Tiny House Laundry Room: Smart Solutions for Small Spaces
Creating a functional laundry area in a tiny house can seem challenging, but with thoughtful planning and creative design, you can establish an efficient laundry system that doesn’t compromise your limited square footage. A well-designed tiny house laundry room allows you to maintain independence while living small, eliminating trips to laundromats and saving money in the long run. This guide will walk you through practical solutions for incorporating laundry facilities into your tiny living space.
Essential Considerations Before You Begin
Before diving into laundry room designs for your tiny house, consider these important factors:
1. Available space – Measure your potential laundry area carefully
2. Water hookups and drainage requirements
3. Power needs (standard 120V or 240V outlets)
4. Ventilation requirements
5. Your typical laundry volume
6. Budget constraints
Clever Tiny House Laundry Room Solutions
1. Closet Laundry Room
One of the most popular tiny house laundry solutions is creating a dedicated closet space. This approach keeps laundry equipment hidden while maximizing functionality.
1. Measure your available closet space (minimum 24″ wide for most compact units)
2. Install proper electrical outlets and water hookups
3. Consider bi-fold or sliding doors to save space when accessing the area
4. Add shelving above the units for detergent and supplies
5. Install LED lighting to improve visibility
A closet laundry room creates a dedicated space that keeps your laundry equipment contained and out of sight when not in use, maintaining the clean aesthetic of your tiny home.
2. Open Shelving System
Open shelving creates functional storage while maintaining an airy feel in your tiny laundry area.
1. Install sturdy wall-mounted shelves above your laundry appliances
2. Use baskets or fabric bins to organize and hide smaller items
3. Keep frequently used items at eye level and seasonal items higher up
4. Consider floating shelves to maximize space efficiency
5. Add hooks underneath shelves for hanging items like lint brushes or small tools
Open shelving makes efficient use of vertical space while keeping laundry supplies easily accessible. The open design also prevents the space from feeling cramped or closed in.
3. Pull-Down Drying Rack
A pull-down or wall-mounted drying rack is essential for tiny house laundry rooms.
1. Install a wall-mounted drying rack that folds flat when not in use
2. Position it near your washer for convenience
3. Ensure it’s mounted securely to support wet clothes
4. Consider models with multiple bars for maximum drying space
5. Look for racks with additional features like hooks for delicates
This space-saving solution allows you to air dry clothes without taking up permanent floor space, perfect for delicate items that shouldn’t go in the dryer.
4. Add A Clothing Rod
A simple clothing rod creates valuable hanging space in your tiny laundry area.
1. Install a tension rod or permanent clothing bar above your appliances
2. Use slim, space-saving hangers to maximize capacity
3. Consider a retractable or folding design if space is extremely limited
4. Position the rod high enough to accommodate longer garments
5. Add hooks at the ends for hanging laundry bags or ironing tools
A clothing rod provides immediate hanging space for freshly dried clothes and helps prevent wrinkles in dress shirts and other hanging items.
5. Stackable Washer/Dryer
Stackable units are often the most space-efficient option for tiny house laundry rooms.
1. Measure your space carefully, including height clearance
2. Choose a matching washer and dryer designed to stack safely
3. Install a stacking kit for stability and safety
4. Ensure proper ventilation, especially for the dryer unit
5. Consider front-loading models for better ergonomics when stacked
Stackable units utilize vertical space efficiently, turning a small footprint into a complete laundry solution. Modern compact models can fit in spaces as narrow as 24 inches while still providing adequate capacity.
Alternative Laundry Solutions for Ultra-Small Spaces
Portable and Compact Options
For the smallest tiny houses, consider these alternative solutions:
1. Combination washer-dryer units – These all-in-one appliances wash and dry in the same drum, requiring only one hookup location.
2. Manual washing devices– Products like the Wonder Wash or Presawash use minimal water and electricity while effectively cleaning small loads.
3. Shower installation – Some tiny house dwellers place a small portable washer in their shower when doing laundry, utilizing existing water and drainage.
4. Countertop spin dryers – These compact units remove excess water quickly, significantly reducing air-drying time.
Creative Placement Ideas
Think beyond traditional laundry room locations:
1. Under staircases
2. In kitchen cabinets
3. Inside bathroom vanities
4. In outdoor utility sheds (climate permitting)
5. In multi-purpose furniture (custom solutions)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do I need for a tiny house laundry room?
At minimum, you’ll need about 6-7 square feet for a stacked washer/dryer setup. Combination units can require even less space, sometimes fitting in areas as small as 2-3 square feet. Consider both the footprint and the necessary clearance for doors and operation.
What’s the most water and energy-efficient option for tiny house laundry?
Combination washer-dryer units typically use less water and energy than separate appliances. Look for Energy Star rated models and consider ventless heat pump dryers, which are more efficient than traditional vented models. For ultra-efficiency, manual options like the Wonder Wash paired with a spin dryer use minimal resources.
Do I need special hookups for laundry in a tiny house?
Most compact washers can operate on standard 120V outlets, though some dryers require 240V power. You’ll also need access to water supply and drainage. If your tiny house is on wheels, consider quick-disconnect fittings for your water lines to facilitate mobility.
What if I don’t have space for any laundry equipment?
Many tiny house dwellers use laundromats, campground facilities, or portable washing solutions. Some arrange laundry sharing with nearby friends or family. Another option is laundry service pickup and delivery, which is becoming more common in many areas.
How can I deal with moisture and ventilation issues?
Proper ventilation is crucial in tiny house laundry areas. Consider ventless dryer options, install a small exhaust fan, or position your laundry area near an existing window. Using a dehumidifier can also help control moisture levels when doing laundry in your tiny space.
By implementing these space-saving strategies and choosing the right equipment for your needs, you can create a functional laundry solution that works seamlessly with your tiny house lifestyle. Remember that the perfect tiny house laundry room balances efficiency, accessibility, and your specific laundry habits.