Even those of us with larger homes do not always feel that our laundry rooms have enough space. But let’s face it, any square footage is prime real estate and most of us do not want to use that precious space on a utilitarian space to pile up clothes,  set up an ironing board, or hang a clothesline.

My home is under 1600 square feet, and it was not made with a laundry room in mind, but rather a laundry closet. The doors swung out and wasted space in front of them, there was no room for an ironing board and little storage for items that I keep on hand in a laundry room (clothes pins, cleaning agents like soaps and sprays, a small bucket for soaking stains, baskets with various uses, and a supply of other cleaning options.)

Here are a few of my favorite ways to maximize this laundry “space”:

• Add a small cart that is moveable so that it can slide into and out of various areas. My cart houses my laundry detergent and my ironing supplies.
• If your wall space allows, hang your ironing board. It can become a beautiful piece when you make it a focal point on the wall by painting the hardware and adding a cute board cover.
• Maximize shelving. This may sound like common sense, but really step back and take a look at the shelving. How can it be maximized?
• Under appliance storage. If you have side by side appliances (opposed to a stacked unit), you can add drawer storage underneath. There are specific storage drawers made to withstand the weight of a washer and dyer and that add a drawer for storage underneath. Bonus, if you have front loaders, they also raise the appliances so you aren’t breaking your back as much when switching over the laundry.
• Use bins or baskets to add organization to your shelves and a pleasant aesthetic.

A small space can still work really hard and be functional with the right planning.