Twice a week you have to make the trip to the laundromat and sit until your clothes stop spinning. You’ve read every magazine in the place twice, and the boredom is killing you, but it can’t be helped because your home doesn’t have a laundry room, and it’s too small to fit a washer and dryer inside. So, you are out in your big spacious yard mowing the lawn when an idea hits you! You don’t really need all that empty space, and less lawn to mow would be nice… you have the unique opportunity to kill two birds with one stone!
After ringing up the local shed companies you have made your order. You are about to embark on a wonderful DIY journey and convert a simple garden shed into your new laundry room! Here’s what you need to do to get started:
Power and Water – To begin with, you will need your shed to be hooked up for electricity and plumbing. Unless you are truly a DIY wizard, you had best hire an electrician and a plumber to make this happen.
Install a Utility Sink – Install your sink close to the plumbing line and make sure you will have enough space around it for easy access. Add on a high-arc faucet that includes a pull-down sprayer so it will be easy to wash larger items. Hand washing things like delicate clothing is sometimes preferable to using the washing machine, so now you will have that option! The utility sink makes your laundry room much more versatile, it’s perfect for pre-treating and soaking stained clothing before you throw them into the machine. You can also use it for cleaning tasks.
Pick Out Your Washer and Dryer Combo – If you don’t have these it’s just a shed! Choose a brand that matches your specific needs, these days energy-efficiency is a big plus to look for. Front-loading machines are recommended because they can be placed side-by-side which will give you some extra counter space for clothes sorting. If your space is limited because your yard was too small for a bigger shed, go with space saving stackable units. Have your electrician and plumber install them for you.
Install Cabinets and Counters – The cabinets are for storing all of your laundry room essentials, like detergents, foldable drying racks, irons, ironing board, and laundry baskets. The counter gives you the space to fold your fresh laundry.
Install Ventilation – Washing machines generate a lot of moisture that will accumulate unless you have proper ventilation. That lingering moisture can lead to damp conditions and promote the growth of unhealthy mould that will damage fabrics and your health. Having proper ventilation is the key to preventing dampness inside your washing machine shed. Be sure to install intake and outlet vents for a continuous flow of fresh air inside the shed. Improved airflow will also speed up the drying process while minimising musty odours.
Congratulations! Now you can mow your lawn while the clothes spin, and if you need a break just set up a lawn chair beside your laundry shed! Magazines are not included.
