Empty Space

I've seen people build shelves above them and use baskets for easy access. Also, a countertop just above them makes a great place for folding.

This will be an awkward place to reach and store things, because of the depth and height of the appliances, they challenge a practical solution. Maybe hanging cupboards will give you the use you need. You can put baskets in them, the detergent bottles where you pour from a tap can sit on the ledge of 1.If you have room, consider a slender tall cupboard.

Here's another idea of a "tip down shelf":

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/171066485822337983/?d=t&mt=login

Plastic crates might also work:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/449023025338782894/

I would go to Habitat for Humanity Restore, and look for a couple old upper kitchen cabinets (measure your space height before you go to see how much space you have with washer lid open and how wide the space is).

Take them home and paint. Find and mark your wall studs, draw a level line on the wall to use to level the bottom of cabinet and line up. You can even screw in a 2-3" horizontal board to support cabinet for leveling and screwing in. Be sure to hit the studs, usually 16" on center, and screw them into studs by opening cabinet and drilling through the backs into your stud centers. I would use at least 3" screw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FcyQWlOO18

There are wire shelves that hook to the wall over the washer and drye. They have brackets to hold them up.

Shelves or cabinets

I put kitchen cabinets above mine. Before that I did open shelving. I have to open the door before I open my washer. Other than that, no issues.

Can you maybe add some shelves or some cabinets above the machines? I've seen a slew of terrific ideas on Hometalk -- give the search bar at the top left a whirl for laundry rooms and you'll get a ton of ideas back.

Hi Nicole, add shelving something like this,

https://www.marthastewart.com/274358/laundry-room-organizing-ideas?slide=2a94451e-c61b-4d97-b8ea-534d04bfbe02#2a94451e-c61b-4d97-b8ea-534d04bfbe02

Hi! If stacking them isn't an option, base storage and cabinets above them would help. Good luck and stay safe!