The laundry room is one of the most hardworking spaces in any home. From piles of clothes to detergents, cleaning supplies, and random household items, it’s easy for this area to become cluttered and chaotic. The solution? Storage bins.
With the right bins and a little organization, you can transform your laundry room into a clean, functional, and stress-free space. In this guide, we’ll cover smart ways to use storage bins to maximize space, keep essentials organized, and simplify laundry day.
Why Storage Bins Are Perfect for Laundry Rooms
Laundry rooms are typically compact spaces, which makes organization essential. Storage bins offer several benefits:
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Maximize Vertical Space: Stackable bins allow you to take advantage of shelving and tight corners.
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Contain Messy Supplies: Keep detergent spills and clutter under control.
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Easy to Access: Grouping items in bins makes them simple to grab and put away.
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Protect Items: Bins keep supplies safe from moisture and dust.
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Create a Clean, Tidy Look: Uniform bins make your laundry room visually appealing.
Whether you have a tiny laundry closet or a spacious utility room, bins can help you make the most of every inch.
Types of Storage Bins for Laundry Rooms
Not all storage bins are created equal. Choose the right type for each task:
| Type of Bin | Best For |
|---|---|
| Clear Plastic Bins | Detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets |
| Lidded Bins | Bulk items, backstock cleaning supplies |
| Stackable Bins | Small laundry rooms with limited shelving |
| Wire Baskets | Ventilation for wet items like rags or washcloths |
| Fabric Bins | Delicate items or lightweight accessories |
| Rolling Bins | Laundry transport, bulk storage, or pet supplies |
Pro Tip: Stick to a few consistent bin styles for a clean, coordinated look.
Step-by-Step: Organizing Your Laundry Room with Storage Bins
Step 1: Clear the Space and Declutter
Start fresh by taking everything out of your laundry room.
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Toss expired cleaning products or detergents.
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Donate or repurpose duplicates you don’t need.
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Keep only what you use regularly.
This step ensures you won’t waste valuable bin space on unnecessary items.
Step 2: Group Laundry Essentials by Category
Create categories for everything you need to store. Some common groups include:
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Laundry products: detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, dryer sheets.
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Cleaning supplies: sponges, sprays, gloves, rags.
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Ironing supplies: iron, starch, ironing board cover.
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Pet care supplies: pet detergent, brushes, towels.
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Lost and found items: socks, buttons, small accessories.
Step 3: Choose the Right Bin for Each Category
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Clear bins for everyday laundry essentials so you can easily see when you’re running low.
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Lidded bins for bulk storage like extra detergent or paper towels to keep dust away.
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Wire baskets for ventilation, perfect for air-drying damp cleaning cloths or storing dirty rags.
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Rolling bins for mobility, especially if you need to move supplies between rooms.
Step 4: Label for Easy Identification
Labeling prevents confusion and keeps everyone in the household on the same page.
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Use printed labels for a polished look.
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Chalkboard or dry-erase labels work great for supplies that change often.
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For shared spaces, add color-coded labels for each family member’s laundry.
Step 5: Utilize Vertical and Hidden Spaces
Maximize every inch of your laundry room:
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Stack bins on shelves to free up floor space.
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Install wall-mounted shelving for extra storage.
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Use slim rolling bins between the washer and dryer for detergents or softeners.
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Consider under-sink storage bins for cleaning products.
Creative Ways to Use Storage Bins in the Laundry Room
Here are some clever ideas to make your bins work harder:
1. Sock “Lost and Found” Bin
Keep a small bin for stray socks until you can find their matches.
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Tip: Label it with something fun like “Lonely Socks Club.”
2. Pre-Sorted Laundry Bins
Instead of sorting clothes on laundry day, set up multiple bins:
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Lights
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Darks
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Delicates
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Towels and Linens
This saves time and keeps laundry piles under control.
3. Stain Removal Station
Create a dedicated bin with everything you need to treat stains:
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Stain remover sprays and sticks
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Small scrub brush
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Old toothbrushes
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White vinegar and baking soda
Having all your supplies in one place streamlines the process.
4. Seasonal Swap Bins
Keep seasonal items like beach towels or heavy winter blankets in labeled bins.
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Rotate them as the seasons change to save space.
5. Family Laundry Bins
Assign each family member their own bin for clean, folded laundry.
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Place the bins in a designated spot for easy pickup and delivery.
Maintenance Tips for a Tidy Laundry Room
A well-organized laundry room is easier to maintain. Follow these tips:
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Weekly reset: Wipe down bins and return stray items to their proper place.
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Monthly check: Reassess supplies and toss anything expired or no longer needed.
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Seasonal purge: Donate or recycle old towels, linens, or clothing.
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Label updates: Update labels if your system changes over time.
Final Thoughts
Storage bins are a simple yet powerful way to keep your laundry room neat and efficient. By grouping similar items, labeling clearly, and maximizing vertical space, you can create a streamlined system that makes laundry day far less stressful.
With a little planning and the right bins, your laundry room can go from chaotic to clutter-free, making it a space you’ll actually enjoy using.