How to Create an Efficient Laundry System in a Small Space
Here are 8 smart ways to maximise space and efficiency in order to carry out laundry tasks on a happy note
I love laundry day – said no one, ever. Unless you are a cleanliness fanatic and insist on doing it yourself, which of course, would be a great relief for your family. For most of us, it’s an unwelcome chore, more so if we don’t possess a room that is wholly dedicated to doing the laundry. These eight tips, however, should help you be more organised come washing day; ideas that will help create a space that’s efficient and up-to-date, and, dare I say, even elicits a cheerful humming from the person doing the laundry.
2. Folding doors
Bi-fold doors take up less space than regular ones, and can add more storage space. They not only allow for easy access, but lend visual appeal by appearing very much like an inconspicuous wall panel when closed. Who would have guessed the presence of huge appliances behind these sleek exteriors!
Check out these smart multitasking doors with hidden storage
Bi-fold doors take up less space than regular ones, and can add more storage space. They not only allow for easy access, but lend visual appeal by appearing very much like an inconspicuous wall panel when closed. Who would have guessed the presence of huge appliances behind these sleek exteriors!
Check out these smart multitasking doors with hidden storage
3. Back-of-door storage
A set of wire shelves attached to the door keep laundry supplies close at hand, even when there’s not a counter in sight. If you already have space for the detergent but need room to stash other items, you could use a back-of-door shoe organiser to keep things neat.
A set of wire shelves attached to the door keep laundry supplies close at hand, even when there’s not a counter in sight. If you already have space for the detergent but need room to stash other items, you could use a back-of-door shoe organiser to keep things neat.
4. Custom drying drawers
This creative idea eliminates the need for bulky drying racks in a laundry room with limited space. Custom drying drawers like these are especially made to hold delicates and small items that need to be air-dried flat.
This creative idea eliminates the need for bulky drying racks in a laundry room with limited space. Custom drying drawers like these are especially made to hold delicates and small items that need to be air-dried flat.
5. Pull-out drying rack
If you don’t want to mar your outdoor space with a clothesline, nor wish to turn your bathroom into a drying chamber, however temporarily, get yourself a pull-out drying rack – it’s a real space-saver. Just be sure not to mount it too high or you’ll be straining to reach the back rungs.
Tip: Wet washing weighs several kilos, so ensure heavy-duty anchor points to support the weight of your drying rack. Also, make sure your wall (especially if it’s an interior one) is strong enough to take the weight.
If you don’t want to mar your outdoor space with a clothesline, nor wish to turn your bathroom into a drying chamber, however temporarily, get yourself a pull-out drying rack – it’s a real space-saver. Just be sure not to mount it too high or you’ll be straining to reach the back rungs.
Tip: Wet washing weighs several kilos, so ensure heavy-duty anchor points to support the weight of your drying rack. Also, make sure your wall (especially if it’s an interior one) is strong enough to take the weight.
6. Vertical storage
Tall storage is a must in small spaces. Make sure you use the real estate above your appliances in the form of built-in, standard or floating shelves. Use the upper cabinetry to store those items not required on a regular basis. A tension rod between the cabinets can act as a clothesline to hang small items.
Tall storage is a must in small spaces. Make sure you use the real estate above your appliances in the form of built-in, standard or floating shelves. Use the upper cabinetry to store those items not required on a regular basis. A tension rod between the cabinets can act as a clothesline to hang small items.
7. Easy-to-use laundry bags
Removable nylon laundry baskets separate laundry and dry-cleaning, or dark- and light-coloured clothes. The bags feature built-in handles and are light enough to carry to and from laundry rooms.
Tip: Add wheels to the bins, especially, if the laundry room is on the same floor. Wheeled laundry baskets make it easy to roll heavy loads to the washer and back – and make it more fun for kids to help.
Removable nylon laundry baskets separate laundry and dry-cleaning, or dark- and light-coloured clothes. The bags feature built-in handles and are light enough to carry to and from laundry rooms.
Tip: Add wheels to the bins, especially, if the laundry room is on the same floor. Wheeled laundry baskets make it easy to roll heavy loads to the washer and back – and make it more fun for kids to help.
If you find bins taking up precious space, use laundry bags that can be hung on the wall – the good thing is that these can go anywhere, and you can even have one for each member of the family. Have your laundry bags made up in coordinating fabric or, to encourage everyone to be responsible, assign a colour to each person in the household.
8. Built-in ironing board
This photo addresses most homeowners’ obsessions with practicality and space-saving tricks. A built-in wall cabinet stores an ironing board, a power outlet, a steam connection and shelves. Plus, the outside of the door is a mirror.
This photo addresses most homeowners’ obsessions with practicality and space-saving tricks. A built-in wall cabinet stores an ironing board, a power outlet, a steam connection and shelves. Plus, the outside of the door is a mirror.
For those of us who find a stand-alone ironing board a more flexible option (it is more fun to iron in front of the TV or looking out the window), create a spot in your laundry so your ironing board is easy to use and put away. While this may involve a bit more effort, it will take up a lot less space.
Read more:
Top 10 Laundry Room Photos on Houzz
7 Tiny Utility Rooms That Can Fit Anywhere
Tell us:
What are your tips that make for an easy laundry day? Let us know in the Comments section below.
Read more:
Top 10 Laundry Room Photos on Houzz
7 Tiny Utility Rooms That Can Fit Anywhere
Tell us:
What are your tips that make for an easy laundry day? Let us know in the Comments section below.
Modular fittings are a man’s best friend when in a tight spot (literally!). This 46-inch-wide enclosure is configured to house a stacked washer and dryer, and features a retractable folding shelf in between, a drying rod, storage shelves tucked out of view, a pull-out ironing board and roll-out baskets. It’s a small-apartment owner’s dream come true!