My Tiny Laundry Closet Was So Cramped — This $43 Transformation Added So Much Smart Storage

My apartment’s laundry closet is small but mighty. While it fits most laundry essentials (haphazardly), I still found myself wondering how I could maximize its storage space. I bought an IKEA over-the-door hanger to store my tabletop ironing board and a hanging hamper, but because my laundry closet doubles as my linen closet, I didn’t have a proper spot for cleaning rags, bath mats, and other miscellaneous items. 

Because my washer and dryer are stacked, there are narrow gaps on either side between the machines and the walls. These tiny crevices were becoming the storage areas for all my cleaning items, which made my laundry closet look stuffed to the gills. I knew I needed an organizer and was hoping to find something magnetic so it could stick to my machines, but I’d have to push the washer and dryer to one side to create additional space. After my husband lovingly did that laborious task, I went on the hunt for some storage solutions and found two that completely transformed my laundry closet: the Nieifi Magnetic Organizer and Odonata Slim Laundry Hamper.

A deep dive into laundry organizers online yielded me two functional results: the first being the Nieifi Magnetic Organizer. The new space on the right of the machines is 8 inches, which is plenty of space for the two-tiered organizer (which is less than 6 inches wide) on the side of the dryer. The bottom tier is a pull-out shelf, which is great for storing laundry detergent pods, stain remover, dryer sheets, a laundry soap bar, and a stain removal brush. It also came with two removable hooks, which will come in handy for air-drying my gym towels and other delicates.

Upgrading to this organizer from my previous plastic bin that was balancing between the edge of the washer and the wall has made an astounding difference in functionality, organization, and tidiness.

To store clean linens and textiles, I figured a slim hamper could be a good option — and the Odonata Slim Laundry Hamper was the narrowest I could find. At 7.5 inches wide, it was a perfect fit! It has a built-in metal frame, a waterproof PVC coating, and sturdy handles on either side. I was most excited that I had found a practical and space-saving storage solution for all of my clean mop pads, bath mats, towels, rags, and cleaning slippers.

While I’ll be using this hamper for clean items only, I appreciate that it comes with a removable inner mesh bag for ventilation.

Both the Nieifi Magnetic Organizer and the Odanata Slim Laundry Hamper created storage space in a chaotic area where I thought I had none. Because the organizer is magnetic, there was no need to install or screw anything in, and because the hamper is made of a durable fabric, it squeezes into the spot effortlessly, and I’m not worried about it scratching the wall or machine.

I especially love that both of these storage items transformed my stuffed laundry closet for under $45, which feels unbeatable. This tiny space is now officially clean and clutter-free — even on the busiest of laundry days.

Buy: Nieifi Magnetic Organizer, $28.49; Odanata Slim Laundry Hamper, $13.99