How I made the most of my small laundry space

Have you got a small laundry space and need some inspiration on how to organise it? Well, let me share how I decluttered, refreshed and organised my small laundry nook. 

In Ireland, having large utility rooms isn’t as common in older homes like mine. So, we have to get creative with hiding the washing machine or making the most of our smaller spaces. 

My home is a dormer bungalow, and it has some quirky corners and nooks that you wouldn’t find in many other homes. Let me share how I organised and hid my washing machine. 

How to organise a small laundry space

In my kitchen, I have a nook behind a wall, and above it is my stairs. Unfortunately, the wall is a load-bearing wall, so removing it would be a hassle right now, so I decided to work with my space. 

Back in Autumn, my washing machine broke, and the original fridge and washing machine were too big for the small space. So when replacing the washing machine and fridge, I choose smaller, narrower options.  

However, it had become an area for clutter, and it had a half-done paint job. So, after decluttering the laundry space, I gave it one coat of white paint to make it look cleaner and brighter. 

Choose appliances that will fit your small laundry space

There are many smaller sized appliances designed for apartment living that would fit better in a small space. The downside to these appliances is that they are smaller loads. So, if you have a large family and do a lot of washing, you may need to look at a different option. 

I have the Beko 6kg freestanding washing machine, and this machine is smaller than my last one and gave me more space. I can now easily open the washing machine door without it hitting off the fridge or wall. 

If having smaller laundry appliances isn’t an option for your family, why not look at an external area for your laundry, like a shed. You could pay a plumber to set it up for you. While it may be pricier initially, you will have a larger space for doing the laundry and some space for a dryer too. 

Get creative with shelves in your small laundry area

Are you guilty of sitting items on top of the washing machine? Well, me too! When I moved my washing machine to paint my wall, I was shocked at the number of lost socks and tights that had fallen down the back. 

I had a shelf in this area, but it was a bit useless. So, I removed it and created a new one. This time I got a sheet of 9mm MDF and used some wood to create the supports. 

Now, I will have to add support to the middle of the shelf to stop the MDF from bucking from the weight of heavy items, but I think I did a pretty good job on my first try. 

I carefully measured the width and depth of the wood for my shelf before cutting it to size. This shelf sits above the washing machine and covers the top area, so no more socks falling down the back of the washing machine. 

Get clever with baskets and jars for storage

My small laundry space was a dumping ground got pet supplies as well as my laundry bits. After having a declutter of what I did not need, I got smarter with my storage. 

I used a large Kilner jar for storing my birdseed and an airtight container for pet food. Also, I purchased a large wicker basket from TK Maxx for storing my toilet rolls. So, they are well hidden within the pretty basket. 

You can see how I organised this space in this YouTube video. 

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Share your small laundry spaces with me

Whether you have your washing machine integrated, in a shed, or in an awkward space, I would love to see how you make the most of your small laundry space. You can comment below or tag me on Instagram. 

Check out my Youtube video for some inspiration, and I hope it gives you an idea for getting the most out of your laundry area.

Thanks for reading, Chat soon, Catherine.