If your laundry room is so small it's only a "room" in the sense that it has walls around the washing machine and dryer, you have my deepest sympathy. I know how frustrating it can be to try to work in such a small space. I've done it, and it certainly is a challenge. But it's not an impossibility to add more workspace, you just have to be a little creative. More space will make the chore of laundry a bit easier, although not any more fun.
Here are a few tips you can use to maximize your small laundry room space and gain additional storage in the process. Even if your laundry room is the size of a closet, these tricks will help.
Shelving - Utilize wall space surrounding the washer and dryer with stacked shelving units. This will provide you with laundry room storage close to the ceiling for infrequently used items, as well as more accessible storage solutions for things like laundry detergent, bleach, and so on.
Wicker baskets - Several small wicker baskets can be placed on the shelving units, which can hold quite a bit. Extra hangers, clothespins, sewing supplies, and even clean clothing, can be kept nice and neat in organized baskets.
Pegboard - A pegboard with hooks will fit nicely beneath shelving, and can be used to hold all sorts of essentials for the laundry room. Paint it a pretty color before installing, and add tiny storage bins to hold small items such as stain sticks, bleach pens, safety pins, and so on.
Clothes rod - If there's space, install a short clothes rod below the shelving to keep things organized as you work. It can also be used to hold spare clothes hangers and garment bags.
Wall mounted ironing board - An ironing board holder can be mounted to the wall, which will hold an iron and small ironing board. Because ironing boards are slim in design, these units will slide in right between the wall and the washing machine or dryer, taking up absolutely no room.
Lack of floor space - If your small laundry room is limited by floor space, you may want to consider replacing your standard washing machine and dryer with stackable ones. This will help free up space beside the dual unit where you can set up a small worktable, clothes hampers, or other laundry room storage units.
No matter how limited you are on space, you can give the illusion of more room by painting the walls a light color. While this won't help you achieve more storage space, it will make the act of being in the small laundry room a bit more comfortable. Also, be sure to light the area well to make it feel more open and airy!
More from Jennifer Wagner:
6 Ways to glam up Your Home Office
Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
Professional Closet Organization Tips
SOURCE:
Personal knowledge
Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network
