Introduction
Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated laundry room—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an efficient, organized laundry space. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform a closet into a fully functional laundry station. This guide will walk you through how to set up a laundry station in a closet, even if you’re working with a tight budget and a small footprint. Whether it’s a hallway closet, bedroom wardrobe, or unused storage nook, you can create a space that handles washing, drying, and organizing like a pro.
Why a Closet Laundry Station Works
A closet laundry station is perfect for small homes, apartments, or anyone who wants to keep laundry equipment out of sight. Done right, it can be just as functional as a full laundry room.
Benefits include:
- Space Efficiency: Maximize a small footprint with smart organization.
- Discreet Design: Close the doors and instantly hide laundry mess.
- Convenience: Place your laundry station near bedrooms for easier access.
- Cost-Effective: Use an existing space instead of renovating a whole room.
- Customizable: Design shelves, racks, and storage to fit your exact needs.
Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading an existing laundry closet, thoughtful planning ensures it works smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Laundry Station in a Closet
1. Measure Your Space
Before buying any appliances or storage solutions, measure your closet’s height, width, and depth. This ensures your washer and dryer will fit and allows you to plan for shelving and other essentials.
Tip: Don’t forget to measure door clearance and leave space for ventilation.
2. Choose the Right Appliances
Closets work best with compact or stackable washers and dryers. Options include:
- Stackable Front-Load Units: Save floor space and allow room for shelves beside or above.
- All-in-One Washer/Dryer Combo: Ideal for ultra-small closets.
- Portable Units: If you can’t install permanent plumbing, consider a portable washer and ventless dryer.
3. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Plumbing
Ventilation is essential for preventing moisture buildup. If using a vented dryer, you’ll need an external vent. For ventless dryers, make sure there’s enough airflow around the unit.
Plumbing checklist:
- Water supply lines for washer
- Drain connection
- Electrical outlet (dedicated circuit for dryer if needed)
4. Install Shelving Above the Appliances
Since floor space is limited, go vertical. Install open shelves above your washer and dryer to hold detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and baskets.
Budget Tip: Use inexpensive melamine boards or reclaimed wood with metal brackets.
5. Add Hanging Rods for Air-Drying
A tension rod or wall-mounted rod can hold hangers for clothes that need to air-dry. This also keeps freshly ironed clothes wrinkle-free before storing them.
6. Use Slim Rolling Carts for Small Items
If you have a few inches of space between appliances or between the unit and wall, a slim rolling cart can store stain removers, lint rollers, and other small supplies.
7. Optimize the Closet Doors
If you have hinged doors, add over-the-door organizers to store delicates bags, cleaning cloths, and dryer sheets. If your closet has sliding doors, consider adding hooks inside for mesh laundry bags or lightweight tools.
8. Keep a Folding Surface Nearby
You may not have room for a permanent folding table inside the closet, but you can:
- Use a wall-mounted drop-down table.
- Install a shelf that doubles as a folding space.
- Keep a small portable table nearby.
9. Incorporate Lighting
Laundry closets often lack proper lighting. Install LED strip lights under shelves or use battery-operated puck lights for bright, even light while working.
10. Keep It Organized with Baskets and Labels
Group items by category—detergents in one basket, dryer products in another, and stain removers in a small bin. Label each container so you can find what you need quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Ventilation Needs
- Mistake: Installing a dryer without proper airflow, leading to moisture buildup.
- Solution: Choose a ventless dryer or add proper ducting.
- Overloading the Space
- Mistake: Trying to fit too many shelves, bins, or accessories in a small closet.
- Solution: Keep it minimal and only store essentials.
- Skipping Electrical and Plumbing Requirements
- Mistake: Assuming a closet can handle a laundry station without checking hookups.
- Solution: Consult a professional to ensure safe installation.
- Not Using Vertical Space
- Mistake: Leaving space above the appliances empty.
- Solution: Add shelves, baskets, or rods to maximize storage.
- Poor Lighting
- Mistake: Relying on dim overhead light from outside the closet.
- Solution: Add bright, targeted lighting inside the closet.
Extra Laundry Tips & Hacks
- Magnetic Accessories: Use magnetic shelves or hooks on the side of your washer/dryer to hold tools.
- Fold as You Go: If space allows, fold clothes immediately after drying to prevent clutter buildup.
- Use Matching Containers: This keeps the space visually cohesive and reduces the feeling of clutter.
For more compact laundry ideas, check out our “How to Organize a Small Laundry Room on a Budget” guide.
Conclusion
Learning how to set up a laundry station in a closet can transform an unused or cramped space into a fully functional, organized laundry area. By choosing the right appliances, maximizing vertical space, and keeping the setup simple, you can have a laundry station that works just as well as a full room—without taking up valuable square footage.
Pro Tip: Treat your closet laundry station like a mini command center—everything you need should be within arm’s reach and easy to put away.
Bookmark this guide to refer back to whenever you want to upgrade your laundry closet setup.