The laundry room, often a space overlooked in home design, is an integral part of our daily routines. Whether you're a laundry enthusiast or consider it more of a chore, having a well-equipped and organized space can make the task more efficient and even enjoyable. We recently renovated our laundry room to be a functional space packed with efficiency, convenience, and style. So whether you have a large laundry room or you don't have much space at all, I think some of the options below can help you have a better laundry routine.

1. Washer and Dryer

At the heart of every laundry room are the washer and dryer. When it comes to choosing these appliances, consider your household's size, your laundry habits, and energy efficiency. Front-loading washers are known for their water and energy efficiency, while gas dryers are typically more energy-efficient than electric ones. We prefer a top loader washing machine and find that they hold a larger capacity of dirty clothes. Investing in high-quality, modern appliances will not only make your laundry chores more manageable but also contribute to energy savings over time.

2. Storage Solutions

Efficient storage is the key to a well-organized laundry room. Consider the following storage essentials:

Shelving: Install sturdy shelves above your washer and dryer for detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry essentials.
Baskets and Storage Bins: Use baskets, glass containers or bins to sort and store laundry essentials in an aesthetic way. Keep these bins labeled to make it easy for everyone in the household to contribute on laundry day.
Cabinets: Install cabinets to keep cleaning supplies, iron, and other items out of sight.
Laundry Basket and Clothes Sorters: Keep your laundry organized from the start with dedicated hampers and sorters, whether you choose to go with multiple hampers to separate lights, darks, and delicates, or rolling sorters that can be easily moved from room to room. For a small laundry room, I recommend a collapsable laundry basket which collapses down very thin and can be stored between your washer and dryer.

3. Iron and Small Appliances

Once the clothes are clean, sometimes they still need a little extra care. Keep a spot for some small appliances like an iron and steamer.

Iron and Ironing Board: For those garments that need a little extra attention, having an iron and ironing board in the laundry room is essential. Save space with a portable, folding ironing board that can be folded away and hung on the wall when not in use.
Handheld Steamers: These are great for removing wrinkles quickly and for delicate garments that don't allow a traditional clothes iron. Look for portable steamers and ones with adjustable heat settings for different fabrics.

4. Drying Solutions

While a dryer is a staple in most laundry rooms for the drying process, having alternative drying options can be beneficial:

Drying Rack: A collapsible drying rack is perfect for air-drying delicate items or clothes that shouldn't go in the dryer. There are wall mounted styles and free-standing ones that work great depending on the amount of space you have. Look for racks with adjustable height and multiple tiers for versatility.
Tension Rods: Install tension rods in your laundry room to create additional hanging space. Hang clothes directly on hangers from the rods or use them to support hanging shelves.

5. Laundry Room Essentials

Whether you prefer to use all natural ingredients, essential oils, or the most affordable laundry products, having the right products for your family and space can help your laundry process be more efficient and enjoyable.

Wool Dryer Balls: You can eliminate the need for dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners by using wool dryer balls which are eco-friendly and a natural alternative. They can be used more than a thousand times saving you money from purchasing dryer sheets. You can even add a drop of your favorite essential oils for an added scent to your clean clothes.
Laundry Detergent: Natural detergent is typically friendlier for the planet and safer for people with sensitive skin because it is made without harsh chemicals. You can take it a step further and use natural laundry detergent sheets that dissolve in water and work just like traditional liquid detergent. They usually come in a paper or cardboard container, are smaller and take up less space in your laundry room, eliminate plastic jugs from going to the landfill and in most cases cost less than a jug of laundry detergent.
Fabric Softner: Just like laundry detergent, there are many options to choose from. I have heard that basic white vinegar works well as a natural fabric softener when poured into the washer with the dirty clothes. I like using fabric softener pods which come in low-waste packaging and dissolve right into the water.
Stain Remover: There are so many options available for laundry stain removers. I love this one because it is safe for people and pets, works on a variety of different fabrics and materials, and does an incredible job at removing stains.
Lint Roller and Pet Hair Solutions: There's nothing worse than pulling your clean clothes out of the dryer and seeing lint or pet hair on them. I always keep 1-2 lint rollers in our laundry room as well as pet hair removers. These pet hair traps that I use are made to be thrown in the dryer and help collect pet hair while the clothes are drying. You simply rinse them with water between uses.
Step Stool: A step stool is great for reaching storage baskets or laundry detergent from a shelf or even hanging clothes on a tall rack. I prefer this folding step stool which collapses very small and it a great option for small spaces.

6. Laundry Room Decor and Style

Enhance the aesthetics of your laundry room to create a space you enjoy spending time in:

Wall Decor: Add a splash of color or decorative wallpaper to liven up the space. Consider framed photos, quotes, or artwork for a touch of personality.
Rugs or Mats: Place durable, easy-to-clean rugs or mats near the washer and dryer to add comfort underfoot. Opt for moisture-resistant options to withstand spills or leaks.
Laundry Room Signage: Install playful or functional signs to indicate different areas of the laundry room. Consider labeling bins, shelves, and hampers for added organization.
Accent Walls: Add some character and elevate the look of your laundry room with board and batten wall trim or a classic beadboard paneling. Checkout my YouTube Channel for step-by-step tutorials on how do each of them.

My Favorite Laundry Room Essentials:

Creating a functional and efficient laundry room involves careful consideration of essential elements that contribute to both practicality and aesthetics. From top-of-the-line appliances and smart storage solutions to decorative touches that make the space uniquely yours, each component plays a role in transforming a mundane chore into a streamlined and even enjoyable task.

By incorporating these laundry room essentials, you can create a well-designed laundry room that not only meets your practical needs but also adds value to your home and simplifies your daily routine. Remember, a well-organized and visually appealing laundry room is more than just a chore space; it's a functional haven where the mundane becomes manageable and even a little bit stylish.

Laundry Room Essentials for a More Efficient Space