Your utility room likely takes on quite a bit. For most, it works as a laundry room, but also contains cleaning supply storage, a laundry sink, boots and shoes, laundry appliances, your vacuum cleaner and mop, and everything you need to iron and hang dry your clothing.

You could say the utility room is the backbone of your home, storing everything you need to keep your household running efficiently. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for your utility room storage to become completely out of control, or nonexistent. Because the utility room is a place where we tend to toss the items we use intermittently, it gets messy quickly.

Stay Organized with Useful Utility Room Storage

Thankfully, there are plenty of storage options when it comes to keeping your utility room under control. Utility rooms are usually on the smaller side, so it is crucial to know how to utilize that storage to benefit you. This list is full of the best utility room storage ideas out there, and will hopefully point you in a direction that works for you.

1. Built-In Storage Shelving

There are few better options for your utility room than built-in storage. You can do it yourself if you have the time and skills, or contract a professional to do the work for you. Either way, the space will function to your specific needs.

When you choose built-in shelving, you will have massive input in the way the design turns out. Nobody knows which storage solutions you need better than you, so keep that in mind when you are working on the design plan for your utility room.

2. Floating Shelving

Floating shelves are perfect for utility rooms because you can have them installed where you need them most. Though shelving units are amazing, they take up precious floor space and most of them are quite bulky. When you put floating shelves into action, you are creating storage where there once was none, and you are putting that storage exactly where you want it.

You can purchase pre-cut floating shelves at any store that offers shelving supplies, from Lowes to Target. Even better - have them custom made, because that way, they will be the size and color you want.

3. Basket Storage

Woven baskets bring a nice, fresh, farmhouse vibe to any utility room. You can place them on the shelving you already have for a quick organization upgrade. Woven baskets come in almost any size you can imagine, and you can actually utilize all different sizes, and use ribbon or burlap to give them a uniform look.

4. Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are a fantastic option for utility storage. You can close cabinets which is a fantastic option to have when you want to appear organized, but you are not quite there. Custom cabinets come in a variety of sizes, and you can choose where you have them installed. Floor-to-ceiling, up high, or a low row of custom utility room cabinets are possible. Essentially, it is storage where you need it.

5. Bench Storage

Having a bench installed, or purchasing a bench to place in your utility room, is the best option for seated storage. If you spend a lot of time in your utility room, perhaps folding laundry, a bench is a fantastic addition. Not only can you opt for storage inside the bench, but you can neatly store it on top of it if necessary.

6. Make Storage Functional

The storage in your utility room should be as functional as possible. You can use this area for many purposes, but be sure that your storage tactics express those purposes successfully. For example, if you are using your utility room as a mudroom, bench storage is needed to sit and remove shoes or keep sandals during the winter. If it is doubling as a laundry room, open shelving above the washer and dryer is a must-have.

7. Peg Shelves are Perfect

Opting for a peg shelf or two is always a great bet. Peg shelves allow for you to put items on top while using the pegs below to hang whatever makes sense. A peg shelf makes for a beautiful coat rack, and you can also employ them to hang wet laundry that cannot go in the dryer.

8. Use the Entire Space

Regardless of the size of your utility room, you will want to make sure your laundry room storage shelves encompass the entire space. This does not mean putting shelves everywhere, it simply means considering cabinets on the bottom half of the wall, and switching to floating shelves as you go higher. Because we put so much in one small room, top to bottom storage is essential.

9. Install a Drying Rack on the Ceiling

To keep from taking up too much space, hang a rack from the ceiling that will help hang dry clothes like sweaters and winter coats. When this type of rack hangs over the dryer instead of sitting on the floor, your space will seem bigger and much more efficient.

Any type of shelving you can suspend from the ceiling can optimize space inside your utility room, so do not be afraid to get creative. Working with a professional design team will present you with stellar ideas.

10. Laundry Baskets

Whether you are choosing cabinets or an open built-in shelving concept, do not forget to leave a space for your laundry baskets so they do not sit on the floor. Consider the size and shape of the baskets you consistently use, or perhaps even make space to build them into the design as well!

11. Store Under the Sink

Most people let the space under the laundry room sink go unused. Do not let this happen to you! Install a utility room shelf under the sink to store cleaning products and laundry supplies. You can add as many of them as you need to organize the space under your sink.

12. Stacked Washer and Dryer

Investing in a stacked washer and dryer can save a ton of space in your utility room. These units have improved greatly over the years, and they are a bit larger and more efficient than they were in the past.

13. Linen Cabinets

Adding cabinets specifically for your clean linens is a fantastic way to keep them organized in the event that you have guests or have to change them. The utility room is the perfect place to do this because they are an item that rotates through the home. This will also keep your linens from crowding up your bathroom or bedroom closets.

14. Store the Essentials

Your utility room offers a fantastic place for storage, but ensure that you are only storing what is absolutely necessary. For example, Christmas ornaments should be in a spare room closet, attic, or basement. While it is easy to throw them into the utility room, try and avoid doing so. Keep only what belongs in the utility room in the actual utility room.

Utility Room Storage at Your Fingertips

Creating utility room storage is so much easier when you have professionals on your side. At ShelfGenie, we understand how important it is to have an organized utility room that you can use. If you’re ready to discuss a design just for you, contact our team today for a free consultation!