Small Space Living: Laundry Solutions for Small Homes
One of life’s less glamorous tasks, doing the laundry in a small space can prove tricky. Here are some ideas to help...
During the summer, doing the laundry can (almost) be enjoyable, with fresh air and sunshine ready to invigorate your linens. But when the days get shorter and darker and the pile of laundry doesn’t disappear, don’t despair. There are ways to carry out this essential household task, even in a small space. Whether it’s storing a drying rack down the side of your wardrobe (ready to get out when no guests are expected) or making the most of a combi washing machine and dryer, here are some solutions you might find handy.
Make use of any hanging space
If your rooms are small but you have high ceilings, it pays to look up. An upcycled ladder, as here, will keep drying clothes out of the way. Add handy hooks for clothes on hangers, too. Combined with an airer below, this would be a flexible solution in any part of your home, whether in the kitchen spare room, or even the landing.
See excellent ways to keep your laundry room shipshape
If your rooms are small but you have high ceilings, it pays to look up. An upcycled ladder, as here, will keep drying clothes out of the way. Add handy hooks for clothes on hangers, too. Combined with an airer below, this would be a flexible solution in any part of your home, whether in the kitchen spare room, or even the landing.
See excellent ways to keep your laundry room shipshape
Put your laundry items on wheels
If, like me, you don’t have a utility room, never fear. Consider gathering all your laundry items – iron, cleaning products and so on – on one handy wheeled unit. This way, you can tuck it out of sight when you’re not on chore duty, and can easily move and access it when you are.
Be inspired by clever ways to stash away your cleaning kit
If, like me, you don’t have a utility room, never fear. Consider gathering all your laundry items – iron, cleaning products and so on – on one handy wheeled unit. This way, you can tuck it out of sight when you’re not on chore duty, and can easily move and access it when you are.
Be inspired by clever ways to stash away your cleaning kit
Mount a rack in the kitchen
Offering a dual-purpose solution, this ceiling-mounted Kitchen Maid-style rack is just the job for managing a laundry load. The pulley system makes for effortless loading, and allows it to be kept up and out of the way, so life can continue around it. And heat from the range cooker will have everything bone dry in no time.
Offering a dual-purpose solution, this ceiling-mounted Kitchen Maid-style rack is just the job for managing a laundry load. The pulley system makes for effortless loading, and allows it to be kept up and out of the way, so life can continue around it. And heat from the range cooker will have everything bone dry in no time.
Hide your washing machine in the bathroom
If you have more room in your bathroom than in your kitchen, try squeezing your washing machine in there. Hiding it behind a cupboard door will allow it to remain unseen, and keeping it in such a central family space, no one will be able forget and leave dirty washing on the floor.
If you have more room in your bathroom than in your kitchen, try squeezing your washing machine in there. Hiding it behind a cupboard door will allow it to remain unseen, and keeping it in such a central family space, no one will be able forget and leave dirty washing on the floor.
Use a fold-out drying rack
Much like the ceiling-mounted drying racks, a wall-mounted unit is also extremely handy in small spaces. Folding in and out as needed, and with a washing basket above, it’s a one-stop shop for drying the laundry.
Find out how to stylishly integrate a laundry space
Much like the ceiling-mounted drying racks, a wall-mounted unit is also extremely handy in small spaces. Folding in and out as needed, and with a washing basket above, it’s a one-stop shop for drying the laundry.
Find out how to stylishly integrate a laundry space
Make the most of under-stairs space
If you have unused space under the stairs, it’s an great place to tuck your washing machine and dryer. The Houzzers here have integrated their white goods completely into the walls, but this isn’t essential, as just having them down at floor level would still make good use of the space. One family member certainly seems impressed with the set-up…
If you have unused space under the stairs, it’s an great place to tuck your washing machine and dryer. The Houzzers here have integrated their white goods completely into the walls, but this isn’t essential, as just having them down at floor level would still make good use of the space. One family member certainly seems impressed with the set-up…
Hang an indoor washing line
While it isn’t quite the same as hanging clothes outside to dry, an indoor washing line can sometimes be just as effective. Try hanging a line over your bath or in your kitchen to air some of your laundry. This will be more effective if the heating is on, or if you give your laundry load an extra spin to reduce any drips. Look out for some of the pull-out clothes lines from the likes of Brabantia, which tuck away very neatly when not in use.
While it isn’t quite the same as hanging clothes outside to dry, an indoor washing line can sometimes be just as effective. Try hanging a line over your bath or in your kitchen to air some of your laundry. This will be more effective if the heating is on, or if you give your laundry load an extra spin to reduce any drips. Look out for some of the pull-out clothes lines from the likes of Brabantia, which tuck away very neatly when not in use.
Use all the radiators you have
I know many people prefer not to cover their radiators in all their just-washed laundry, but in winter, at a pinch, it’s a quick-fix solution. So wherever you have a radiator, try to make the most of it. A bathroom ladder style model like this is ideal for socks and underwear and other smaller items that have a habit of vanishing without a trace.
I know many people prefer not to cover their radiators in all their just-washed laundry, but in winter, at a pinch, it’s a quick-fix solution. So wherever you have a radiator, try to make the most of it. A bathroom ladder style model like this is ideal for socks and underwear and other smaller items that have a habit of vanishing without a trace.
Tuck it away behind closed doors
If you have the benefit of an alcove space in your home, consider installing your laundry appliances there. Have cupboard doors fitted, so the white goods can be completely closed off when not in use, and add some shelves to turn it into a useful laundry area.
TELL US…
How do you tackle the laundry in your home? Share you tips in the Comments below.
If you have the benefit of an alcove space in your home, consider installing your laundry appliances there. Have cupboard doors fitted, so the white goods can be completely closed off when not in use, and add some shelves to turn it into a useful laundry area.
TELL US…
How do you tackle the laundry in your home? Share you tips in the Comments below.
If you only have enough width for one appliance, but have ample height, consider stacking your washing machine and dryer. This will reduce the white goods footprint, allowing space for other handy storage cupboards. You could even do what these homeowners have done and maximise every last bit of height by adding a wine rack above the unit. In my opinion, enjoying a glass of wine come laundry time is a genius idea.