How to Organize a Small Laundry Room: Space-Saving UK Solutions That Work

If you’re working with limited space, finding ways to organize a small laundry room can feel like solving a complicated puzzle. But with clever storage solutions, layout tricks, and multi-functional features, even the tiniest laundry nook in a UK home or flat can become efficient, functional and even stylish.

In this guide, we’ll share space-savvy ideas and UK-sourced inspiration for maximising every square inch of your small laundry space whether it’s tucked under the stairs, in a kitchen cupboard, or squeezed into a narrow utility room.

1. Start With a Declutter: Keep Only What You Use

Before any organisation can begin, a clear-out is essential. Many small laundry rooms double up as storage areas for everything from pet food to paint cans—but this clutter quickly eats up valuable space.

Take everything out, group items into categories, and be ruthless. Keep only what’s necessary for laundry and cleaning tasks. Donate or relocate anything that doesn’t serve the room’s core purpose.

Pro Tip:

Use stackable clear bins to store items by category like detergents, cloths, pegs and cleaning sprays—so they’re easy to see and grab.

2. Use Vertical Space with Wall-Mounted Solutions

When square footage is tight, think vertical. Empty walls offer prime storage real estate. Wall-mounted shelves, peg rails, and baskets are perfect for housing essentials while keeping counters and floors clear.

Ideas to Try:

• Floating shelves above your washer and dryer to store laundry powders or spare towels.
• A wall-mounted drying rack that folds flat when not in use.
• Peg rails or hooks for cloth laundry bags, mops, or small baskets.

In UK homes where space is especially precious, consider Ikea’s SKÅDIS or KUNGSFORS wall systems—affordable and modular options perfect for vertical organisation.

3. Stack Appliances to Save Floor Space

If your washer and dryer are separate units, stacking them vertically is a game changer. Many UK models are compatible with stacking kits that securely hold the dryer on top of the washing machine.

This not only frees up floor space for cabinets, hampers or folding stations, but also creates a sleeker, more efficient layout in narrow or galley-style laundry rooms.

4. Add Cabinets or Slimline Storage Towers

Cabinetry isn’t just for kitchens—installing a few small units in your laundry space can work wonders for tidiness and design. Aim for:

• A tall cupboard to store brooms, ironing boards or vacuum attachments.
• Slimline pull-out towers between appliances—perfect for detergents and dryer sheets.
• Overhead wall cabinets to keep unsightly products hidden.

In rental properties or temporary spaces, consider freestanding units like B&Q’s narrow storage towers or Argos multipurpose cabinets.

5. Opt for Multi-Use Items

The more purposes each element serves, the better. Here are a few clever dual-purpose additions:

• A worktop over your washer/dryer for folding clothes.
• A mirror on the door to reflect light and visually expand the room.
• A bench with hidden storage for holding laundry baskets or cleaning supplies.
• Hooks with labels to hang delicates or reusable cleaning cloths.

UK brands like Habitat, Dunelm and John Lewis offer excellent storage benches, baskets, and organisers that are attractive and functional.

6. Use Baskets and Labels for Easy Sorting

Storage baskets are a must-have when organising a small laundry room. Choose different sizes for open shelving or cubbies and label each one clearly think “Whites,” “Colours,” “Delicates,” “Cleaning Supplies,” etc.

Opt for baskets with handles to make them easy to grab, especially if you’re storing them on higher shelves. Natural seagrass, white plastic or wire mesh all work well depending on your room’s aesthetic.

7. Install a Folding Drying Rack

In the UK’s unpredictable weather, outdoor drying isn’t always possible. But if your room is too small for a standing airer, a wall-mounted drying rack is the perfect alternative.

Brands like Brabantia, Lakeland, or IKEA sell folding versions that can be installed over radiators or behind doors. For clothes that need hanging, a ceiling-mounted pulley drying rack is a traditional UK favourite that saves valuable floor space.

8. Hide the Ironing Board (But Keep it Accessible)

Bulky ironing boards are tricky in small rooms. Solve the problem by:

• Using a fold-down ironing board mounted inside a cabinet or behind the door.
• Installing a hook or bracket to store it flat against the wall.
• Replacing it with a compact tabletop ironing board stored on a shelf or cupboard.

You can also use a heatproof ironing mat that rolls out onto your washing machine or countertop.

9. Light It Up and Make It Lovely

Lighting and decor play a surprising role in making a tiny room feel welcoming. Add:

• Under-cabinet lighting or battery-powered LED strips to brighten dark corners.
• A small rug or mat to soften the space and add colour.
• Artwork, wallpaper, or even a mural to elevate the look—especially in UK homes where laundry rooms are sometimes part of the kitchen.

Even just switching out a fluorescent bulb for warm LED lighting can make a huge difference.

10. Embrace Compact Layouts & Clever Zones

In a small laundry room, every inch counts so layout planning is vital. If your space is long and narrow, try placing appliances side-by-side with shelves above. In a cupboard-style laundry zone, stack machines and use the top shelf for storage.

Create zones for:

• Washing/Drying: machines, baskets, detergent.
• Folding: a counter, basket area, or fold-out shelf.
• Cleaning Supplies: a high cupboard or bin for products.

Bonus: Laundry Room in a Cupboard? Make It Count

Many UK homes have laundry machines hidden in a kitchen cupboard or hallway nook. If that’s your setup, use these micro-organising tips:

• Install door racks or pocket organisers inside the cupboard.
• Use narrow trays for detergents to pull out easily.
• Add a roll-out shelf under the machine for pegs and cloths.

Even the smallest cupboard can be highly functional with a little smart storage.

Final Thoughts: Small Laundry Room, Big Possibilities

To organize a small laundry room effectively, it’s not about having more space it’s about using what you have wisely. By decluttering, installing vertical storage, stacking machines, and making every corner work double-duty, you can turn even the tiniest UK laundry space into a tidy, calm, and efficient zone.

Whether your laundry area is a purpose-built utility room or just a cupboard in your hallway, these ideas will help you make it both practical and pleasing.