How To Organize Your Laundry Room to Keep Things Moving

With a well-organized laundry room and simple family systems, you’ll break the bottleneck and gain back time and peace of mind. Keep those clothes moving from the washer to the drawer, back to the closet or drawer.

By organizing your laundry space for flow, function, and family use, you can keep clothes moving and finally ditch the clean-clothes traffic jam.

1. Set Up Clear Laundry “Zones”

Think of your laundry room as an assembly line. When everything has a home and a purpose, laundry moves faster.

Create zones for:

• Uniforms: These items should take priority and may require repeat wear during the same week. Don’t mix with regular loads. Make sure the athletes or students in your home have a game day system. 
• Sorting: Use labeled hampers or baskets to pre-sort clothes when it’s time to wash.
• Folding: Add a countertop, folding table, or wall-mounted drop-down surface.
• Hanging: Install a tension rod, wall hooks, or a small garment rack for air-dry or wrinkle-prone items.
• Drop-off & Pick-up: Use a shelf or floor space for each family member’s clean laundry basket.

TIP: Keep everything within reach: baskets, detergent, and hangers to keep the system flowing smoothly.

2. Use Smart Storage to Stay Clutter-Free

Clutter clogs your laundry routine. Use vertical space and easy-access bins to stay organized.

Must-haves:

• Wall shelves or cabinets for detergent, stain removers, and supplies
• Clear or labeled bins for dryer sheets, clothespins, mesh bags, and extras
• Slim rolling carts for tight spaces between machines
• A “Lost Sock” bin or clip system

TIP: When supplies are easy to see and grab, you waste less time hunting, and laundry moves faster.

3. Designate Space for Special-Care Items

Don’t let specialty pieces stall your progress.

Create a system for:

• Hand Wash Only: Use a small bin or hook for these items
• Dry Cleaning: Hang a labeled bag near the door
• Needs Ironing: Add a basket or rack for items awaiting attention

4. Tie Laundry to Daily Routines

Place clean and folded clothes into a personal basket for each family member. Drop them in a central location like the hallway, stairs, or mudroom, and set the expectation: Baskets go upstairs and get put away by bedtime or before screen time.

No one wants to take extra energy to figure out where it all goes. Simplify drawers by grouping basics (e.g., “tops,” “bottoms,” “PJs”) and label younger kids’ drawers with pictures or words.

5. Keep Safety Front and Center

A smooth-running laundry room also needs to be safe, especially with kids around.

Safety musts:

• Clean the lint trap after every load
• Check dryer vents regularly to prevent fire hazards
• Store detergents and pods in locked or high cabinets
• Keep the area dry and clutter-free to avoid slips

TIP: Ready to keep your laundry room — and the rest of your home — running smoothly? Let Abodio help you track appliance maintenance and stay ahead of laundry-related tasks.