Clutter coach Chip Cordelli gives this often neglected spot a new spin, with a plan for efficiency that’s sure to lighten your load. Here’s how to turn any washer-dryer zone from scullery to sanctuary.
Shelf Control
Instead of futzing with clean clothes on the linty top of your dryer, designate a work surface— a foldout shelf, a built-in counter, or a small table—and keep it clear when not in use.
To buy: Norberg shelf, $39, ikea.com.
Work the Bar
Even if you don’t have a lot of delicates, a rod across a doorway or in a nook is great for wet swimsuits or damp cotton shirts. With moist garments, use plastic hangers (flocked or wooden ones could stain the fabric).
To buy: Zenith fixed shower rod, $7, lowes.com.
Come-and-Get-It Bins
A washed-and-folded basket for each bedroom answers the perpetual question “Where’s my favorite shirt?!” A plus to investing in pretty containers: no eyesores in rooms where laundry never seems to make it into the drawers.
To buy: Charming bin, $49, landofnod.com.
First Aid for Fabrics
A shower caddy or a tool trug with stain spray, a scrub brush, and a bleach pen is a one-stop shop for maintenance—and easy to grab and carry if (heaven forfend) red wine hits your white sofa.
To buy: Vitra toolbox, $60, dwr.com.
Sweat the Sweaty Stuff
Toss items that are better on their own—funky workout clothes or muddy socks—in a canvas bin on the floor (Pehr gray-and-white basket, $65, seejanework.com). The rest goes in a rolling industrial hamper so roomy you’ll never feel overwhelmed. Whitmor commercial round laundry hamper, $54, amazon.com.
Pennies and Paper Clips
Prevent coins in those jeans from gumming up the washing machine (or gum in those jeans from ruining everything in the load!) with eye-level catchalls that remind you to empty pockets. An acrylic shelf is easy to wipe clean and visually airy.
To buy: Format storage shelf, $70, cb2.com.
Whistle While You Work
Creature comforts like an iPod- friendly radio (Model One, $150, tivoliaudio.com) and a rescued garden bloom make you feel less Cinderella, more worker bee.
