Surprisingly, laundry isn’t such a dreaded chore when you make it easy to throw in a load, and you have smart laundry processes to curb the mess, eliminate frustrations, and get clean clothes back to their proper places.
Workable Folding Surface
Add convenient folding space by topping a front-loading washer and dryer with a countertop. Cut a 96-inch butcher-block countertop to fit your space. To ease laundry chores, look for a washer with handy features like a dispenser that puts in just the right amount of detergent, Wi-Fi connection to start a load remotely, and technology to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. If you have extra wall space on either side of your laundry closet, barn doors can upgrade the look. They add farmhouse charm and slide easily out of the way when you need to work. Barn door hardware kits make it easy to install sliding doors.
Extra Storage Space
Stash extra paper products out of the way on a top shelf. For example, hide laundry supplies that aren’t in your daily rotation in fabric bins until needed.
Wall Functionality
Pack more function into your closet by making use of its side walls. Matching bins hang from hooks—one holds supplies, and the other collects single socks until their missing partners can be found. A laundry schedule reminds each family when it’s their day to take over laundry duties.
Bins and Containers
Felt bins offer an attractive way to round up assorted laundry-care items, such as a lint roller, sweater shaver, and handheld steamer. The bin can conveniently be taken off the wall and moved to a convenient spot when needed—and put away just as quickly. Felt works well here because these items won’t spill or leak.
Convenient Hamper
A two-drawer hamper helps pre-sort dirty clothes so you can quickly pop in a load on your way out the door or as you return from work. You can sort clothes by whites, darks, and towels, or divide them by person. Add labels to ensure all family members know what goes where. As a writer, graphic designer, and art director, Kate has worked with Better Homes & Gardens’ niche titles and publications, like Storage and Beautiful Kitchen and Baths magazines. She founded her own photo styling and art direction company, Kate Malo Design and Creative, and her clients included Meredith Corporation, Yoga Journal, Heart of Iowa Wine Trail, and others.
