Organizers Reveal Items to Purge from Laundry Room

Decluttering experts share tips to streamline your laundry space.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Professional organizers recommend getting rid of various items that often accumulate in the laundry room, including single socks, old dryer sheets and lint, excessive detergent, misplaced items, stray papers, expired cleaning products, and worn-out reusable bags. Decluttering this high-traffic area can make a noticeable difference in how the space functions.

Why it matters

The laundry room can easily become a catch-all space, leading to clutter that can make the area feel disorganized and overwhelming. Removing unnecessary items can help streamline the laundry process and create a more efficient, calming environment.

The details

Organizers suggest tackling the laundry room clutter in 20-minute intervals, getting rid of single socks, used dryer sheets and lint, excessive or unused detergent, items that belong elsewhere, stray papers, expired cleaning products, forgotten clothing, and worn-out reusable bags. The goal is to pare down to the essentials and assign a clear purpose to the space.

  • Professional organizers recommend a 20-minute decluttering session to start.

The players

Ashley Hines

Organizer at Thee Tailored Life.

Lindsay Melvin

Owner of Orchid Organizing.

Lynda Reider

Founder of Cut the Clutter RVA.

Jeffrey Phillip

Interior designer and professional organizer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you have already done another load of that person's laundry, the socks' match is probably long gone. The washer monster wins again. Let it go.”

— Ashley Hines, Organizer

“Laundry doesn't have to be overcomplicated, stick to the essentials: detergent, stain remover, bleach and vinegar. Don't let social media convince you that your laundry should be as product-heavy as your skincare routine.”

— Lindsay Melvin, Owner

“Giving this space a clear purpose can transform how it supports your daily routine.”

— Ashley Hines, Organizer

The takeaway

Decluttering the laundry room by removing unnecessary items can create a more streamlined and efficient space, making the chore of doing laundry feel less overwhelming. Professional organizers emphasize the importance of paring down to the essentials and assigning a clear purpose to this high-traffic area of the home.