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Original poster

Tiny utility room, what to put in it?

22 replies

ARockNRollNerd · 02/10/2015 13:45

We're having our garage converted into mainly an office but 1/3 of it will be a separate utility room.
Our kitchen has a built in washing machine but there's no room for a tumble dryer so that will have to go in the utility.

Question is, what else shall I have in there to utilise the space?
I was thinking of a wall mounted air dryer rack that folds back up when not in use,
a counter top, some cabinets maybe.
Really, I don't know.

Does anyone else have a tiny utility?
How do you make the most of it?

OP posts:
BYOSnowman · 02/10/2015 13:49

What are the measurements of the room?

BYOSnowman · 02/10/2015 13:51

GRUNDTAL - we have these from IKEA which have been really useful above the washing machine.

If you can fit the washing machine in there I would be very tempted - will make your life so much easier. Make sure the room has ventilation.

Original poster
ARockNRollNerd · 02/10/2015 14:07

Oops, yes the size would help wouldn't it! Blush

About 1.5m X 3m.

Sorry BYOSnowman, what do you have from that range? I can't see a link :)

I'd like the washing machine to be moved out there, but I think the price would skyrocket if the conversion would need plumping work as well, and sadly push it beyond our budget.

OP posts:
lavendersun · 02/10/2015 14:12

I have a similar sized room OP - it has washing machine, sink, boiler, worktop and shelves up to the ceiling (rustic looking affairs made out of the beech worktops we took out of the kitchen when we replaced them - the rest of it was reused in there as the worktop).

We use the shelving for our hats/scarves/gloves, towels for the downstairs shower. Cycling gear, riding gear - have collected wooden wine box type boxes over the years and it is all in those. Has a shoe rack and a big cast iron coat rack plus hooks on pieces of wood for our numerous outdoor coats.

OnePlanOnHouzz · 02/10/2015 14:36

If it's just the TD out there I'd suggest a simple worktop for tipping the dried clothes into and then various shelves to sort the folded clothes into ( one for mum , dad and each of the children in an ideal world - if there's room !) if the washer is elsewhere that's probably all you will need !

[I use wine crates as storage boxes too !! ]

OnePlanOnHouzz · 02/10/2015 14:37

Auto correct thinks onto should be into ! Sorry !!! Bloody phone !!!

Tfoot75 · 02/10/2015 14:43

Ours is about that size and we have washer, dryer and two double cupboards with a sink. If you don't have plumbing there's not a lot you can do utility wise, it'll just be storage! We use the second sink for garden/decorating stuff or soaking clothes etc and it's very useful to keep that stuff out of the kitchen.

Original poster
ARockNRollNerd · 02/10/2015 16:38

I guess I'm stuck at how best to use it for storage though.

Shelves better than cupboards?

The garage isn't attached to the house as well just to be a bit more annoying.

So, worktop over tumble dryer, but what to do with the rest of the under counter space?

Tiled walls?

OP posts:
lavendersun · 02/10/2015 16:48

Just remembered - I have got a pole just below ceiling height above the bit where my washing machine is. I hand things like school uniforms straight on hangers on this pole and they dry overnight. Wonder if you could do something like that - very practical and low cost.

Shelves for us because we reused the wooden worktops so it was free - shelves are fine but obviously could be more dusty.

I wouldn't tile the walls if you don't have a water supply - more expense for not much benefit.

FishWithABicycle · 02/10/2015 16:52

I would put both the washer and the tumble in there if you can get the plumbing - get the laundry out of the kitchen altogether.

jevoudrais · 02/10/2015 18:15

Sink? Good for football boots/handwashing/things you don't want in the kitchen sink Smile

EarSlaps · 02/10/2015 18:53

An extra fridge or freezer?

myotherusernameisbetter · 02/10/2015 19:02

a tall cupboard for the ironing board etc.

we have a pulley drier fixed to the ceiling - it takes a full load (underwear can be hung from the ends of the lathes).

www.castinstyle.co.uk/product.php/1283/seven-lath-gismo-kitchen-maid-clothes-dryer

  • and a wall with loads of hooks some at a lower level- handy for coats and bags but also great for extra drying space if you run out. Make sure it has plenty of sockets and a radiator.

We also have ikea stacking plastic bin things that tuck into the corner which we use for all the recycling.

myotherusernameisbetter · 02/10/2015 19:08

My room is probably a similar size to yours - we have on one side - full height cupboard with one high shelf - plastic bag store on inside of door next to that we have a single kitchen unit with sink above, the washer and dryer all with worktop over (sink inset). Cupboard for washing powder and cleaning stuff. the other side has the recycling in the corner then two rows of hooks running the length of the wall.

We have room to put the ironing board up in the utility so that you can iron it straight from the airer.

Original poster
ARockNRollNerd · 02/10/2015 20:38

Right, toddler is in bed now so can read through properly.

I'll ask what the cost would be to get the washing machine and a sink out there, but I doubt it'll be within our limits.

lavendarsun, the pole idea sounds very handy. You're right about the tiles really.
I just want something low maintenance and hard wearing.

EarSlaps, brilliant idea! An extra freezer would be incredibly useful.

myother, tall cupboard, pulley, recycling cleaning supply and plastic bag storage, all great, adding them to the list!

Thank you, I was drawing such a blank with what to do with this space.
Will be able to utilise my utility much more now.

OP posts:
OnePlanOnHouzz · 03/10/2015 08:47

If this is not in the main house - ie you have to go outside to utilise it - would it be an idea to look for a spot for a tumble dryer in the house instead - and use this area for purely storage ? You can get wall hung dryers that take up a small amount of space ... They sell them on AO and Amazon ... Might be worth a look to save you trekkingoutbin the winter !

wickedwaterwitch · 03/10/2015 09:52

We have a washing machine, tumble drier, small sink, ironing board and one of those Sheila Maid ceiling driers. I agree, you should get the laundry Al, out of the kitchen if possible. An extra fridge of freezer is also useful.

Original poster
ARockNRollNerd · 03/10/2015 10:15

OnePlan, there is no where at all for the tumble drier inside, short of plonking it in the living room! Do you have any links to the dryers, please?

wicked, I'd really like to get it all out the kitchen. It's going to annoy me so much having to trek sopping laundry out into the garage after each load Angry

OP posts:
OnePlanOnHouzz · 03/10/2015 19:59

Not sure how to get a live link on here - but if you type 'wall hung tumble dryer' on google you get loads - condenser ones for if you can't vent out cost a bit more - but if you have a space in a wardrobe or under stairs etc could be just the right size to fit a gap ? If it saves you taking baskets of washing outside it might be well worth it !
Nb not really for use in a bathroom - unless it's a big room ( can only go in certain zones ) and you have to hard wire it in if you did put it in a correct zone in bathroom I believe .

lavendersun · 03/10/2015 20:53

Op, my drier is in a barn in the garden, with a freezer and lots of storage space, only 4 ft from one of the outside doors, it is fine going outside ime.

lavendersun · 03/10/2015 20:54

Dryer!

iMatter · 03/10/2015 20:55

We have the old fashioned dryer (pulley style with the ropes) on the ceiling of our utility room. It is brilliant.

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