The ironing board and iron are two things many people would rather forget about. The board is long, awkward and never quite fits anywhere. It ends up leaning behind a door, wedged between the wall and the washing machine, or left up in a corner of the spare room. A proper home for both makes ironing less of a chore, and it also frees a surprising amount of space.
Behind a door
The most common solution is a hook or a bracket on the back of a door. The board hangs flat against the wood, out of sight when the door is open. Fit the hook at the right height, so that you can lift the board on and off without straining your back. Check that the door can carry the weight and that the board does not scratch the paint or bang into the wall.
On the wall
A wall-mounted holder keeps the board off the floor and is simple to use. Some fold flat against the wall, and others hold it in a rack. If you have a utility room, this is the ideal place. Fix the bracket firmly, and make sure it is out of reach of small children, who might pull the board down on themselves.
A place for the iron
The iron needs a safe, stable shelf. Always let it cool completely before you put it away, and unplug it first. A cupboard shelf in the utility room or a basket on a high shelf works well. Wind the cable neatly and tuck it away, so that it does not dangle. If the iron has a water tank, empty it before storing it, so that it stays clean inside.
Ironing where it makes sense
Store the board near the place where you do most of your ironing, and near a socket. That might be the utility room, the spare bedroom or a corner of the living room. A basket for clothes waiting to be ironed, kept next to the board, keeps everything together. Ask yourself, too, whether everything really needs ironing. A smaller pile means less time at the board and a shorter list of jobs.
