Laundry day can be a hassle, but having a well-organized and well-equipped laundry room can make the chore much more bearable. Maybe you’re planning to build a new home and want to make sure your laundry room is functional and stylish. Designing a laundry room that meets your needs can make a big difference in your daily routine. And when it comes to choosing the right washer and dryer appliances, there are more options than ever before.

This guide will walk you through the key considerations for creating a laundry room that works for you and help you select the best appliances for your budget and lifestyle. 

Table of Contents

Choose your appliances

There are several considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right appliances for your laundry room remodel. There are typically two types of appliances, the stackable, and the side-by-side ones. Here are some considerations before you decide to buy your appliances:

  • Space. A stackable washer and dryer unit may be the best option if you have limited space. These units are designed to fit into tight spaces, such as closets or small laundry rooms. On the other hand, if you have ample space, side-by-side units may be a better fit as they are more convenient.
  • Budget. If you are on a tight budget, stackable washers, and dryers are a good option. They are often less expensive than side-by-side ones. However, remember that you may need to purchase a stacking kit separately, which could add to the cost.
  • Energy efficiency. Look for appliances with high Energy Star ratings, as these will save you money on your energy bills over time and are also better for the environment.
  • Laundry load size. Stackable units have a smaller capacity than side-by-side ones, so if you have a large family or regularly do large loads of laundry, side-by-side units may be a better fit for you.
  • Features. Do you prefer front-loading or top-loading washers? Would you like a machine with a steam function or a sanitizing cycle? Do you need a dryer with multiple heat settings? Consider these factors as you shop for appliances that will make your laundry routine more efficient and convenient.
  • Style and aesthetics. Appliances can play a big role in the look and feel of your laundry room, so choose models that complement your design vision and enhance the space’s aesthetic appeal.
  • Noise.  Finally, if noise is a concern, a side-by-side washer and dryer may be a better option. Stackable units may be noisier because the dryer is on top which can cause vibrations and noise.

Laundry appliances can be expensive, so investing in a home warranty can be a smart move. A home warranty can protect you againstrepair costs and saves you time and effort when finding a trustworthy repair service. This is a great option for peace of mind that if something goes wrong with your appliances, you’ll be covered.

Plan ahead

It’s best to create a solid plan before starting the actual work. This way, you can set a budget, brainstorm design ideas, and hammer out the fine details, so no surprises pop up.

Here are a few things you should think about:

  • Assess your current situation. Taking time to figure out what works and what doesn’t saves you time and money.  
  • Fix a budget. By setting a budget, you’ll keep the expense of remodeling your laundry room within your means, even if you hire a contractor.
  • Design it. You’ll need to consider the size and shape of the space so you can make the best use of the room.
  • Hire vs. DIY. A good contractor can get you from the design all the way to the final inspection. 

Style and décor

Laundry rooms are often bland, utilitarian spaces, but they don’t have to be. It makes sense that your laundry room should look and function like an extension of your home. Here are a few things you should consider when choosing décor:

  • Pick a style. No matter your aesthetic, you should pick something that works with the rest of your home.
  • Choose your materials and finishes. A laundry room should have flooring, countertops, cabinets, and paints that are durable and easy to maintain.
  • Choose your appliances. If you’re upgrading your appliances, consider choosing a set that not only fits your budget and style but is also energy efficient with useful features.
  • Light it up. A well-lit laundry room will help you see the functions and dials on your appliances, as well as any stains that need to be treated.

Storage and organization

A big part of what makes laundry room organization functional is having enough storage and organization options. Take a look at some items to help you create a well-organized space with plenty of storage for your needs:

  • Shelves. Having shelves in your laundry room lets you keep your detergents and stain treatments where they can be easily seen and reached.
  • Cabinets. Cabinets allow you to lock away items that could be unsafe if you have children or to keep your laundry room tidy by closing off unsightly items.
  • Laundry baskets. Keeping several small baskets to help you separate your clean clothes makes it easier to get the clothing to the right owner.
  • Containers. Laundry rooms collect small items, like stain treatments or clothing dye packs, so having some containers to hold these things is a good idea.
  • Drying rack. Some clothing can’t be put in the dryer, so having a drying rack will help. Also, this is a sustainable way of drying clothes.
  • Ironing space. Ironing boards need space, so you may want to consider that when designing your laundry room.  
  • Lost sock bag. Socks get separated all the time, but you can keep odd socks in one place by adding a lost sock bag or basket to your plan.

DIY on a budget

You may want to do a laundry room makeover but don’t have the budget for a complete remodel. If this is the case, there are still some things you can do to change how the space looks and functions.

Try these simple steps:

  • Dress the walls. Changing the wallpaper or painting, or adding some artwork changes the entire look of the room.
  • Add plants. If your laundry room has natural light, consider adding colorful plants to liven the place up.
  • Use pretty containers. By using attractive containers for your laundry solutions, you add a touch of class to the room.
  • Dress up the furniture. Consider dressing up hard furniture with contact paper or some paint to change its appearance.
  • Get hooked. Wall-mounted hooks are great for keeping things organized and out of the way.
  • Crate it. If you have counter space but no cupboards, consider using wooden crates to keep things organized.

Inspection and safety

Safety is always a concern when doing a laundry room makeover. No matter how big or small your project is, there will always be things you need to do to ensure that this home project is done safely.

Some areas of concern are:

  • Electrical. When installing electrical components, make sure the wiring is done properly and up to code.
  • Gas connections. For gas appliances, ensure the gas is properly installed and connected to reduce the risk of a leak.
  • Dryer venting. Clothing dryers need to vent outdoors. Dryers emit carbon monoxide and other gasses, in addition to creating a humid atmosphere that can result in the growth of mold and mildew.  
  • Room ventilation. Proper ventilation is a good idea, especially if you tend to use bleaches or heavily scented detergents.
  • Cabinet installation. Make sure your cabinets are properly installed to prevent them from coming apart or falling.
  • Leak proofing. Since you’ll likely have a sink as well as a washing machine, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect the relevant plumbing to prevent possible leaks.
  • Lint traps. Lint is highly combustible, so regular cleaning of the lint trap on your dryer is necessary to reduce the risk of a fire. You can sweep it out with your fingers, but regular vacuuming is also a good idea.
  • Regular maintenance. Like any appliance, laundry machines need regular maintenance to remain safe and functional. Outside of your own cleaning, consider having them professionally inspected and maintained on a yearly basis or as needed.

Extra laundry tips

Remodeling your laundry room will go a long way toward making the chore more efficient, but there are also other things you can do to help. Below, you’ll find a quick listing of some sanity-saving laundry tips.

Time-saving tips

  • Sort your clothing as soon as you take it off. If you sort by color or fabric type, consider doing that as soon as you remove the clothing.
  • Pre-treat stains when you take the clothing off. If you’ve stained your clothing, pre-treat the mark and put the clothing in the laundry bin as soon as possible.
  • Set a schedule. Figure out the best time to have a laundry day and create a schedule so you can do it all at once.
  • Divide the chore. Get your family members to help with the laundry.
  • Avoid overloading. Overloading a dryer can mean the clothing doesn’t get dried properly.
  • Use dryer balls. Throw a set of dryer balls into the dryer to dry your laundry faster and reduce static cling.

Frugal laundry tips

  • Wash less often. By ensuring your laundry machines are properly filled up, you can wash less often and promote frugal living.
  • Cut back on detergent. Most people use too much detergent. By cutting back a bit, you can make your supply last longer, so you’ll spend less.
  • Use cold water wash cycles. Using cold water not only saves your electricity or gas bill but also reduces clothing shrinkage and color running.
  • Steam clothing in the shower. Hang your clothes in the shower and let the shower run as hot as possible with the door closed and the fan off.

Clothing care tips

  • Empty pockets before washing. Leaving items in your pockets when you do the laundry can damage the pockets.
  • Avoid the dryer. Dryers are convenient but not really good for clothing. Air dry your clothing when possible.
  • Fold along the seams. Seams are a logical folding point for clothing if you don’t want creases. Folding along seams can reduce the need for ironing.
  • Read the labels. Some clothing requires special care, so make sure to read the labels.
  • Wash inside out. Wash your clothing inside out to preserve colors and patterns.
  • Close fastenings. Closing zippers and snaps before washing will preserve their working condition.
  • Dry clothing properly before storing. Storing damp clothing can cause a musty smell and even mold to grow on them.

Having an unsightly laundry room that doesn’t function well can make doing the laundry almost unbearable. A full makeover is fantastic if you have the means, but you can still improve the space by following the budget-friendly tips offered above and changing up your routine. No matter how you remodel, a laundry room should function as efficiently as possible to make a time-consuming chore easier.