Useful Laundry Sorter: Organizational 8-Step Solution

Last Updated on June 7, 2024 by teamobn

Among the messiest spaces in the house are frequently the laundry facilities. Clothes and laundry baskets, among other things, might clog them. Maintaining order and neatness in the laundry room can be challenging.

Nonetheless, there are a few pointers that might facilitate the organizing of laundry rooms. Purchasing storage solutions for the laundry area is one piece of advice. This can be things like shelf-mounted laundry baskets or even a laundry room cabinet with cleaning materials kept within.

If you’d want a better, more organized laundry room, try this do-it-yourself laundry sorter project! For tiny rooms, this laundry sorter is ideal. Along with a cover to conceal soiled clothing, it has a hanging pole for shirts and trousers. Additionally, you may fold clean linen on the lid. Keeping your laundry neat and hidden is made possible with this hamper.

When you have filthy clothing or need to wash the hampers, you can remove them with ease because of their easy-to-remove construction. With this laundry sorter, keeping your area neat and organized is simple, and doing laundry no longer requires you to carry a bulky hamper.

Just add wheel casters to this laundry sorter design and make a few little adjustments if you would rather have a mobile machine. This will make moving the unit about as needed easy, which might be useful if you have a tiny area or need to move it out of the way on a regular basis. In addition, if necessary, wheel casters can facilitate moving the unit to a laundromat or other place.

You might wish to give this choice some thought if you’re trying to find a laundry sorter that will simplify your life. With three sections in this sorter, you can quickly separate your clothes into delicates, darks, and lights. It also has an integrated lint trap for simple removal of hair and lint from clothing. Moving it from one room to another is also made simple by the bottom wheels. What say you? Is this the laundry sorter for you?

Take a closer look at our below gallery to get a better idea of the unit’s appearance and be sure to check out the step-by-step tutorial linked below the album! By doing so, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of how to put the unit together and what materials you’ll need.

Building a Laundry Sorter

Materials

• 2″x10″x8′ Board
• 2 pcs 1″x4″x8′ Furring Strips
• 32″ long 1″ diameter Dowel
• 3 pcs 32″ long 3/8″ diameter Hardwood Dowels
• 2 pcs each – 3″ Strap Hinges and 3″ Tee Hinges
• 2 pcs 2″ Hooks & Eyes
• 2″ and 1-1/2″ Wood Screws
• 3/8″ Wood Plugs
• Masking Tape
• Wood Glue
• Wood Finish (of choice)
• 6’x9′ Canvas Drop Cloth
• 1/2 yard, 45″ wide Medium-Heavy Weight Fusible Interfacing
• Matching Thread

Tools

• Table Saw
• Miter Saw
• Jigsaw
• Brad Nailer
• Cordless Drill and Right Angle Drill
• Forstner Bits
• Wood Clamps
• Sewing Machine and other Sewing Essentials
• Steam Iron

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wood

1. Use the table saw to cut the 2″x10″ board into three equal pieces for the main body of the sorter.
2. Cut the 1″x4″ furring strips into lengths to create the frame for each section of the sorter.

Step 2: Assemble the Frame

1. Assemble the frame using the cut furring strips. Attach the strips together using wood glue and secure them with 2″ wood screws.
2. Attach the three main body pieces to the frames, one piece per section, using the brad nailer for initial placement followed by securing with wood screws.

Step 3: Install the Hanging Rods

1. Drill holes on the top interior sides of the sorter frame to fit the 1″ diameter dowel. This dowel will serve as the main hanging rod.
2. Use the Forstner bits to make clean cuts for a snug fit.
3. Secure the dowel in place with wood glue and small wood screws.

Step 4: Add the Dividers

1. Position the 3/8″ diameter hardwood dowels as dividers for sorting laundry. Space them evenly within the sorter.
2. Secure these dowels using wood glue and brackets or straps for additional support.

Step 5: Attach the Hinges and Hooks

1. Attach the 3″ strap hinges to the back of the sorter to allow each section to open for easy access.
2. Install the hooks and eyes on the front of each section to keep them closed when not in use.

Step 6: Apply Finish

1. Sand the entire structure smoothly to prepare for finishing.
2. Apply your chosen wood finish. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 7: Prepare and Attach the Canvas

1. Cut the canvas drop cloth according to the dimensions of each section, allowing extra material for seams.
2. Use the sewing machine to hem the edges of the canvas, using fusible interfacing for reinforcement.
3. Attach the canvas to the frames using the brad nailer or by sewing it directly to small wood dowels that can be fitted into the frame.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Use the steam iron to remove any wrinkles from the canvas.
2. Check all joints and hardware to ensure everything is secure and functional.

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Advanced Customization Ideas for Laundry Sorters

Creating a DIY laundry sorter is a practical solution to organizing your laundry room. By customizing your laundry sorter, you can enhance its functionality and tailor it to fit your specific needs and space. 

Here are some advanced customization ideas that will help you make the most out of your laundry sorter.

Adjustable Dividers

Adding adjustable dividers to your laundry sorter can make it versatile for different types of laundry loads. You can easily adjust the size of each compartment based on the volume of clothes, such as separating light and heavy garments. This feature allows for more efficient use of space and can be easily modified as your needs change.

Integrated Ironing Board

Consider integrating an ironing board into the top of your laundry sorter. This addition turns your sorter into a multi-functional piece of furniture, saving space and adding convenience. With this feature, you can iron clothes immediately after sorting, streamlining your laundry process.

Built-in Laundry Care Stations

Equip your laundry sorter with built-in stations for various laundry care needs. These can include areas for pre-treating stains, a small rack for air-drying delicate items, and storage for laundry essentials like detergents and fabric softeners. This customization turns your laundry sorter into a comprehensive care station, making laundry tasks more organized and efficient.

Smart Technology Integration

Upgrade your laundry sorter by integrating smart technology. This can include sensors that notify you when a compartment is full or reminder systems to sort laundry on specific days. Smart features can enhance the usability of your laundry sorter, making it an even more valuable tool in managing household chores.

Decorative Customizations

Personalize your laundry sorter with decorative touches that match your home’s décor. This can involve painting the sorter in your preferred colors, adding decorative panels, or using stylish fabrics for any cloth components. These aesthetic customizations make your laundry sorter not only functional but also a visually appealing part of your home.

By incorporating these advanced customization ideas, your laundry sorter becomes more than just a place to separate dirty clothes. It transforms into a crucial component of your home’s efficiency and style.

Space Optimization Techniques in Laundry Rooms

Optimizing space in laundry rooms is crucial, especially in smaller homes or apartments where every inch counts. A well-organized laundry area can streamline your washing routine and make the space more functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Here are some effective space optimization techniques that can help you maximize the utility of your laundry room.

Vertical Storage Solutions

Utilize the vertical space in your laundry room to free up the floor area. Installing wall-mounted shelves or cabinets above your washer and dryer can provide ample storage for laundry essentials, such as detergents, fabric softeners, and cleaning supplies. This keeps everything within reach but out of the way, making your laundry room look tidier and more spacious.

Multipurpose Laundry Sorter

A multipurpose laundry sorter can be a game-changer in small laundry rooms. Choose a sorter that combines sorting bins with additional features like a folding area or an ironing board. This integration reduces the need for separate pieces of furniture, conserving space while maintaining functionality.

Retractable Elements

Incorporate retractable elements such as a pull-out ironing board or a fold-down drying rack. These features can be tucked away when not in use, maximizing available space. Retractable elements are particularly useful in narrow spaces, allowing you to have all the functionalities of a larger laundry room without permanently occupying valuable space.

Slimline Appliances

Consider investing in slimline appliances if you’re planning a laundry room renovation or update. These appliances are specifically designed to fit into tighter spaces without sacrificing capacity or functionality. Aligning your washer and dryer vertically (stacking) can also save floor space, making room for additional storage or activity areas within the laundry room.

Organizational Accessories

Use organizational accessories like over-the-door racks, hanging organizers, or behind-the-door hooks. These can hold items such as ironing boards, laundry bags, and cleaning tools. By organizing these accessories effectively, you free up more space within the laundry area and keep your essentials systematically arranged.

Implementing these space optimization techniques can transform your laundry room into a more functional and efficient space. With careful planning and the right strategies, even the smallest laundry room can become a well-organized area that simplifies your laundry tasks.

Conclusion

Building your own laundry sorter allows for customization that meets your specific needs and enhances the efficiency of your laundry routine. The process of creating a sorter can be a rewarding DIY project, offering both functional benefits and a touch of personal style to your home. With the right tools and materials, anyone can construct a durable and practical laundry sorter that simplifies the task of managing laundry.