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Kitchen storage or washing machine?

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Mamma66 Wed 13-Mar-24 13:48:05

We have a house which we are currently refurbishing to rent out. It is a 1950s three bed semi. The kitchen is oddly shaped and the storage space is dire - not even equivalent to the storage in a studio kitchen. There is an outside brick built shed and I would like to turn it into a utility with sink, washing machine, tumble dryer and counters for folding and sorting washing. This would allow us to add quite a bit of useable storage space in the kitchen (it currently has 4 very narrow small cupboards, one single cupboard, a set of drawers and a corner cabinet which cannot be used). Taking the washing machine, dryer and freezer out of the kitchen will make a massive difference and even allow us to install a narrow dishwasher. All the tradesmen say don’t do it, all the women (who arguably are more likely to ise the kitchen) say storage space is more important.
I can see both sides but feel that better storage is more important. What do you think?

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Norah Thu 14-Mar-24 13:40:42

We've heated and unheated sheds (business mostly). I tend to move unnecessary kitchen items outside and reserve space in my kitchen for what I use daily. Maybe that would help?

I use big plastic bins with secure lids - the Christmas, Easter, fall, etc crockery is safe, clean, dust free, and not using valuable space.

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Doodledog Thu 14-Mar-24 14:19:55

hamster58

Can you put a washer dryer in the bathroom instead? Always quite logical as that's often where the laundry basket lives. You can sort both things that way

That's a good idea, if there's space. The place we rented when between houses had a combined shower room/downstairs loo and laundry, and it worked well.

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grannyactivist Thu 14-Mar-24 14:28:47

When on holiday in France the laundry room was not attached to the main block and the three permanently resident families seemed to have no problem using it.

I absolutely applaud your thinking Mamma66 and wish that more landlords had the well-being of their tenants in mind. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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NotSpaghetti Thu 14-Mar-24 23:07:27

My friend has her washer and dryer in her bathroom for years - and one son rented a house where the washer and dryer were in the airing cupboard space (where the immersion heater had once been).

These may be alternatives?

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Mamma66 Fri 15-Mar-24 00:35:45

NotSpaghetti

My friend has her washer and dryer in her bathroom for years - and one son rented a house where the washer and dryer were in the airing cupboard space (where the immersion heater had once been).

These may be alternatives?

It’s something we considered, but the bathroom is tiny and we could only have done it if we sacrificed the bath. As it’s very much a family home we have elected for a bath with a shower over. I think a bath essential for a family with young children.

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NotSpaghetti Fri 15-Mar-24 01:41:40

In that case I'd take the washer and dryer outside if it's going to be insulated there - and gain some kitchen space as you suggest... but I wouldn't move the freezer out unless there will also be a fridge/freezer in the kitchen.

If you have children it's difficult enough to go outside for the laundry (which I have done in the past) without having to keep nipping in and out for a few frozen basil leaves or a cup of peas.

Good luck with the renovations!

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Nannytopsy Fri 15-Mar-24 06:08:53

You can buy freezers specifically for use in a shed or out house and they are not noticeably more expensive. We have one and they are fine.

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