Because even your laundry room deserves to feel fabulous.
Let’s face it, laundry isn’t exactly everyone’s favourite chore. But what if your laundry room was actually a place you wanted to spend time in? (Okay, maybe not wanted, but at least didn’t dread.)
With the right mix of decluttering, smart home organising, and a little bit of styling magic, you can turn your laundry room from a dumping ground into a streamlined, stylish space that works hard and looks good doing it.
Think of it as a mini-makeover for one of the most overlooked spaces in your home, where clean meets calm, and function meets flair. From mismatched detergent bottles and rogue socks to cluttered benches and overstuffed cupboards, this is your chance to reset, refresh, and create a laundry zone that feels more like a sanctuary (and less like a stress zone).
Here’s your step-by-step guide from a pro home organiser to make it happen. Whether you’ve got a sprawling utility room or a compact cupboard, you’re just a few smart steps away from laundry day feeling a whole lot lighter.
Step 1: Declutter Like You Mean It
Before you add any cute baskets or splash out on wallpaper, you need to do the hard but oh-so-satisfying work of decluttering.
Take everything out of your cupboards, shelves, baskets, all of it.
Sort into four piles:
- Keep (you use it regularly and it’s in good condition)
- Store elsewhere (things like tools or camping gear that belong in the garage)
- Donate (duplicate baskets, unused decor)
- Toss (empty bottles, mystery cords, anything broken or expired)
The less you own, the less you need to organise, and the more space you’ll have to actually enjoy the room.
Pro Tip: Start with expired products and empty bottles, they’re the easiest wins. Momentum builds motivation!
Step 2: Categorise, Baby
Now that you’ve narrowed down what’s staying, it’s time to sort it into categories. This is a big step that most people skip, but not us savvy home organising folk.
Try categories like:
- Laundry products (detergent, softener, stain removers)
- Cleaning supplies
- Sewing and mending
- Lost socks (yep, give them a home!)
- Pet care items
- Spare towels or linens
By grouping similar items together, you make your storage more logical and intuitive. Everyone in the family can quickly see where things belong, and put them back, too.
Bonus Idea: Use drawer dividers or tiered shelves inside cabinets for easy access and better visibility.
Step 3: Measure and Choose the Right Storage
Now that you know what you’re keeping and how it’s grouped, it’s time to measure your shelves and cupboards. Don’t skip this part, nothing’s worse than falling in love with a bin that doesn’t fit your space!
Once measured, choose storage that suits your setup:
- Clear plastic bins: Great for visibility and wipe-down simplicity.
- Wicker or fabric baskets: Stylish and softens the utilitarian vibe.
- Stackable drawers: Perfect for under-bench storage.
- Wall-mounted racks or pegboards: Ideal for vertical storage and hanging tools.
Stick to a colour scheme (think white, grey, or wood tones) for that clean, coordinated look a professional home organiser would swoon over.
Design Tip: Use labels and matching containers in muted tones to create visual calm, even when life isn’t.
Step 4: Label Like a Legend
Want your new system to actually stay organised? Labels are your best friend.
Labelling makes it easy for everyone in the household to know where things belong and helps prevent the dreaded “stuff-it-anywhere” situation. It also adds a polished, intentional touch that makes your space feel complete.
- Use a Brother P-Touch label maker for classic, clean block letters that are easy to read and super versatile.
- Feeling a little fancy? The Cricut Joy lets you get creative with fonts, colors and even custom designs for that personalised flair.
- For a budget-friendly option, the Phomemo D30 connects to your phone and gets the job done with style, compact labelling on a dime.
Want more details on choosing the right label maker for your home? We’ve rounded up our top picks here: Our Favourite Labeling Tools for Home Organisation, with the right labels, your laundry room won’t just look better, it’ll work better.
Step 5: Add a Little Style
Just because it’s a laundry room doesn’t mean it has to feel clinical.
Add a few touches to bring some joy to the space:
- A cute rug (machine washable, of course!): Choose something soft underfoot with a pattern or colour you love. It adds warmth and comfort, and helps define the space, especially in open-plan areas.
- A plant or two (real or faux, no judgement): Greenery brings life to any room. A small pothos on a shelf or a faux fiddle leaf in the corner can lift the whole vibe instantly, no green thumb required.
- A piece of art or a framed quote to lighten the mood: Pick something that makes you smile, a cheeky quote about laundry or a calming abstract print. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact.
- Matching jars for detergent pods or pegs: Decant your laundry supplies into matching glass or plastic jars for a clean, elevated look. Bonus: it keeps everything easy to grab and refill.
- A fun wallpaper or splash of paint on the back wall: Go bold with a patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper or add a fresh coat of paint in a soft pastel or bright accent. It’s a low-effort way to personalise the space.
You’ll be surprised how much more enjoyable laundry becomes in a space that feels thoughtfully styled.
Step 6: Maintain with Micro-Habits
A beautiful laundry room is only useful if it stays that way.
Once your space is decluttered and styled, the real magic lies in keeping it that way long-term. Build these simple micro-habits into your routine to ensure it stays functional, fresh, and frustration-free:
- Refill containers when they’re low: Keep an eye on your essentials, detergents, stain removers, dryer sheets, or pods. Make a habit of topping them up before they run out, so you’re never caught mid-load without your go-tos.
- Wipe down benches weekly: A quick once-over with a multi-surface spray keeps your countertops fresh and free of dust, spills, and detergent residue. It only takes a minute but makes the whole space feel clean and cared for.
- Do a quick re-sort of your baskets monthly: Take five minutes once a month to check your categories, are things still in their right homes? Re-fold linens, reunite lost socks, and re-home anything that’s crept into the wrong zone.
- Train the family (even the little ones!) to use the space properly: A good system only works when everyone’s on board. Show your household how it’s set up, labelled baskets, refill spots, and where things go, so they can contribute to keeping it clutter-free and calm.
It’s all about creating systems that are simple, clear, and easy to stick to.
A laundry room makeover isn’t about perfection, it’s about function, flow, and making your everyday chores feel a little less like… well, chores. By following the simple steps of decluttering, categorising, choosing the right storage, and adding your personal style, your laundry space can become a quiet hero in your home.
Whether you’ve got a spacious utility room or a teeny-tiny European cupboard setup, there’s always room for improvement, and a little pro organiser wisdom goes a long way.
Imagine opening the door to a space that feels calm, fresh, and perfectly tailored to your daily routine. Where lost socks have a home, labels make everything easy to find, and folding clothes doesn’t feel like a punishment.
Ready to glow up your laundry zone?
Let us help you design a space that’s not just tidy, but totally you.
Visit Your Ducks in a Row to book your personalised laundry room transformation. Let’s turn your everyday chores into everyday ease, with style.
