Organise your laundry

Simply by organising your laundry you can make laundry day less of a chore. Here are a few ideas and inspirations to make your laundry room better organised.

 

As is the case with other busy areas in your home, laundry rooms are more efficient when well-organized. And creating a more functional laundry area does not need to cost a cent - the goal is simply to make the area tidier rather than more attractive or eye-catching.

You might not have the luxury of a separate laundry room, but whatever space is designated for laundry, a few simple organisation tips, some quick and easy DIY projects, and you'll spend less time doing laundry and more time for yourself.

And while you may not think laundry room for a high-style interior, just because a space is utilitarian doesn't mean it can't be stylish.

Living a small home or apartment can has space limitations when look for place to install a washing machine or tumble dryer. Today's modern appliances can look good even when not fitted in a kitchen.

As long as there is easy access to water and waste fittings, a washing machine can be installed to be hidden out of sight. Near-silent operation and minimal vibration mean that you hardly even know its there.

 

Get your laundry organised:

No matter how small - or large - your laundry room, even if it's a part of the kitchen, storage for essential items is a must. Have a dedicated cabinet or cupboard to house laundry detergents and supplies, so that they are easy to get to when needed.

Cut down on ironing by installing a hanging rack or rail - or even hooks - where freshly dried washing can be hung to prevent creasing.

When installing a new kitchen - or renovating an old one - have a cabinet that allows you to fold down or pull-out the ironing board.

Where the laundry is incorporated into the kitchen - as is the case for many of us - buy appliances that look good. An under-counter arrangement is standard for many homes, and side-by-side matching appliances can look good.

In a small kitchen consider the option of a combination washer-dryer that takes up far less space, or a set that mounts on top of each other.

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Freshen up a dull laundry

Pick a fresh colour for the walls - one that adds a pop of colour to your laundry.

If you don't want to paint the walls, add small doses of colour with chic, colourful laundry bags and accessories.

When combined with crisp white appliances, colour makes a laundry room fresh and modern.

Wall-mounted, adjustable shelving is ideal for a laundry and allows you have everything neatly contained. Be sure to mount shelving to walls with nylon wall plugs, so they remain safe and secure.

White storage baskets with colourful tags look uniform and help keep everything organized. Encourage children to put things away in the lower bins.

BELOW: A simple open shelf installed above a washer and dryer becomes instant storage for a laundry room. Try adding baskets or glass containers for a more complete look.

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BELOW: Maximise space in a laundry area by stacking washers and dryers. Vertical space saving pantry units also help contain detergents and other cleaning products.

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BELOW: When space is tight, a retractable ironing board comes in handy. When not in use, an attractive flap that matches the cabinets, hides it from view.

BELOW: Easy and quick to install. Two lengths of BisonLam shelving are fitted with hinged doors with glass panels - you can use chicken wire as an alternative - for attractive and practical shelving that doesn't take up any floor space.

Lack of space on either side of your washer and dryer may require the use of overhead shelving. Utilizing the wall above for vertical storage allows you to maximize a small laundry space. Inexpensive fixtures can be purchased at your local Builders Warehouse - or you can easily make your own inexpensive shelves.

Think affordable, simple and easy-to-clean shelving that is quickly installed above the washer and dryer to house various laundry detergents and treatments.

BELOW: Ready-made cabinets are another solution to providing much needed storage space, and they also give you hanging room for freshly iron laundry. Your local Builders Warehouse will have a selection of options, or contact supplies that offer DIY kitchen cabinets.

 

Isn't it amazing how a small closet space can be transformed into a glitzy laundry. Glitzy?? Look at those stainless steel tiles!