Laundry is an unavoidable chore. Even if your daily work-from-home outfit is a set of sweats worn on repeat, there comes a time when that overflowing laundry hamper just has to be tackled.

For most renters, the ability to do laundry, either in-building or in-unit, is a must-have apartment amenity. Doing laundry off-site at a laundromat can be very time-consuming and expensive, so it’s no wonder renters prioritize on-site laundry options. 

Every apartment varies in terms of laundry facilities. If you’re hunting for a new place, it’s a good idea to decide what your apartment laundry preference is ahead of time. If you can’t go without in-unit laundry, you should eliminate apartments that only offer communal facilities. Here, we break down the different laundry options for apartment buildings.

Laundry Options for Apartments

In-Unit Laundry

The most convenient laundry option for apartments is to have a dedicated washer and dryer in  unit. Among the greatest benefits are privacy and convenience. You won’t have to take your laundry outside of your apartment or share washers and dryers with others. You’ll also be able to wash clothing on your own schedule without watching the clock. 

There are a few downsides of an in-unit washer and dryer, though. Apartments with in-unit laundry are typically more expensive  to rent, plus you’ll pay more in utilities. However, you won’t have to pay to use the machines, as you typically do in a communal space. You are also responsible for keeping the washer clean and alerting the property manager if problems arise. Finally, they take up space. An in-unit laundry setup requires square footage that might otherwise be used for storage.

Communal Laundry Area

An in-building or on-site laundry facility just for residents is a definitely a step up from the neighborhood laundromat. Ideally, a communal laundry area has one washer and dryer for every five to six apartments.

One major benefit of a communal laundry facility is that you’ll likely pay less in rent and utilities than you would with an in-unit setup. There is also a convenience factor, as you don’t need to haul laundry to an off-site laundromat. Payment can be simple, too, since many on-site laundry facilities use reloadable payment cards or mobile apps. Some apps even allow residents to reserve a machine in advance.

There are a few downsides to communal laundry. For one, there’s traffic — shared apartment laundry facilities can get busy, especially in evenings and on weekends. You also have to maintain appropriate communal laundry room etiquette, including removing your laundry from the machines as soon as it’s finished as a courtesy to others.

Should I Buy a Washer and Dryer for My Apartment? 

If your apartment doesn’t come with in-unit laundry, you may consider buying a portable washer or dryer as an alternative. Unfortunately, they tend to pose more problems than benefits.

Portable washers and dryers for apartments are small, especially compared to the (usually) commercial-sized machines available in communal laundry rooms. Which means you’ll end up doing many more loads and may equate to significantly higher utility bills.

Furthermore, the amount of damage these types of washers and dryers can cause is significant. Because they are not permanently installed, there is plenty of opportunity for error when connecting and disconnecting them. The amount of water held in a portable washing machine is enough to cause a major flood. And improper venting of a dryer is a health and fire hazard.

Therefore, many property management companies don’t permit residents to use portable washers and dryers in their apartment homes. If you’re considering one of these units, double check your lease to make sure they are allowed. Nobody wants to invest time and money into a portable washer and dryer setup only to find out they have to remove it. 

How Can I Make My Apartment Laundry Easier? 

Laundry is a very time-consuming chore, particularly if you have a large wardrobe. Setting up an efficient laundry system will simplify the process and save you time. Here are our top tips for doing laundry in apartment buildings. 

Keep Laundry Supplies in a Designated Bin

Store your detergent, fabric softener, quarters and any other laundry supplies in a convenient storage bin. Look for one with handles that is easy to carry. This way, when it’s time to do laundry, you won’t waste time searching for your essentials. 

Use Mesh Bags for Underwear and Socks

Losing socks, underwear and other small clothing items are a major laundry bummer. To prevent this, store and wash all of these pieces in a mesh bag. Not only will this prevent them from getting lost, but you’ll also protect your delicate fabrics from damage. 

Fold Your Laundry Right Away

Don’t let clean laundry pile up in a hamper.  This just  creates more work later on. Instead, fold and put your laundry away right out of the dryer. This is particularly important when doing laundry in apartment buildings, as you might not have much extra space for your clothing. 

Find the Right Apartment Community With Southern Management

At Southern Management, our priority is to provide a host of amenities that improve our residents’ quality of life. Our apartment laundry facilities are intended to help you save time and money and to make a tedious chore a little moe bearable. Regardless of whether you prefer doing your laundry in your apartment or in a laundry room, we have a setup that meets your needs.

Browse our more than 75 communities throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia, many of which have in-building, on-site or in-unit laundry facilities. Contact our team to learn more today!