Be the Boss of Your Laundry Room
For the second space in my whole-home declutter, I chose another space that is small, probably unsentimental, and utilitarian: the laundry room. Whether it’s the corner of an unfinished basement, a self-contained room, or a closet off the kitchen (mine), chances are it is a space that collects random stuff and could benefit from a decluttering session.
Decluttering a laundry area can make the space more functional, efficient, and pleasant to use. Since laundry can be an unpleasant, never-ending chore, any way to make it more pleasant is a plus! The strategy is similar to the one used in the bathroom.
1. Pull Everything Out
Taking everything out allows you to see what you have, which makes sorting, categorizing, and making decisions easier.
Sort Into Categories: Group similar items like detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning supplies, seasonal items, etc.
Consolidate supplies: save space by consolidating nearly empty bottles
2. Toss the Trash
Get rid of expired or unusable supplies, nearly empty containers, products you no longer use, mismatched socks, broken hangers, and garbage that has accumulated.
An organized laundry room makes the chore more fun!
3. Determine What Belongs
Besides obvious items like detergent, fabric softener, dryer balls, and cleaning supplies, there may be other items that make sense to keep in your laundry room. What makes sense will vary but here are some things to consider keeping in the laundry room:
Paper products: backstocks of toilet paper and ready-to-use paper plates and plastic forks might work here.
Sports Equipment and Uniforms: These may be easier to keep clean and available if they live in the laundry room versus a kid’s bedroom.
Coolers and lunch boxes: this makes the most sense if it’s near the kitchen or deep freezer.
Household Supplies: Things like light bulbs, tools, and extra linens need a place to live.
4. Clean
Even a room that’s literally used to clean things can get grimy over time. Since it’s easier to clean when there’s no stuff, take this time to tackle the dust bunnies. This is a great time to assess what cleaning supplies you actually use.
5. Organize
Now that you only have what you need and use, and it’s sorted into categories, it will be easier to put things away.
Maximize Storage
Think Vertically: Stackable bins, rolling carts, and over-the-door organizers can help store supplies efficiently.
Add Hooks and Hanging Rods: These can hold drying clothes, lint rollers, or mesh bags for delicates.
Use Wall Space: Install shelves, pegboards, or wall-mounted racks for extra storage.
Contain & Label
Use Bins or Baskets: Store laundry pods, dryer sheets, and stain removers in labeled bins for easy access. Clear bins make things easy to find. Opaque bins may give a more streamlined look.
Label Everything: Clearly label shelves and bins to keep the system in place, and help other people find what they need.
Decant Laundry Supplies: Pour detergent into dispensers or glass jars to save space and keep things tidy. (Only do this if you will actually keep it up, otherwise your cute jars will only add more clutter.)
Create Functional Zones
Folding Zone: A counter, table, or even a wall-mounted fold-down shelf can make folding easier.
Hanging Zone: Install a tension rod or drying rack for air-dry items.
Lost & Found Bin: Keep a small container for single socks, spare buttons, and loose change.
Maintain Your system
Blue and white folded towels in laundry basket
Declutter Seasonally: Check supplies and discard anything expired or unused.
Restock & Refill: Keep your most-used supplies at arm’s reach and refill them as needed.
Train the Family: Label systems help others know where things go, making upkeep easier.
Following these tips won’t make your laundry fold itself (sorry!) but decluttering your laundry room can make the never-ending chore a little easier.
Hello! I’m Ashley!
I’m a professional organizer serving Jamestown, ND, and surrounding areas. I love to work in homes and businesses to help people simplify, declutter, and be the boss of their stuff.
