Whether you're working with a large dedicated laundry room or a closet with a stacked washer-dryer, these five approaches consistently show up as the most effective ways real homeowners create storage that actually holds up over time.
Check out our recommendations for each below!
1. Incorporate a Laundry Sorting Station with Built-In Bins
If you've ever ended up with a pink load because a red sock snuck in with the whites, this one's for you. A dedicated sorting station — whether it's a piece of furniture or a custom-built nook — helps keep loads organized before they even hit the wash. Look for (or build) a unit with:
- Separate bins for lights, darks, and delicates
- A hanging rod for air-drying or hanging clothes straight from the dryer
- A hamper pull-out drawer to keep dirty laundry contained
This type of storage doesn't just tidy up supplies — it streamlines the whole process, from the moment clothes come off before they're worn to the moment they're folded and put away.
2. Add a Built-In or Freestanding Cabinet System
This is the option most professional organizers point to when a laundry room needs a real overhaul, not just a quick fix. If you have any extra wall space, a cabinet system — built-in or freestanding — can genuinely transform the room. Cabinets keep cleaning supplies, extra towels, and laundry products out of sight while giving the space a clean, finished look instead of an ad-hoc one. Look for:
- Upper cabinets for lightweight, less-used items
- Lower cabinets or drawers for heavier detergent jugs
- A countertop layer on top of lower cabinets for folding clothes
This is a bigger investment than shelving, but it dramatically increases both storage and counter space.
3. Use a Rolling Cart or Slim Storage Tower
Take a look at the gap between your washer, dryer, and the nearest wall — chances are there's a 6 to 10 inch sliver of dead space sitting there right now. A slim rolling cart or storage tower is practically designed for that exact spot, and it can turn wasted inches into genuinely useful storage. These carts typically offer:
- Multiple pull-out bins or drawers
- Easy mobility for cleaning behind machines
- A slim profile that doesn't interfere with door swings
They're especially useful in apartments or rentals where permanent shelving isn't an option.
4. Install a Wall-Mounted Pegboard or Hook System
Pegboards get a lot of love in garages and workshops, but they're just as useful — and often overlooked — in laundry rooms. A pegboard or hook rail lets you hang:
- Ironing boards
- Brooms, dusters, and mops
- Small baskets for clothespins or lint rollers
- Drying racks
This vertical storage solution is highly customizable and lets you rearrange items as your needs change, all without taking up any floor space.
5. Install Floating Shelves Above the Machines
That stretch of wall above the washer and dryer is prime real estate, and it's usually sitting empty. Floating shelves are one of the easiest, most budget-friendly upgrades you can make — most people can install a couple in an afternoon with just a drill and a level. Use the space for:
- Baskets of folded laundry supplies (dryer sheets, stain removers, mesh bags)
- Decorative bins to hide less attractive items
- Rarely used items like sewing kits or shoe polish
Because floating shelves have no visible brackets, they keep the room feeling open rather than cluttered.
There's no single "right" way to organize a laundry room, and the best setups usually combine a few of these ideas — floating shelves for the small stuff, a slim cart for that awkward gap, a sorting station to keep laundry day running smoothly. Start with whichever fix solves your biggest daily annoyance, and build from there. Even in a small space, a little intentional storage can turn one of the most chore-filled rooms in the house into one of the most functional.
