Efficient Design Principles for Custom Laundry Room Organization

What’s one of the most time-consuming–and most dreaded–household chores? The laundry. It’s the third most time-consuming household chore, to be exact. According to Procter & Gamble, the average American spends 4.5 hours each week doing laundry. If you’re someone who does a little every day, say five days a week, that’s still nearly an hour every weekday. If you’re someone who does laundry on the weekends, that’s a good chunk of your daytime hours.

When you realize how much time you spend doing laundry, it really makes you think differently about the space you’re doing it in. What if there was a way to make laundry a chore you dread less? What if you could make it faster, easier, more efficient, and just more pleasant overall? With a fully custom laundry room design that’s fully your style, it’s possible.

When your laundry room is designed for your unique workflow, and your laundry room organization reflects not just your style but your routines and habits, you move faster, feel less overwhelmed, and might even grow to enjoy spending time in your laundry room. We know it’s hard to believe that you could ever like your least favorite chore, but trust us–our design experts can make it happen. Keep reading to learn how.

Layout Matters: Start With Your Workflow

A key aspect of a truly functional laundry room is a layout that supports your specific laundry routine. While you can make an existing layout work with custom storage features, designing your laundry room layout with your needs and space in mind will give you the smoothest laundry day experience.

Common Laundry Room Layouts

Galley Style

This layout style is often long and narrow, with two walls of the room being used. Gallery laundry rooms allow for quick, easy movements because everything is in close proximity.

L or U-Shaped

An L-shaped laundry room utilizes two walls, whereas a U-shaped space uses three. These types of layouts are generally found in larger laundry rooms and have enough space for numerous custom storage and organization options.

Laundry Closets

Homes that don’t have an entire room to dedicate to laundry can utilize a reach-in closet, linen closet, or other unused alcove in the home to create a laundry area that saves on space.

Dual-Purpose Rooms

For ultimate convenience, you can create a laundry room that serves multiple purposes. Homeowners often opt to add a dedicated laundry space connected to walk-in closets, or combine the laundry room with a mudroom so dirty clothes get thrown right in the wash.

Common Laundry Room Storage Placement Tips

Here are some tips from our design experts for ways to thoughtfully place different elements in your laundry room:

1. Ensure the washer and dryer are both near water lines.
2. Leave space for a utility sink.
3. Have a clear path from hampers or laundry basket storage to the machine.
4. Allow space for sorting, folding, hanging, and storing.
5. If you have front-load machines, add counters over them.

Built-In Storage is the Laundry Room’s Secret Weapon

Add These Smart Storage Features

• Overhead cabinets for detergents, cleaners, and stain removers
• Lower cabinets and cubbies for hampers or linen storage
• Soft-close drawers for scrub brushes, clothespins, dryer balls, and more
• Open storage and adjustable shelves for future flexibility
• Integrated lighting so you never miss a stain
• Storage system materials that are easy to clean and built to last

Use Every Inch

• Floating shelves to utilize all of the available wall space
• Pull-out or drop-down folding stations (if you have less room for counter space)
• Wall-mounted drying racks and pull-out hanging rods
• Under-counter baskets for sorting darks, whites, and delicates

Maximize Small Laundry Rooms with Smart Design

Running low on laundry room space? No problem. The thoughtful, space-saving solutions below create a functional laundry room that feels a lot bigger than it actually is.

Compact Laundry Room Storage Solutions That Work

• Stackable washing machine and dryer
• Cabinets and shelves that use vertical wall space
• Pocket doors to conserve space in the hallway
• Fold-out ironing board or collapsible drying rack

A Laundry Room So Beautiful You Actually Enjoy Being In It

Aside from flow and function, if your laundry room doesn’t look or feel nice to be in, you’re more likely to avoid it. Think of the dark, cold basement laundry room–who wants to spend any more time than necessary in there?

When you like your laundry room from an aesthetic perspective, it’s no longer a room you dread being in. Consider the following expert-backed design tips for laundry room organization that feels as good as the rest of your home.

Easy Design Touches that Elevate

• Cabinet hardware that coordinates with adjacent rooms for a more uniform whole-home feel
• An accent wall with tile, wallpaper, or a unique paint color
• Open shelving with baskets or cute bins, along with decor like florals and photos
• A hidden laundry chute, hamper, and/or trash can to keep clutter out of sight

Ready to Love Laundry, or at Least Like It More?

Laundry may never be your favorite chore, but with the right layout, thoughtful storage, and a beautiful design that flows with the rest of your home, it doesn’t have to be the one you dread the most. Whether you’re working with a spacious room or a compact closet, smart, custom design can turn your laundry routine into a smoother, less stressful part of your week.

At Inspired Closets, we specialize in spaces that work better for real life, especially for the busiest parts of it. If you’re looking for more custom laundry room ideas and options, download our digital brochure to see what’s possible. Ready to reclaim your time and enjoy a laundry room that’s just as functional as it is beautiful? Let’s transform the way you do laundry.