Hey there! So last winter, after I found a box of spaghetti in my dryer (long story), I realized our laundry-pantry combo situation needed some serious help. After three months of reorganizing, a minor flooding incident, and countless “why did we buy this house” moments, I’ve finally figured out how to make these two spaces coexist peacefully.
Quick backstory: Our house came with this weird combo space that’s supposedly both a laundry room and pantry. My cat Luna loves to judge me from the doorway while I try to grab pasta without getting it tangled in clean sheets.
Fair warning: This post includes some organizational adventures and definitely a few stories about failed systems that ended with both soap and soup on the floor. But stick with me – these ideas actually work!
1. Vertical Zone Division
Created distinct zones with clear boundaries – food on one side, laundry on the other. Used tension rods to create a visual separator that doesn’t take up floor space. My husband Tom only mixed up the fabric softener with olive oil once, so I’m calling it a win.
2. Stackable Everything Strategy
Invested in stackable baskets and containers that made both spaces work smarter. Detergents up top, dry goods below, and everything labeled because apparently, powdered sugar and laundry powder look eerily similar.
3. The Great Wall of Shelving
Installed floor-to-ceiling shelving with adjustable heights. The top shelves are perfect for those fancy serving platters we use twice a year and the bulk pack of dryer sheets I impulse-bought.
4. Hidden Folding Station
Added a fold-down counter that doubles as both folding space and a food prep area (not at the same time, obviously). Luna now has a new favorite spot to supervise from.
5. Cabinet Magic
Installed moisture-resistant cabinets above the washer/dryer for pantry items. No more wondering if the pasta got steamy during the spin cycle!
6. Pull-Out
Deep pull-out drawers under the washer pedestal for both pantry and laundry supplies were added. No more doing yoga poses to reach the back of cabinets.
7. Door Domain
Maximized door space with an over-the-door organizer system. The trick is keeping heavy items at arm level – learned that one the hard way after the Great Detergent Avalanche of 2023.
8. Counter Culture
Created a solid countertop workspace that spans both areas. Perfect for folding laundry and sorting through pantry items. Just don’t fold the clothes right after organizing the flour!
9. Clear Container Clarity
Transferred everything into clear containers with serious labels. Because playing “guess what’s in this container” is only fun until you put sugar in the washing machine.
10. Vertical Vacuum Space
Made a skinny pull-out cabinet for the vacuum and mops, right next to the tall pantry items. Cleaning tools and spaghetti are now unlikely roommates.
11. Hanging Heroes
Installed retractable clotheslines that don’t interfere with the pantry space. Perfect for air-drying delicates and hanging grocery lists!
12. Basket Brigade
I organized everything into categorized baskets – baking supplies, cleaning supplies, snacks, and laundry extras, each with its own zone.
13. Light Bright
Added motion-sensor lighting because fumbling for light switches with armfuls of groceries or laundry is a recipe for disaster.
14. Rolling Cart Command Center
Got a rolling cart that serves both spaces – cleaning supplies on one side, cooking essentials on the other. It’s like a mobile command center!
15. Corner Conquest
Utilized corner spaces with lazy susans. No more lost items in the dark corners where laundry supplies and pantry items go to hide.
16. Drying Station Creation
Built a drying rack that folds down from the wall, positioned safely away from food storage. Because no one wants their clean shirts smelling like taco seasoning.
17. Label Life
Created a comprehensive labeling system that even my teenager can follow (theoretically, at least). Everything has its place, and every place is labeled.
18. Ventilation Sensation
Installed a ventilation fan to manage moisture from both laundry and pantry needs. Keeping the cereal crispy while the dryer runs is an art form.
19. Hidden Hamper Happiness
Added slide-out hampers that tuck away when not in use, maximizing floor space for pantry storage.
20. Ironing Innovation
Created a fold-down ironing board that disappears when not needed, making room for extra pantry shelving.
21. Storage Step-Up
Built a step stool that doubles as storage for rarely-used items. Because being short shouldn’t limit your storage options!
