When looking for an apartment, there are a lot of things to take into consideration such as location, price, square footage and cost of utilities. Let’s say you found the right apartment but it’s missing one thing — a washer and a dryer.
You don’t want to give up your perfect apartment because of one thing missing. Fear not, for here are eight solutions when a washing machine doesn’t come with your apartment.
1. Use a laundry service
Why do your laundry when you can drop it off and have it done for you? If you’re looking to eliminate the chore altogether, consider using a laundry service. Unlike dry cleaners that mainly do specialty items, a laundry service takes care of all your washing and drying needs. Here are some things to consider before deciding on which laundry service to use:
Pricing
Take some time and do research to see what different services cost and what you get for each service.
Turnaround time
If you need your clothing done in a certain amount of time or if you want to set up a schedule, make sure to discuss this with the service providers ahead of time.
Delivery options
Can’t pick it up? Try and find a place that will deliver right to you. Keep in mind it might cost an extra fee for door-to-door delivery service.
Damaged and lost clothing policy
While losing a pair of undies probably isn’t that big of a deal, it’s still important to have a damaged or lost policy in place. That way you don’t worry every time you drop off your clothes that something won’t make it home.
Special requests
Do you have special needs when it comes to your laundry? Maybe you need a special type of detergent or don’t want your favorite pair of jeans dried. Let them know ahead of time to make sure they can fill that request. Keep in mind however these special needs may cost you extra.
2. Buy one
While your apartment may not already be set up with a washing machine that doesn’t mean you can’t buy one for yourself. Provided your apartment comes with a water source and hookups, and your landlord allows it, buying a machine isn’t a bad idea.
If there isn’t room for a dryer, you can always hang dry your clothing.
3. Rent a washing machine
So maybe you aren’t ready to buy your own machine— the good news is that you can rent one. Different companies such as Appliance Rentals allow you to do just that. How it works is you pay a monthly fee to have the appliance in your apartment. When you move or no longer need the washer, they’ll come and take it away. A lot of the time the company will deliver and install it for you.
Remember though you still need a water source for the machine to work, so double-check your apartment before renting.
4. Get a portable machine
If you don’t or can’t install your own machine, another great solution is to get a portable washing machine. Portable washing machines are smaller and typically stand at about three feet and require smaller loads of wash.
The setup is pretty basic, but they do require an outlet and a sink so think about setting your up in a bathroom or kitchen area. Getting used to using a smaller machine may take some time and you may have to learn a few tips and tricks such as doing laundry more often but in smaller batches.
5. Use the laundromat
Located in most neighborhoods across the globe, a tried-and-true way to wash your clothing is to use the local laundromat. They typically cost anywhere from $1.00 to $4.00 a load, depending on where you go. Laundromats are a great option if you don’t have a machine of your own.
You can either put your clothes in and leave them until they finish or if you’re looking for some uninterrupted free time why not take a book and read or catch up on some work emails while your clothes wash away. Another tip is to get a rolling laundry basket to make taking your laundry to and from much easier.
6. Use the apartment complex’s machines
If your apartment complex has its own laundry room, take full advantage of it. While other tenants will use the space too — it’s a great option if you don’t want to lug your laundry to a laundromat.
7. Use your family’s or friends
Family and friends are a great option if you don’t have a washing machine in your apartment. While your mom maybe won’t do your laundry for you anymore that doesn’t mean she won’t let you use her machine. Ask if you can set up a weekly schedule to come over and do your laundry.
If you’re using friends, maybe take them out to lunch to show your appreciation.
8. Hand wash
One of the oldest ways to clean clothes is to hand wash them. Hand washing is pretty simple and requires very little. There are many different methods when it comes to hand washing. Some include using a washboard, using a bucket and an airtight lid or simply washing in a tub.
No matter which method you pick, here are some tips for hand washing your clothes:
Prep your clothing
Prepping the laundry will make the process much easier. Shake out the clothes before getting them wet as this gets rid of any extra dirt.
Soak your clothes
Soaking your clothes in water will start to loosen any extra dirt that has embedded into the fabric making it easier to scrub them and get them clean inside and out.
Scrub
Washing machines have different cycles that scrub your clothes and spin them fast to make sure they are clean. When hand washing your clothes, you’ll want to scrub them to get rid of stains and smells and make sure they are clean afterward.
Hang dry
After you’ve cleaned them, hang your clothes out to dry. You can hang them up outside in the sun if weather permits so they’ll dry faster. If it’s not agreeable weather, simply hang them up inside your house.
Scrub a dub dub
As long as there are clothes, there will be laundry. While not having a washing machine may seem like a struggle, there are ways to make it less difficult. Try some of these solutions above when you don’t have a washing machine for your apartment and make laundry day that much more enjoyable.
Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.
