Small Space Laundry Hacks That Actually Work
If you’re renting in Sydney, chances are your laundry setup is… minimal. Maybe you’ve got a tiny internal laundry, maybe just a bathroom hook and a clothes horse, or maybe no laundry facilities at all. Add humid weather, winter rain, and apartment living, and suddenly washing clothes feels way harder than it should.
The good news? You don’t need a big house or fancy setup to stay on top of laundry. With a few smart habits and space-saving tricks, renters can keep clothes fresh, dry, and under control, without turning their apartment into a permanent drying zone.
In this article we’ll walk you through our small space laundry hacks that are prefect for Sydney rentals.
1. Choose the Right Drying Setup
Drying is usually the biggest challenge in apartments.
Best renter-friendly options:
- Foldable clothes airers (vertical styles save floor space)
- Over-door hooks or rails for towels and lightweight items
- Balcony-safe airers (check strata rules first)
- Heated clothes airers for winter – faster drying, less damp smell
Sydney tip: On humid days, position airers near a window or use a small fan to keep air moving. Still air = musty clothes.
2. Wash Smaller Loads, More Often
Overloading machines (or airers) leads to:
- Poor cleaning
- Longer drying times
- Lingering odours
For renters, smaller and more frequent loads are easier to manage — especially if you’re air-drying indoors.
If you’re using a laundromat, this also means:
- Faster turnaround
- Easier folding and storage
- Less clutter waiting to be washed
3. Be Strategic With Fabrics
Some fabrics are just better suited to apartment living.
Easier to manage in small spaces:
- Cotton blends
- Merino wool (naturally odour-resistant)
- Linen (dries quickly)
Trickier fabrics:
- Heavy denim
- Thick hoodies
- Synthetic gym gear (can trap odours)
For bulky or slow-drying items, laundromat dryers are often the easiest (and least frustrating) solution.
4. Master Indoor Drying Without the Smell
That classic “damp apartment laundry smell” usually comes from moisture hanging around too long.
To avoid it:
- Spin clothes thoroughly (use the highest safe spin cycle)
- Space garments out, don’t overlap
- Flip items halfway through drying
- Avoid drying clothes overnight in closed rooms
- Wash towels and bedding on warmer cycles where allowed
If clothes still smell musty once dry, rewash them, drying locks in odours.
5. Store Laundry Smartly
Storage is premium real estate in rentals.
Smart storage ideas:
- Slim hampers that slide into wardrobes
- Stackable baskets (wash / dry / clean)
- Hanging fabric organisers for folded items
- Under-bed storage for off-season clothes and linen
Pro tip: Never store clothes unless they’re fully dry. Even slightly damp items can cause mildew in enclosed spaces.
When Laundromats Make Life Easier
For many Sydney renters, laundromats aren’t a last resort, they’re the most practical option.
They’re especially helpful for:
- Bedding, doonas, and blankets
- Towels after illness or humid weeks
- Bulk loads you don’t want drying indoors
- End-of-lease deep laundry clean-ups
Commercial machines handle:
- Larger loads
- Higher spin speeds
- Hot wash cycles
- Powerful dryers
Which means less time, less clutter, and no clothes hanging around your apartment for days.
Renting in Sydney doesn’t mean living with damp clothes, cluttered airers, or endless laundry frustration. With a few smart choices, and knowing when to lean on laundromats, you can keep your wardrobe fresh without sacrificing space or sanity.
Laundry should fit around your life, not take over your apartment.
Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only. Always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific laundry machines and clothing/bedding items.
Related articles
How often should you wash your bed sheets?
Our guide on how to effectively wash different kinds of sheets, including tips on treating stains, selecting the right wash cycle, and drying techniques.
read more
Every Laundry Symbol Explained
Not sure what those washing label symbols mean? This all-in-one guide breaks down every laundry symbol, washing, drying, bleaching, ironing, and dry cleaning, so you can care...
read more