The laundry room is often one of the most overlooked, yet highly functional spaces in the home. It’s where daily chores happen, supplies are stored, and sometimes clutter quietly accumulates until it feels overwhelming. But with the right decluttering approach, your laundry room can become a sanctuary of efficiency and calm.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a messy laundry room or dreaded laundry day because the space just doesn’t work for you, this blog will guide you through practical, effective ideas to declutter and organise your laundry room — no matter its size or layout. These tips are designed to deliver big results without spending a fortune or requiring a major renovation.
Why Declutter Your Laundry Room?
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why tidying this space is so beneficial:
- Boost productivity: A clutter-free laundry room helps you complete tasks faster and more smoothly. When everything is easy to find and put away, laundry becomes less of a chore.
- Reduce stress: Clutter in any room can cause mental overload, and your laundry room is no exception. A tidy space creates a calmer atmosphere and reduces overwhelm.
- Maximise space: Especially in smaller homes or apartments, smart decluttering frees up valuable storage and working areas.
- Save money: When you know exactly what products and supplies you have, you’re less likely to buy duplicates or unnecessary items.
- Increase home appeal: A clean, organised laundry room adds value and appeal, especially if you’re thinking of selling your home.
Step 1: Clear Everything Out and Deep Clean
A fresh start is essential for successful decluttering, so completely empty your cupboards, drawers, shelves, and laundry baskets. It might feel like a big task, but it’s the foundation for making meaningful change.
- Wipe down every surface — shelves, benchtops, walls, and cabinet interiors.
- Clean your appliances, because a washing machine drum, detergent dispenser, dryer lint traps, and filters all need regular care. A clean machine works better and lasts longer.
- Vacuum and mop the floor to remove dust and dirt, so the whole space feels fresh.
Pro Tip: Play upbeat music or a favourite podcast during this step to keep your energy up!
Step 2: Sort and Declutter Your Laundry Supplies
With everything out in the open, it’s time to get honest about what you actually use and need. Sort items into four categories:
- Keep: Frequently used products and essential tools.
- Donate: Clean, usable items you no longer need, such as old laundry baskets or cleaning cloths.
- Toss: Expired detergents, broken items, and anything damaged or unsafe.
- Relocate: Items better suited elsewhere — maybe your pantry or bathroom has overflow you can move.
Pro Tip: Check expiry dates carefully, especially on liquid detergents, stain removers, and softeners. Old products lose effectiveness and can even cause skin irritation.
Step 3: Optimise Laundry Room Storage with Smart Solutions
Once you know what stays, organise it thoughtfully using smart storage techniques that fit your laundry room and lifestyle.
- Clear containers: Ideal for powders, pods, and laundry boosters.
- Stackable bins: Great for bulk storage or seasonal items, but remember to label them clearly.
- Wall-mounted shelves and hooks: Use vertical space for items like ironing boards, drying racks, or frequently used tools.
- Drawer dividers and small baskets: Perfect for clothespins, lint rollers, rubber gloves, and other small bits.
Pro Tip: Labels are your friend! They help everyone put items back correctly, so your laundry room stays organised longer.
Step 4: Design Functional Laundry Room Zones
Zoning boosts efficiency by grouping items and tasks logically, and it helps keep the space clutter-free.
- Sorting Zone: Allocate hampers or baskets for whites, colours, and delicates.
- Washing Zone: Keep detergents, fabric softeners, and brushes close to the washing machine.
- Drying Zone: Hang drying racks or rods near the dryer or window.
- Folding and Ironing Zone: Dedicate a bench or table for folding clothes and ironing.
Pro Tip: If space is limited, consider a fold-down ironing board or a pull-out folding table because these save space while staying practical.
Step 5: Make the Most of Small Laundry Spaces
Not everyone has a spacious laundry room, so here are ways to make small or multi-use spaces work harder:
- Over-the-door organisers for sprays, brushes, or small accessories.
- Slim rolling carts that fit between appliances.
- Stack your washer and dryer, so you free up more floor space.
- Fold-down drying racks that vanish when not in use.
- Light colours and mirrors to make the room feel bigger and brighter.
Step 6: Maintain Your Decluttered Laundry Room
Decluttered and organised by Ducks in Row.
A tidy laundry room requires ongoing effort, but small habits keep it in order:
- Daily 5-minute tidy: Put supplies away and wipe surfaces.
- Regular stock checks: Prevents duplicate purchases and saves money.
- Monthly purge: Reassess and clear anything unused or expired.
- Family involvement: Sharing tasks reduces stress and keeps everyone accountable.
Pro Tip: Add plants or artwork, so the laundry feels inviting and motivates you to keep it clean.
Our Favourite Laundry Storage Products
Here are some affordable, practical products that make any laundry room more organised:
- Clear airtight containers for detergents and powders
- Wall-mounted fold-down drying racks
- Over-the-door storage pockets and hooks
- Stackable plastic bins with lids
- Slimline rolling carts
- Drawer dividers and baskets
You can find these at Kmart, Bunnings, Officeworks, or online retailers for great prices.
Final Thoughts: Create a Laundry Room You Love
Decluttering your laundry room might seem like a small task, but it has a huge impact on your home’s overall organisation and your daily routine. A well-organised laundry room makes laundry day faster, easier, and even more enjoyable.
No matter the size or layout of your laundry area, these decluttering and organisation ideas will help you reclaim your space and reduce the stress of household chores. And if you’d like expert guidance tailored to your home and lifestyle, book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation. Our friendly, experienced team will work with you to create a laundry room that’s beautiful, practical, and perfectly suited to your needs.
