Laundry may never be your favorite chore, but 25 laundry room tips that save time and stress can sure help.
If there’s one place in the house that sees daily life up close, it’s the laundry room.
It’s where socks disappear, baskets pile high, and routines either flow or fall apart.
For many of us, laundry isn’t a chore we love—it’s just something that has to get done.
But what if the space worked better for you? What if it felt just a little calmer, a little more intentional?
Through the years, I’ve learned that the smallest details in a laundry room can bring the biggest sense of peace.
A better layout. A smart sorting system. A fresh coat of paint or a simple shelf. It all matters.
That’s why I’ve gathered 25 of my favorite laundry room tips—tried-and-true ideas to help you save time and reduce stress.
Some are small habits, others are simple upgrades, but they all aim to make this space work for your real life.
Let’s begin!
Smart Sorting & Prepping Tips
A better laundry routine starts before the first wash cycle. Thoughtful prep can save hours down the road—and cut the chaos in half.
1. Use Divided Hampers to Pre-Sort by Color or Family Member
Instead of digging through piles on laundry day, start with separation. Place a divided hamper in each bedroom or hallway.
Label each section (lights, darks, towels), or assign one per family member. Kids can help too—it’s a small task that builds a habit.
2. Label Laundry Baskets for Quick Drop-Offs
Whether you’re folding for five or just one, labeled baskets make a difference.
Assign each basket to a person or a laundry type. Once clothes are clean, place items in their basket and deliver them all at once.
This reduces clutter and makes post-laundry sorting fast and painless.
3. Keep a Mesh Bag for Delicates Within Arm’s Reach
Delicate items often get tossed in with the rest—until they shrink or snag.
Hang a mesh laundry bag inside your hamper or cabinet door. Drop bras, lingerie, or washable masks in right away.
When it’s wash time, the bag goes straight into the machine—no sorting needed.
4. Create a Lost Sock Station (Yes, Really!)
There’s something oddly satisfying about reuniting socks.
Use a simple jar, clothespin line, or wire basket to collect stray ones. Keep it near your folding area.
Once a week, match up the orphans. It turns a small frustration into a mini win.
Optimize Laundry Room Layout for Efficiency
Even the smallest laundry rooms can work beautifully when the layout flows with your routine. Make movement feel easy, not forced.
5. Place Supplies Within Arm’s Reach of the Machine
Ever paused a cycle to hunt for stain spray? Keep the essentials nearby.
Store detergent, dryer sheets, and softener on a shelf or tray right above the machines.
A simple caddy works too. The less walking around, the more efficient your flow.
6. Add a Folding Table or Countertop Above Appliances
Ever tossed clean laundry on your bed ‘for later’? Yep, we’ve all been there—and that’s where this tip helps.
Adding a countertop or folding table gives you an immediate place to sort, stack, and fold.
No more wrinkled shirts—or unfinished piles you push aside at bedtime.
See how to easily add a folding station to your small laundry room for inspiration.
7. Use Vertical Space for Drying Racks or Cabinets
In small laundry rooms, floor space disappears fast. That’s where vertical space comes in.
Install shelves or wall-mounted drying racks. Overhead cabinets are perfect for extra supplies.
This frees up the floor for things that actually need it—like you.
8. Install Pull-Out Hampers to Save Floor Space
Pull-out hampers hide away clutter and keep things looking neat.
Tuck one beneath a countertop or inside a lower cabinet. They’re perfect for homes where laundry is a shared, high-traffic zone.
Plus, they’re just plain satisfying to use.
Declutter and Organize Like a Pro
When everything has a home, laundry feels less like a chore and more like a flow. Organization brings freedom, not restriction.
9. Store Detergents and Cleaning Supplies in Clear Bins
Visibility matters. Clear bins help you see what you actually have—and what you’re running low on.
Group products by use: stain removers in one, dryer supplies in another. Label them if you like a little extra order.
The goal is to make your supplies work for you, not become part of the mess.
10. Use Wall-Mounted Jars for Pods, Clips, and Clothespins
Every laundry room has those little things—dryer balls, safety pins, stain sticks.
Give them a pretty home. Wall-mounted jars or clear canisters keep your tools handy and your shelves clutter-free.
They add just enough charm to make the space feel tidy, useful, and pulled together.
11. Keep a Catchall Basket for Pocket Finds and Small Items
You never know what you’ll find in the pockets—coins, receipts, crayons, lip balm.
Instead of leaving them on top of the dryer (or in a growing junk bowl), place a catchall tray or basket nearby.
Empty it weekly. It’s a small habit that makes laundry feel a little more thoughtful.
12. Declutter Old Supplies Every Season
Expired stain remover? Empty detergent bottles? That mystery box from three moves ago? It’s time to let go.
Do a seasonal sweep of your laundry room. Toss what you don’t use, and re-home what you do.
An uncluttered space gives you clarity—and room to breathe.
Boost Your Laundry Routine with Time-Saving Habits
You don’t have to love laundry, but you can learn to do it in a way that supports your life, not steals from it.
13. Set Laundry Days (and Stick to Them!)
Choose specific days for laundry—and protect them like appointments.
Whether it’s Monday-Wednesday-Friday or just weekends, a routine keeps the overwhelm at bay.
No more mountains of surprise loads on your busiest days. Laundry becomes a rhythm, not a race.
14. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately with a Handy Spray Station
Keep a small basket with stain spray, a soft brush, and an old towel nearby.
When a spill happens, treat it right away—even if you can’t wash it yet.
You’ll save the garment and skip the regret later.
15. Use a Timer or App Reminder for Switching Loads
It’s easy to forget a wet load in the washer, especially on a full day.
Set a timer on your phone or smart home device as soon as you hit start.
It keeps things moving and cuts down on re-washing.
16. Combine Tasks: Fold Laundry During TV Time or Phone Calls
Folding doesn’t have to be boring.
Pair it with something enjoyable—like a favorite show, podcast, or a catch-up call with a friend.
It’s multitasking that actually works—and the laundry gets done before you even realize it.
Make Drying and Folding Easier
Let’s be honest: drying and folding are where laundry routines often fall apart. These tips help smooth out the process—beautifully and practically.
17. Install a Wall-Mounted Drying Rack for Delicates
Air-drying doesn’t have to take over the room.
A fold-down drying rack mounted to the wall gives you space when you need it and disappears when you don’t.
It’s perfect for sweaters, bras, or anything that needs a little extra care.
18. Use Slim Velvet Hangers to Save Space and Prevent Slips
Switching to slim, non-slip hangers is a simple upgrade with a big impact.
They keep clothes from sliding to the floor, and their low profile means you can fit more on your rod or rack.
They also just feel… intentional.
19. Add a Pull-Out Ironing Board or Steamer Station
Nobody loves setting up a full ironing board mid-morning rush.
If you have a drawer or narrow cabinet, consider a pull-out version.
Or keep a handheld steamer in a nearby basket for quick refreshes—because wrinkles happen, but stress doesn’t have to.
Learn more about stackable washer and dryer solutions for tight spaces that also save room for extras like this.
20. Fold Clothes Right Out of the Dryer to Prevent Wrinkles
It’s tempting to let laundry sit, but this one habit changes everything.
Take five minutes to fold or hang as soon as the cycle ends.
You’ll avoid wrinkles, reduce clutter, and give yourself one less thing to dread later.
Add Function + Style with Simple Upgrades
The laundry room may be a working space, but it deserves charm and character just like any other room in your home.
21. Add a Fun Rug or Mat to Soften the Floor
Laundry rooms often have hard, cold floors.
A rug adds warmth, style, and comfort—especially if you’re standing there sorting or folding for a while.
Choose a washable option so it’s as practical as it is pretty.
22. Use Matching Containers or Dispensers for a Clean Look
Decant your detergent into glass jars or labeled canisters.
Not only does it look polished, it simplifies your routine and reduces packaging clutter.
Designing a stylish and functional laundry room starts with small but smart choices like this.
23. Hang Inspiring or Funny Art on the Walls
The laundry room doesn’t need to feel boring or forgotten.
Hang a favorite quote, family photo, or playful sign that makes you smile.
If you’re after a specific mood, explore ideas for a coastal-inspired, moody, or modern laundry room look.
24. Improve Lighting with Under-Cabinet LEDs or Wall Sconces
Good lighting makes laundry feel easier—and safer too.
Stick-on LED strips under cabinets or a stylish sconce can transform a dim corner.
Plus, better light helps you spot stains before they go in the wash.
25. Diffuse a Calming Scent to Refresh the Room and Mindset
Scent has power.
Add a diffuser, scented sachet, or a favorite candle (used safely, of course).
Lavender or citrus can turn your laundry space into a breath of fresh air—literally.
Conclusion
Laundry may never be your favorite task, but your laundry room can still be one of your favorite spaces.
With a few thoughtful changes—like a labeled basket, a drying rack, or a favorite rug—you can transform it into a place that works for you.
Even more than that, it can become a space that feels good to be in. That’s the power of intentional design.
Whether you’re just starting or already halfway there, try one tip this week. Then come back for another.
Your time is valuable. Your space should honor that. And your home—every corner of it—should feel like you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best way to save time on laundry day?
Start with a routine. Designate specific laundry days and stick to them.
Pre-sorting clothes in divided hampers also shaves off decision time and keeps things flowing.
2. How do I make a laundry room more functional in a small space?
Work vertically. Wall-mounted drying racks, floating shelves, and slim cabinets free up precious floor space.
Pull-out hampers and fold-down tables are also smart small-space heroes.
3. What helps reduce stress while doing laundry?
Simplify your systems and create a space you actually like being in.
Clear clutter, bring in soft lighting, and add a scent you love. Little details go a long way.
4. Is it worth decorating the laundry room?
Yes, 100%. It might be a utility space, but it still deserves the same care and personality as the rest of your home.
Adding personal touches, art, or even just a fresh rug can shift the mood from chore-heavy to calm and collected.
Related Posts:
- How To Maximize Small Laundry Room Storage Space
- Laundry Room: How to Choose a Laundry Sink That Matches Your Decor
- How to Maximize Space in Your Long Narrow Laundry Room
