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Aging in Place by Room - Part 50 - Laundry Room Storage & Organization

6/17/2020

1 Comment

 
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction

There is a large selection of other storage and organization options for the laundry room besides the previously mentioned cabinets, shelving, and countertops. This includes various racks, bins, foldaway boards for ironing, and other miscellaneous equipment.

Due to its function, some of the main elements to keep in mind include having storage that is suitable for a sometimes moist environment as well as keeping the general area free from anything that might snag, rip, or wrinkle cloth.
Asko Drying Cabinet Picture
Asko DC7583 Drying Cabinet

Hanging Racks, Drying Cabinets, & Other Air Dry Options

For accessible air drying and storage, a lower hanging rod or retractable clothesline can be installed within the laundry room. Room layouts with enough space can also make use of a drying cabinet that circulates air over the clothes hanging inside to more quickly dry them out.  Other more portable options (that would offer more flexibility in the positioning of hang dry clothes) include a wheeled drying rack or laundry cart with built-in hanging rack that can be stored out of the way when not in use.
 
Installing a ceiling fan within the laundry room can further help when it comes to air drying laundry with the additional benefit of improving overall ventilation in the area (which is particularly helpful when doing laundry related chores). If there is no available ceiling space that can  bear the full weight of a fan, then a free-standing fan can be used instead as long as it doesn't become an obstacle blocking the access paths within the room.
 
Another item that can help quicken air drying would be a dehumidifier that removes moisture from the air. Due to the presence of the washing machine and any potential laundry sinks, this is otherwise one of the more moisture prone rooms within the household which would otherwise slow down the process of air drying.

Wheeled Bins Picture

Large Storage (Wheeled Bins)

Heavy duty wheeled bins are recommended for the storage of rarely used items that are too large to fit in other normal storage locations. These types of wheeled bins are particularly good for oversized or heavy objects that might otherwise by difficult to transport. In this way their locations can be easily rearranged or moved around the laundry room as needed.
 
Waterproof plastic bins can also better protect their contents from the debris and moisture that are commonly found within the laundry room area. For this function, make certain that the bin lids & tops will close tightly to prevent moisture seepage but can still be opened with minimal effort (especially for those who may have arthritis or other hand issues).

Otherwise in addition, closed bin tops can serve as both a work area surface or as emergency seating when needed. 
McClurg Fold Down Ironing Board Picture
McClurg Fold-down Ironing Board

Iron + Ironing Board

When it comes to ironing, it's recommended that the iron be on the lighter side with simple controls that include an automatic function for turning off after a set amount of time where it has not been used. This option would help prevent potential fires or burns that may be caused by forgetting to turn the iron off.
 
Otherwise, for better accessibility, it's recommended that an adjustable ironing board be used that can accommodate the user either sitting or standing while ironing. In particular, it would be optimal for the ironing board to fold down from the wall with the further option to be adjusted to a suitable height. A lighter weight board will also be easier to fold back up once the user is done with it.
 
In the case of a wall-mounted fold down ironing board, gravity does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to positioning the board. In contrast, traditional standalone ironing boards tend to be heavier and can be difficult to set up and take down particularly for those with mobility or strength problems or other diminished physical capabilities that tend to come with age.
 
In general, the ironing board should be positioned so that once unfolded it remains close enough to the dryer to easily move clothes from one location to the other without blocking access to the dryer's door.

Laundry Detergent Soap Dispenser Picture
Laundry Soap Station

Miscellaneous Organization

Containers & dispensers of chemicals & other small items should be clearly labeled (preferably color coded as well as being identified through large print). They should also be easy to hold, open, close, & otherwise use even with arthritis or other hand dexterity & strength issues.

​In particular, large & heavy detergent bottles can often cause problems, in which case transferring the detergent to a storage bottle with a nozzle on the bottom or switching over to detergent pods (more convenient but also pricier) is recommended instead.
 
Otherwise, all other essential equipment should also be labeled in a similar fashion. Items and equipment should also always be stored towards the back of the shelves & counters as this reduces the likelihood of them falling to the floor when the area is being used.

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - Exterior
Part 3 - Landscaping & Gardens
Part 4 -  Patio,  Porch, & Deck
Part 5 - Garage & Carports

Part 6 - Entrances, Exits, & Thresholds
Part 7 - Exterior Steps & Ramps
Part 8 - Threshold Lighting & Windows

Part 9 - Interior Doors & Halls
Part 10 - Interior Steps & Staircases
Part 11 - Interior Stairlifts

Part 12 - Interior Elevators
Part 13 - Interior Lighting
Part 14 - General Interior Flooring
Part 15 - Interior Flooring Comparisons
Part 16 - HVAC & Energy Efficiency

Part 17 - Power, Communications, & Other Interior Systems
Part 18 - Living Room
Part 19 - Kitchen Layout, HVAC, & Electrical Systems
Part 20 - Kitchen Lighting, Flooring, and Sink Faucets

Part 21 - Kitchen Countertops & Cabinets
Part 22 - 
Kitchen Refrigerators, Freezers, and Dishwashers
Part 23 - 
Kitchen Ovens, Ranges, Stovetops, and Cooktops
Part 24 - Kitchen 
Microwaves, Blenders, & Food Processors
Part 25 - 
Miscellaneous Kitchen Items
Part 26 - Dining Room Layout, Tables, & Other Furniture
Part 27 - Dining Room Flooring, Lighting, & Meal Serving Equipment
Part 28 - Bedroom Layout & Closets
Part 29 - Accessible 
Beds 
Part 30 - Bedroom Furniture, Electronics, & Other Accessories
Part 31 - Bedroom Flooring
​
Part 32 - Bedroom Lighting
Part 33 - Bathroom General Layout
Part 34 - Bathroom General Tips for Showers & Tubs
Part 35 - Bathroom Accessible Tubs
Part 36 - Bathroom Accessible Showers

Part 37 - Bathroom Accessible Toilets
Part 38 - Bathroom Sinks & Vanities

Part 39 - Bathroom Cabinets & Shelving
Part 40 - Bathroom Grab Bars
Part 41 - Bathroom Flooring
Part 42 - Bathroom Lighting
Part 43 - Bathroom Ableware - Toilet Aids & General Accessibility
Part 44 - Bathroom Ableware - Shower, Bathing, & Grooming Aids
Part 45 - Laundry Room Location, Layout, & Spacing
Part 46 - Laundry Room Carts, Rolling Hampers, & Chutes
Part 47 - Laundry Room Dumbwaiters
​Part 48 - Laundry Appliances (Washers & Dryers)

Part 49 - Laundry Room Cabinets, Shelving, & Countertops
Part 50 - Laundry Room Storage & Organization

Part 51 - Laundry Sinks, Lighting, & Flooring
​Part 52 - Quick Overview - General Exterior
​Part 53 - Quick Overview - General Interior

​Part 54 - Quick Overview - Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Room
Part 55 - Quick Overview - Bedroom, Bathroom, Laundry Room
1 Comment
Core Medical Group link
2/10/2023 11:17:09 am

Thanks for sharing!

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