How to design storage around stacked washer and dryer units? (Laundry Room | Cabinetry, Storage, Appliances & Fixtures)

Designing storage around stacked washer and dryer units is a smart strategy for maximising space and functionality in a Sydney laundry room. Many Sydney homes, especially apartments and terraces in suburbs like Surry Hills, Balmain, or Paddington, have limited floor space, making stacked laundry units a popular choice. These units allow homeowners to combine washing and drying functions in a compact vertical arrangement, freeing up space for storage, folding areas, and workbenches. However, without carefully planned storage solutions, small laundry rooms can become cluttered and inefficient. Customised storage around stacked units ensures detergents, cleaning accessories, and laundry essentials are easily accessible while maintaining a tidy, organised laundry space.

1. Understanding the Space Around Stacked Units

Stacked washer and dryer units have unique storage challenges:

• Limited under-appliance space, as the washer supports the dryer above

• Restricted lateral space, especially in narrow laundry rooms or apartment alcoves

• Need for safe and easy access to detergent drawers, dryer lint traps, and cleaning products

Understanding these constraints is key to designing storage solutions that are practical, ergonomic, and visually appealing for Sydney households.

2. Storage Solutions Adjacent to Stacked Units

Maximising lateral space around stacked washer and dryer units is essential:

• Slim Pull-Out Cabinets: Narrow pull-out shelves on either side of the stacked unit can store detergents, pods, fabric softeners, and stain removers. Full-extension pull-out trays allow easy access to items stored at the back.

• Tall Vertical Cabinets: Extend storage vertically alongside the stacked units. These cabinets are ideal for storing laundry baskets, cleaning sprays, ironing tools, and other bulky items. Adjustable shelving ensures flexibility for items of varying heights.

• Corner Storage Solutions: If the stacked unit is near a corner, rotating or angled pull-out shelves can make use of hard-to-reach areas efficiently.

Strategically placed adjacent storage ensures that all laundry essentials are accessible without obstructing access to the washer or dryer.

3. Overhead Storage

Above the stacked washer and dryer, vertical space is often underutilised. Overhead storage provides convenient options:

• Wall Cabinets: Store less frequently used detergents, extra laundry accessories, or seasonal cleaning supplies.

• Open Shelving: Offers quick access to items used daily, such as detergent pods, stain removers, and cloths.

• Integrated Rods or Hooks: Hang laundry bags, delicates, or ironing boards to maximise vertical space.

Overhead storage must be installed securely, considering weight limits and safe access, particularly in multi-level units or compact Sydney laundries.

4. Under-Bench and Adjacent Workspaces

Even with stacked units, nearby bench or countertop space can enhance convenience:

• Adjacent Counters: Install a folding bench next to the stacked units for sorting, folding, and treating laundry.

• Under-Counter Drawers: Beneath the folding bench, use drawers to store detergent bottles, dryer sheets, laundry pods, and small cleaning accessories.

• Pull-Out Hampers: Integrated pull-out laundry bins under adjacent benches keep dirty laundry organised and ready for washing.

These solutions maintain workflow efficiency while maximising storage in compact Sydney homes.

5. Drawer Systems for Small Items

Small laundry items require dedicated organisation to prevent clutter:

• Shallow Drawers: Ideal for pods, dryer sheets, and small stain removers.

• Deep Drawers: Suitable for detergent bottles, fabric softeners, and bulk cleaning products.

• Divided Compartments: Adjustable dividers keep items separated, ensuring accessibility and tidiness.

• Pull-Out Shelves: Even adjacent narrow pull-out drawers provide full visibility and easy access to small items.

Well-organised drawers around stacked units allow busy Sydney households to manage laundry efficiently without clutter or frustration.

6. Material Selection for Sydney Laundries

Sydney homes, especially coastal properties in Bondi, Manly, or Mosman, experience high humidity and occasional water exposure. Selecting durable, moisture-resistant materials is critical for storage around stacked units:

• Moisture-Resistant MDF: Ideal for under-bench drawers and vertical cabinets.

• PVC or Thermofoil Panels: Highly water-resistant and suitable for compact, high-use urban laundries.

• High-Quality Laminates: Easy to clean, durable, and available in finishes that match contemporary or traditional laundry designs.

• Powder-Coated Metal or Stainless Steel: Perfect for pull-out frames and shelving that must withstand heavy detergent bottles.

Proper material selection ensures that storage remains functional, durable, and visually cohesive in Sydney laundry environments.

7. Ergonomics and Accessibility

Ergonomically designed storage enhances convenience around stacked units:

• Height Considerations: Keep frequently used items within arm’s reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or bending.

• Full-Extension Slides: Ensure pull-out shelves and drawers provide easy access to items stored at the back.

• Soft-Close Mechanisms: Protect both the contents and the shelving from damage while adding a premium touch.

• Accessible Controls: Maintain clear access to washer and dryer controls, lint traps, and detergent compartments without obstruction.

Thoughtful design improves usability, reduces strain, and ensures Sydney homeowners can complete laundry tasks efficiently.

8. Aesthetic Considerations

Storage around stacked units should integrate seamlessly with the laundry’s design:

• Neutral Finishes: White, grey, or timber tones match modern Sydney laundry interiors and create a sense of space.

• Handleless Cabinets or Push-to-Open Mechanisms: Maintain a minimalist, clean look while remaining functional.

• Coordinated Cabinetry: Ensure adjacent drawers, pull-out shelves, and overhead cabinets match each other for a cohesive appearance.

• Integrated Organisers: Baskets, bins, and dividers within cabinets provide both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Stylish yet functional storage creates a laundry space that is both efficient and visually appealing.

9. Sydney-Specific Design Considerations

Sydney households face unique challenges that influence storage design around stacked units:

• Space Constraints: Urban apartments and terrace homes require vertical, slim, or modular storage solutions to maximise functionality.

• Coastal Humidity: Properties in suburbs like Bondi or Manly require moisture-resistant materials to prevent warping, corrosion, or mildew.

• Family Homes: Larger homes in the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs may need multiple drawers, pull-out shelves, and adjacent benches for sorting and folding laundry efficiently.

• High-Use Urban Laundries: Apartments with daily washing cycles need durable, easy-to-clean storage systems that withstand frequent use.

Customised solutions cater to these Sydney-specific challenges while ensuring practicality and longevity.

10. Professional Design and Installation

Engaging a licensed Sydney renovator ensures storage around stacked washer and dryer units is optimised for convenience, durability, and style:

• Custom sizing to fit compact or irregular spaces

• Integration of pull-out trays, drawers, and vertical cabinets

• Use of moisture- and heat-resistant materials suitable for Sydney’s climate

• Seamless workflow integration with adjacent benches and countertops

Professional design guarantees that storage solutions remain long-lasting, accessible, and visually cohesive within the laundry room.

11. Maintenance Tips

Even the best-designed storage requires simple upkeep:

• Wipe down drawers, shelves, and cabinet surfaces regularly

• Inspect pull-out slides and soft-close mechanisms for smooth operation

• Ensure surrounding areas are dry to prevent moisture damage

• Check dividers, baskets, and bins for wear and replace when needed

Regular maintenance ensures long-term functionality and prevents clutter or damage in busy Sydney households.

Summary

Designing storage around stacked washer and dryer units is essential for creating a practical, efficient, and organised Sydney laundry room. Properly planned storage ensures detergents, cleaning products, laundry accessories, and baskets are always within reach while maximising vertical and lateral space. Features such as pull-out drawers, slim vertical cabinets, overhead shelving, and under-bench storage enhance workflow, reduce clutter, and maintain accessibility.

From compact inner-city apartments to family homes in the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs, ergonomic and moisture-resistant storage solutions around stacked units improve convenience, usability, and aesthetics. With professional design and careful material selection, Sydney homeowners can transform small laundry spaces into functional, stylish, and organised hubs for everyday laundry tasks.

For expert guidance on designing storage around stacked washer and dryer units and other cabinetry solutions in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore professional renovation services, innovative storage solutions, and high-quality materials that elevate your laundry space.