If you’re like many Canadians who are downsizing, you may find yourself adapting to a “laundry room” that’s not much more than a stacked washer and dryer wedged into a hallway closet. Until there are some guidelines about mandatory laundry room sizes, here’s how to make the most of yours:
Swap out your door. To make the most of your living space, try swapping out a traditional hinged laundry room door for a sliding barn door or a pocket door.
Use closed storage. Open shelving is a great way to display treasured items, but in a small space the best way to avoid clutter is by using closed storage. Corral your laundry supplies in wicker baskets, or cupboards if you have the space.
Add a counter. If you have the space for two front-loading machines, try placing a butcher block or granite countertop over the two of them. This will give you a bit of folding and storage space.
Don’t forget the back of your door. If you’re pressed for space, consider using the back of your closet doors to hang laundry bags, brooms, dustpans or any other related supplies.
Use pull-out storage. If you don’t have a lot of room to rummage around in your laundry space, opt for a compact rolling cart that can be moved around or some shelves that slide in and out when you need access to them.