All it takes is a little creativity and elbow grease to create a more functional and inviting laundry room. Here are some tips from Alice Rockmore and Sarah Welch, of getbuttonedup.com:

¢ The most critical element is shelving. A flat shelf directly above (or next to) your washer and dryer will be a sanity saver. It doesn’t need to be big – just big enough to place your detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, iron and spray bottle.

¢ If you have the space, think about installing a long table or countertop surface, which can be used for everything from pre-treating stains to folding and sorting clothes. If you don’t have room for such a counter, keep your ironing board tucked in beside your washer and dryer units and use that as your work table instead.

And don’t forget to purchase these small items:

¢ Trash can: for lint, dry cleaning bags and more.

¢ Finders-keepers box: Put those coins and receipts you find in various pockets and pants here to be reclaimed later. Any coins that are not reclaimed after two weeks should go into a treat fund for you (manicures, anyone?)

¢ Bulletin board: tack up labels or special instructions for garments that you do not want to forget.

And here’s some tips on how the family can pitch in:

¢ Save time and effort by having your family members presort their clothes for you. Put three separate labeled baskets in the laundry room; one for whites, one for colors and one for dry cleaning.

¢ You can also easily get help from the family once the laundry is done by having each person put away their own clothes. Purchase a rolling basket stand and have one basket for everyone in the family.