The Laundry Room… Our New Morning Coffee Spot!

Last week I was inspired to help my dear friend organize her laundry. Actually the word ‘overhaul’ was racing through my mind as although my friend’s laundry was fairly functional, washing was much more of a chore with the room looking like a train wreck.

The look of a room can change your perception of what needs to happen in there. For example, we are more likely to have people over when the house is tidy. With some great simple tips listed below, you will realise how different a room can look with a lick of paint and some TLC.

Taking just over a day in total (in between the regular making of lunches, nappy changing, swimming lessons, dinner preparation, etc) the laundry now looks and feels fantastic. So good in fact, we had our morning coffee in there while loading the washing machine the next day! Have a go, set a small budget, invite a girlfriend over to help and let the Martha Stewart in you out.


• If painting is an option, choose a colour that brings a ‘fresh’ feeling to the room. For example, I personally wouldn’t enjoy washing linen in a dark brown room with burnt orange curtains!

• If the laundry is a place you frequent often, hang some fun pictures of your children or friends around the room. Even your children’s artwork will look fabulous framed and hung.

• Have a basket for odd socks, that way they will always find their partner. Just don’t let it build up to the point where you’re entire family can only wear flip flops for a week. Pairing socks was my job as a child (not forgetting I was one of nine!) and that didn’t kill me, so delegate this job to one or all of your children.

• Have another basket for clothes that need mending. At the end of the week, fortnight or even month, sit down with a cup of coffee, your favourite relaxing CD (try the new Norah Jones!) and get out a needle and thread. Otherwise invite a family member or friend over who actually CAN sew and make a night of it. Whilst they sew, you give them a pedicure.

• Not all laundry rooms have space for more than one dirty washing basket, but if you can make it work have 3 baskets. One for whites, one for darks and colours, and one for woolens and extra care items.

• Always arrange products and supplies according to how you use them. Make sure that everything is easy reach for you (not your children). So if that means adding a shelf, do so. A trip to Ikea will not break the bank.

• Cleaning agents used seldom should be placed in a box or out of site. Why display a collection of fluorescent bottles/containers that don’t match.

• Try not to double up on detergents, etc. Not only are you saving money, but space in most laundries is limited.

• Keep a drip dry rack either fixed to the wall or door or have one that is mobile. Not all items can go in direct sunlight or a tumble dryer.

• ALWAYS fold the ironing board away. It will help you maintain space and keep the area tidy. If the ironing board remains up, 9 times out of 10 it will become a storage bench.

• Wherever you iron, install a rod or hook to hang clothes as you go. That way the job of putting away clothes is almost done.

• If you have the luxury of extra space in your laundry, utilize this for storing car cleaning products, candles, gardening tools, beach paraphernalia, etc.

You’ll be enjoying your morning coffee in your laundry in no time.

Michaela.
©The Family Room 2006