Small Space, Big Function: How to Maximize a Tiny Laundry Room
Baskets are labeled by zone so you can always find what you are looking for
Social media is filled with photos of sprawling laundry rooms the size of bedrooms. While many families would love a walk-in laundry space with a folding station, room for wrapping paper, and shelves of cleaning stock, the reality for most of us—especially in homes near Washington, D.C.—is a compact laundry closet that demands efficiency.
My own laundry room is a small, closet-style setup—typical of older homes and townhouses in Northern Virginia. The smaller the laundry space, the more intentional your organization needs to be. Here’s how we transformed a tiny laundry closet into a functional and stylish workhorse:
1. Double Your Shelf Space
The Falls Church builder of this home included just one shelf in the laundry closet. The room isn’t deep enough for cabinets. By adding a second shelf, we instantly doubled the available storage without compromising space.
2. Assign Baskets by Zone
We use labeled baskets for each major area of the home. For example, the “Kitchen” basket holds compost bags and surplus dishwasher pods, while the “Laundry” basket stores detergent tabs, bleach, and washing machine cleaner. This makes it easy to grab what you need and see where things belong.
3. Choose Clear Storage
Glass canisters and acrylic bins allow you to see when items are running low—no more last-minute detergent surprises. We used a clear canister for laundry pods and an acrylic bin for dryer sheets.
4. Maximize Wall and Door Space
This laundry closet includes a small wall-mounted ironing board with a built-in shelf above it for storing lightweight items. Over-the-door racks, like the ones from The Container Store, are perfect for drying clothes without taking up floor space. We mounted one on the door directly in front of the washer so damp clothes can drip right into the machine.
5. Edit Your Cleaning Supplies
Most households have more cleaning products than they actually use. Stick with what works—and what you reach for regularly. We love Blueland products for their refillable system and minimal packaging. The small refill pouches take up almost no space and align perfectly with an efficient, sustainable setup.
Small spaces require smart solutions—and that’s where we come in. Whether you have a laundry closet, a hallway nook, or a full laundry room, our team at Sort It Out works with clients across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. to create organized, beautiful spaces that actually work.
Ready to make your laundry space work harder (and look better)? Schedule a free consultation with Sort It Out today. Let’s elevate your everyday routines—no matter the square footage.
