting.
Regular Decluttering
An organized laundry room stays that way with regular decluttering. It is a simple habit. Start by finding and discarding 10 items from your laundry room right now. You can use collapsible baskets for laundry. They fold flat to fit into narrow spaces when empty. If you keep items on top of your washer and dryer, put them in containers. This makes it easy to move everything at once. Sort items into “put away,” “give away,” and “throw away” piles. Focus on the floor and open surfaces first. After decluttering, organize what is left. Pull everything out of cabinets. Clean the space. Then, only return items you use and love. Place items near where you use them. This simple laundry organization routine keeps your space functional and beautiful.
Your small laundry room doesn’t need to cause stress. DIY storage solutions truly transform it. You can create a functional, organized, and even enjoyable space. Start with one or two projects. Even small changes make a big difference. You can achieve great laundry room organization. Go ahead, maximize space in your small laundry room. You will love your efficient new area!
