Here’s how we tripled the storage space in our small laundry room by trading wire shelving for Modular Closets units.
A few months ago we installed Modular Closets towers and wall shelving to our small walk-in closet and ever since then I have been so blown away at how much storage space we have in there now.
Before, we had a wire shelving unit that served us well, but the storage space was limited. That same wire shelving unit was in our laundry room, too, so every time I’d fold all the laundry and take the clothes into our freshly remodeled closet, I could feel the difference.
So we decided to work with Modular Closets again this month to add the exact same storage units to our laundry room. Here’s how the ordering, assembly, and installation process went, and how it compared to the first time we installed Modular Closets in our bedroom closet.
Our Laundry Room Design Plan
I used the 3D Design Tool from Modular Closets to put together a plan for my laundry room. First I measured the entire room and noted every single dimension for each wall, doorway, window, and even where the outlets were located. I also measured my washer and dryer to make sure I left enough room for them.
After some trial and error, I finally found a layout I liked for my laundry room, added the cabinet doors and a few accessories, and sent it off to the Modular Closets team to look over. Before you place an order, someone from the team checks your measurements and placements to make sure it will work for the space. I really appreciate this service because they always have great suggestions.
Modular Closets Delivery Process & Warnings
Once your order is in, you get updates via email about when your order ships. Everything comes in individual boxes and they’re marked with a label so you know which boxes go together. They’re all delivered on a big pallet from a freight company.
One thing I don’t love is that you don’t get a heads up on when that big truck is going to show up. I work from home, so it’s not that big of a deal, but both times I ordered from Modular Closets I just looked out my window and there was a semi truck unloading a pallet. This is something you should consider if you live in a congested area or work long hours.
After two rounds of deliveries, I learned that you need to downstack the pallet and check the inventory as soon as possible. Both times I had some items that were missing. Modular Closets was really great about sending the missing items quickly, but I waited until install day to check for them so I got held up on completion.
It’s also a good idea to open the boxes when you’re checking them all to be sure the hardware is included. A few of my boxes were missing hardware and some hardware had gotten bent or broken during shipping. Again, the Modular Closets team was great about sending replacements quickly, but I should have checked sooner instead of on install day.
Assembling Modular Closets Units
With this being our second time assembling Modular Closets units, it was a lot faster and easier. The assembly couldn’t be simpler, and once you get the hang of it you can breeze right through. It helps to have some other people assembling units simultaneously because manually screwing in each screw really does a number on your hands.
The instructions say not to use a drill, and while I did cheat and use it a few times, I mostly followed the manual and did it by hand. Pop on a movie, spread out in the living room floor, and it’s actually kind of fun to assemble.
Assembly Tip: Lay an old sheet on the floor where you’ll be assembling the units. This prevents tiny shreds of wood from getting in your carpet and rugs. I should have done this…
Installing Modular Closets In My Laundry Room
The installation process was a lot easier than last time because we learned from our mistakes in the closet. For starters, instead of carrying these huge heavy units from the living room to the laundry room, I laid each tower on furniture sliders and pushed it into the room. That helped me not be exhausted just from transferring it, so I was able to get it upright by myself easier.
Another thing that helped a lot was using ledger boards for wall-mounted units. We had two 31.5″ short towers and one tall hanging unit in our laundry room plan, and both of those needed to float on the wall and line up perfectly with the towers beside them.
We measured to find out where the bottom of the units needed to be, then screwed a 2×4 into the wall studs horizontally. The Modular Closets units are very heavy, so these ledger boards gave them a place to rest while I screwed them to the wall. My husband and son helped hold them steady on the ledger boards.
This method was way safer than the way we did it in the closet…I won’t even tell you what we did to get the upper cabinets installed in there because it was super dangerous and a terrible idea. Just install ledger boards and get extra help from someone strong. Don’t try to install it alone.
The Finished Laundry Room
Here’s how the room looks now that all the Modular Closets units are in. There is SO much storage, and so many ways to categorize and organize all our laundry and household supplies. I love having the doors to hide all my cleaners, and the drawers are great for linens and pet stuff.
Next week I’ll show you how I organized all the cabinets and drawers and give you a full tour of the room. Stay tuned! PS: If you’re considering ordering Modular Closets for yourself, you can get 10% off with code LELA at checkout.
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