Reuse An Old-School Thrift Store Find To Add Style & Storage To Your Laundry Room

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We don't always think about the laundry room as a space to hang out in, but the average American spends roughly 8 hours every month doing just that. This is just one reason why some homeowners are putting time and energy into beautifying this often overlooked space. The only downside is the high prices tacked onto many large storage and decor pieces. Fortunately, you can avoid the big prices by thinking outside of the box and opting for a smaller sort of organizing system from your local thrift store. When it comes to creating a functional laundry room that also looks good, this is a great small and affordable first step.

The key to this little decorating hack is finding an antique mail sorter. While this piece is normally used for holding bills and letters until you're ready to pay or reply to them, it also works as a lovely and charming storage solution. This is one of the best ways to organize your laundry room without overspending or overthinking your design, and it's so customizable.

Looking for the right type of letter sorter is an important step in this hack. As demonstrated by TikTok user @thedailymoll, you'll want to find one that lets you display photos or postcards for the decor side of things, while also having a basket or catchall at the bottom. The bottom portion is where the small storage comes into play. Rather than focusing on those big items like detergent bottles and scent beads, use this spot to keep clothespins, dryer sheets, loose change that comes out of pants pockets, and other tiny items. You could also keep dryer lint there temporarily before you transfer it to the trash. Of all the savvy tips for a more efficient and stylish laundry room, this one has the most potential for personalization.

Thrift store finds are great for DIY projects because they typically don't have a lot of sentimental value, and they aren't top of the line or expensive. So, let your crafty side go wild and paint, stain, stencil, or Mod Podge the wood. If the letter sorter you find doesn't have a great spot for adding photos, you could attach some clips. TOROS self-adhesive beige wood clips look just like clothes pins, making them a great fit for this purpose. No matter how you style it, you'll have a fun new way to organize the smaller items in your laundry room without overspending.