As one of the most hardworking spaces in the home, your utility room needs to be organised and efficient to support your daily life and make those everyday chores easier.
I don't know about you, but it feels like I'm constantly in a battle against a never-ending cycle of laundry and have come to the realisation that my utility room design isn't as optimised at it could be. That's why I've been on the hunt for some clever ways to make it more systemised, and have shared my favourite ideas below.
From pull-out ironing boards that save time and effort in the mornings to a dedicated folding station to make laundry a more efficient process, here are five things that people with an enviably organised utility room always have.
1. A hanging area to dry your clothes
Say goodbye to clunky clothes horses that fall over if you so much as look at them, and install a wall-mounted hanging area instead. This is a must-have swap in small utility rooms where floor space is precious.
While tension rods and permanent rails look the neatest – and will help your clothes dry in the best shape on hangers – you could also install a retractable washing line or a foldable clothes rack for a more temporary solution.
Becky Purchas, founder of White Space, says, "A hanging area is a practical addition to a utility room. Even the smallest space can accommodate one by making use of the room’s height. Consider adding hooks on a wall for freshly ironed garments, a towel rail fixed beneath a shelf for hangers, or even a retractable washing line."
Shop these wall-mounted drying racks
Washing lines aren't just for the garden. This drill-free option can extend to 5.1m and is neat and discreet when packed away.
If space is not on your side, this collapsible clothes rack is exactly what you need, offering five rails of drying space.
Made from rust-resistant stainless steel, this adjustable tension rod extends from 35–60 cm to secure the perfect fit.
Becky Purchas is a professional organiser and declutter coach, and the founder of White Space. With a warm and encouraging approach, Becky cuts through the physical and mental clutter, to create clarity and functional space that supports wellbeing.
2. A dedicated folding area for sorting laundry
Sorting through laundry is one of my least favourite chores, but having a folding station would make this dreaded task feel much easier. Ideally, you’ll want to place it next to your tumble dryer, as shown in the photo above, so you can easily transfer items once each load is complete.
"A flat surface for folding and sorting laundry is essential in any utility room, but it’s important to avoid the temptation to use it for storage," says Becky Purchas. "If space is limited, consider a clever solution such as a folding table that can be tucked away when not in use."
Becky’s personal favourite is a pull-out shelf concealed beneath a worktop. She has found that having a dedicated space like this can really help streamline the laundry process.
Shopping picks for faster folding
If a built-in worktop is off the cards, this portable folding station is the next best thing, with two drawers and laundry baskets.
Create extra counter space with this foldable bathroom sink topper made from heat-resistant silicone.
Save time and achieve a neat, uniform laundry stack with this easy-to-use folding board.
3. A functional layout custom-built to your needs
Built-in storage will help to maximise every inch of your utility room, creating a sleek, polished look that standalone furniture can't achieve. Since it's completely custom, you'll be able to design your space exactly to your needs and preferences.
In the photo above, the washer and dryer have been positioned at chest height, with a handy laundry basket drawer underneath – the perfect choice for anyone prone to backache when bending down.
Instead of a big, bulky washing bag, laundry is neatly stored behind a dedicated cupboard, which is labelled for lights and darks, with a hole for throwing dirty clothes in. Shelving has been thoughtfully positioned above the appliances for easy access to laundry detergents and clean towels.
"Giving all items a home prevents piles of clothes from building up around the house. It also makes it easier for other household members to get involved because the rules of the system are visually obvious," says Poppy Duffree, Founder of Organised Interiors.
Shop alternatives to built-in furniture
Keep your washing machine out of sight with this navy blue cabinet, which features two shelves and a cupboard.
This cabinet keeps your washing machine and cleaning products stored neatly in one place.
This unit offers plenty of room for towels, supplies, and your washer, featuring four open shelves and three cabinets.
Poppy Duffree is an award-winning professional organiser and founder of Organised Interiors, known for delivering white-glove, show-home-standard home setups for clients. With a background in operations and prime property, she launched the company in 2019 to transform the often overlooked stage of move-in organisation.
4. A pull-out ironing board
I've always hated how clunky and awkward ironing boards are to put up and down – and how they take up way more space than they need to. So, I couldn't be more excited when I discovered that pull-out options exist and could solve this daily hassle.
You can buy them in a range of different styles to suit the size and shape of your room – from door-hanging models that save floor space to ones that pull out neatly from inside your drawers. However, if you plan on doing a lot of ironing, a wall-mounted option is your best bet, as it's more substantial and secure.
"[Built-in ironing boards look] neat and organised, especially when stored behind a cupboard door," says Becky Purchas. "However, it’s worth ensuring there’s enough space on both sides of the board so that everyone in the household can use the iron comfortably, whether they are right or left-handed."
Shop pull-out ironing boards
This space-saving ironing board mounts on your wall at the perfect height and includes a heat-resistant cover and padding.
Perfect for compact utility rooms, this ironing board attaches to your drawers and is fully retractable.
This flip-down ironing board hangs on the back of your door and folds away neatly when not in use.
5. A clever storage system
Everyone has a cupboard where they chuck things in, quickly shut the door, and wince while turning a blind eye – and I’m guilty of this in my utility room. However, I know that proper storage system would prevent this habit.
Poppy Duffree advises her clients to install slim shelves around appliances to neatly store detergents, pegs, and laundry bags, as well as to zone the space according to how it is used day to day.
"Decanting bulky products into stackable jars or uniform containers can also be surprisingly impactful. It not only looks calmer visually, but it makes it much easier to see what you actually have and what you’re running low on, which reduces overbuying and clutter," she says.
Instead of rummaging through a cluttered cupboard for the items you need, Poppy also likes to store laundry products on a lazy Susan turntable (like this one from Amazon), which displays each item at the flick of a wrist.
Storage solutions in my Amazon basket
Keep track of how much product you have left with these clear, labeled containers.
This organiser makes it easy to find matching bedding sets and features labels and a handle.
These storage containers are perfect for pouring washing powders and liquids and come with a handy measuring cup.
"From experience, the biggest shift comes when a utility room is treated as a 'proper' room in the home, rather than a functional afterthought," concludes Poppy Duffree.
Once you've conquered the utility room, you might want to browse these clever understairs storage ideas and living room storage ideas to get your entire home in top order.
