How to plan storage for multiple appliances in a small space? (Laundry Room | Cabinetry, Storage, Appliances & Fixtures)

In Sydney homes, especially apartments in Surry Hills, Redfern, or Zetland, or compact terrace houses in Newtown, fitting multiple laundry appliances into a small space can feel like a puzzle. Modern households often require a washing machine, dryer, ironing station, garment steamer, and even compact folding units—all within a limited footprint. Effective planning ensures your small laundry remains functional, organised, and visually appealing, while maintaining workflow efficiency and accessibility.

Whether you live in a space-conscious apartment or a narrow laundry in a North Shore home, designing cabinetry, shelves, and appliance zones strategically can make a small space work like a much larger laundry room.

1. Assess Your Appliance Needs

Before planning, evaluate what appliances your household actually uses:

• Core appliances: Washing machine and dryer are essential.

• Optional appliances: Steamers, ironing boards, portable foldable dryers, and countertop washing machines.

• Size and type: Front-loading machines are ideal for stacking in small spaces, while compact appliances are better suited to apartments.

• Frequency of use: Daily-use appliances should be easily accessible; occasionally used devices can be stored in higher or less central locations.

In Zetland and Redfern, where apartment laundries can be extremely compact, using stackable washer-dryer units with slide-out ironing boards can maximise efficiency. In family homes in Mosman or Lane Cove, larger laundry rooms allow for multiple appliances but still require thoughtful organisation to avoid clutter.

2. Design a Functional Workflow

Even a small laundry benefits from a well-planned workflow:

1. Sorting: Place laundry hampers and sorting baskets close to the entrance.

2. Washing and drying: Arrange the washing machine and dryer side by side or stacked to minimise movement.

3. Folding and ironing: Use foldable benches or pull-out surfaces adjacent to appliances.

4. Accessory storage: Keep ironing boards, garment steamers, and small appliances organised in cabinets or wall-mounted holders.

In Surry Hills and Newtown apartments, vertical pull-out surfaces can double as folding zones, maximising usable space in narrow laundry layouts.

3. Use Stackable and Compact Appliances

Space efficiency begins with selecting the right appliances:

• Stackable washer-dryer units: Ideal for apartments in Redfern, Zetland, or Waterloo.

• Compact washers or mini dryers: Perfect for single households or small families.

• Slimline appliances: Narrower machines leave room for additional cabinetry or shelves.

Stacking machines frees up floor space, allowing for storage of detergents, ironing stations, or laundry hampers underneath or alongside.

4. Custom Cabinetry for Small Spaces

Cabinetry can hide clutter and streamline workflow:

A. Pull-Out Appliance Cabinets

• Hide small appliances such as garment steamers or portable dryers.

• Can include slide-out trays for ironing boards or folding benches.

• Works well in apartments with limited floor area.

B. Vertical Storage Cabinets

• Maximise ceiling height by storing small appliances above the washer and dryer.

• Adjustable shelves accommodate appliances of various heights.

• Ideal for homes in North Shore suburbs like Turramurra and Lane Cove, where vertical space is often underutilised.

C. Wall-Mounted Cabinets

• Store lightweight, infrequently used appliances.

• Keep counters clear for folding or sorting laundry.

• Particularly useful in compact city apartments in Redfern or Surry Hills.

5. Multi-Tiered Storage Solutions

For small spaces, multi-tiered storage helps accommodate multiple appliances efficiently:

• Pull-out trays: Perfect for storing irons or handheld steamers near the ironing station.

• Stackable drawers: Useful for small appliances or laundry supplies.

• Adjustable shelving: Allows you to customise spaces according to appliance size.

In Newtown and Zetland apartments, vertical and pull-out systems maximise small laundry footprints while maintaining accessibility.

6. Incorporate Foldable or Pull-Out Work Surfaces

Small laundries benefit from space-saving work surfaces:

• Fold-down benches: Can serve as ironing stations or folding surfaces when needed, then tuck away.

• Pull-out surfaces: Extendable counters above front-loading machines provide temporary workspace.

• Sliding racks: Ideal for holding small appliances temporarily while in use.

In Surry Hills, Redfern, or Waterloo, foldable benches allow apartments with narrow laundry zones to function efficiently.

7. Optimize Placement for Workflow and Safety

Correct appliance placement improves workflow efficiency and safety:

• Keep frequently used machines at waist level for easier loading/unloading.

• Store rarely used appliances in high cabinets or on shelves above machines.

• Ensure ventilation: Stacking dryers or placing appliances in closed cabinetry must allow airflow to prevent overheating.

In family homes in Mosman or Lane Cove, proper placement prevents congestion while handling large loads from multiple family members.

8. Use Durable and Moisture-Resistant Materials

Small laundry spaces require materials that withstand heat, moisture, and frequent use:

• Cabinetry: Moisture-resistant MDF or laminate.

• Shelving: Powder-coated metal or high-quality laminate for longevity.

• Pull-out trays and hardware: Ensure they are robust to support appliances safely.

In multi-family households across Ryde or Turramurra, durability is essential for daily heavy use.

9. Hidden Storage for Smaller Appliances

• Store irons, garment steamers, portable washing units, and hand-held dryers in pull-out drawers or wall-mounted cabinets.

• Keep counters clear to avoid clutter and allow simultaneous folding or sorting.

• Labelled compartments help multiple family members quickly locate the appliance they need.

For compact apartments in Zetland or Redfern, this maximises efficiency and avoids a cramped feel.

10. Combine Multi-Purpose Features

• Countertops above stacked washers and dryers: Serve as folding or workspace surfaces.

• Pull-out ironing boards: Hide neatly when not in use.

• Hooks or rods: Hang portable appliances or laundry bags.

In North Shore homes like Mosman or Turramurra, these multi-purpose features allow a small laundry to function like a full-sized, organised space.

11. Styling Your Small Laundry with Multiple Appliances

Even small spaces can look neat and stylish:

• Matching appliance finishes: Create cohesion in compact layouts.

• Closed cabinetry for appliances: Minimises visual clutter.

• Open shelving for frequently used devices: Allows quick access without compromising style.

In elegant homes in Vaucluse or Mosman, thoughtful styling makes a small laundry feel spacious and functional.

12. When to Hire a Professional Renovator

Integrating multiple appliances in a small laundry requires expert planning:

• Poor layouts can waste space and reduce efficiency.

• Professionals can design custom cabinetry, pull-out storage, multi-tiered shelving, and ergonomic workflows.

• MB9 Australia Pty Ltd specialises in laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and full-home renovations, providing tailored solutions for Sydney homes of all sizes.

A professional renovator ensures your small laundry is efficient, safe, and visually appealing, even when fitting multiple appliances.

13. Local Inspiration for Sydney Homes

• Redfern & Surry Hills apartments: Stackable washer-dryer units, foldable benches, and pull-out trays for compact appliances.

• Zetland & Waterloo: Slimline and vertical solutions for multi-appliance small laundries.

• Mosman & Lane Cove family homes: Multi-tiered cabinets, integrated ironing stations, and ergonomic workflow zones.

• Turramurra & Ryde: Spacious small laundries with hidden storage and multi-purpose surfaces, maximising every square metre.

Local layouts, apartment size, and lifestyle influence the best storage strategy for multiple appliances.

Conclusion

Planning storage for multiple appliances in a small Sydney laundry transforms even the tightest space into a highly functional, organised, and visually appealing room. By combining stackable appliances, pull-out cabinets, foldable work surfaces, vertical storage, and smart workflow planning, small laundries can handle multiple machines efficiently without clutter.

Whether your home is a compact apartment in Surry Hills or Redfern, a narrow Newtown terrace, or a North Shore family home, professional planning ensures your laundry storage is efficient, safe, and stylish.

For more information about laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore how MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can transform your home.