The Best Place To Install A Washer & Dryer If You Don't Have A Laundry Room

If you have a dedicated laundry room, deciding where to install your next washer and dryer is obviously a no-brainer. Otherwise, you have a big decision to make. The location of your washer and dryer makes a big difference in how easy it is to do laundry, which in turn makes a big difference in how often you feel like actually doing it. With no laundry room, the best place to hook up a washer and dryer is in the garage. 

While convenience is one factor to take into account when making this decision, there are other practical considerations too. A water-resistant floor is important to avoid damage, and it's ideal to have the dryer in a place where you can vent it to the outside. (Ventless dryers are less efficient and take longer to complete a drying cycle, so they're best saved for scenarios where you have no other option.)  Additionally, you'll need two outlets, typically a 120-volt and a 240-volt, within reach of the machines. You'll also need to hook up a water line, which is easier when there's already plumbing in the room. Garages often meet most of these criteria.

The amount of space you have available may also help narrow down your options — if you have a smaller garage or some of the space is already being occupied, you might need a stackable pair. That's why, before buying a new washer or dryer, figuring out where you might put it is key.

Many people are fans of keeping the washer and dryer in the garage. They're out of the way, so you don't have to worry about the rumbling noises of each laundry cycle, and guests will never accidentally come across your dirty delicates. In short, the garage is just close enough to be conveniently accessible yet far enough away not to interrupt your day-to-day life. Plus, it's easy to throw dirty clothes straight into the wash when you come inside, rather than tracking them through the house; this is ideal for sports, yard work, or other messy activities.

Garages tend to have plenty of space for you to install full-size machines, and you can even turn your garage into a luxurious-looking laundry room with a little work. Since they have exterior walls, you can easily vent the dryer to the outside. The flooring is likely already water-resistant as well, and if any leaks happen to occur, they'll happen outside of the house. The only con of installing a washer and dryer in the garage is the lack of temperature control, which could make winter or summer laundry less pleasant, but that can be addressed if it's really an issue. Also, if your garage doesn't already have a water line installed, that will cost a bit extra.

If you don't have a garage, another popular location for a makeshift laundry area is the kitchen. It may take some getting used to at first, but it's convenient because you likely spend lots of time in the kitchen anyway, so you can easily stay on top of each load. The flooring is probably water-resistant, and the plumbing is already right there. Many designers recommend adding a laundry area next to the kitchen if you have space; if that's far from doable, you can install a unit under the counter. The main con here is the extra noise.

A bathroom shares some of the benefits of a kitchen — it's already got plumbing and water-resistant flooring, making it a cost-effective option. But many bathrooms are tight on space, and it can be frustrating if the bathroom needs to be used for multiple things at once. Using a spare bathroom may be a more practical solution. A bedroom can also be an ideal solution if you have the budget to run water and add outlets, but again, using a spare could make more sense; you'll have much more space and no noise worries.