A re-designed Laundry Space.

Invisible disabilities can significantly impact everyday tasks, and one often-overlooked space in the home is the laundry room. Making the laundry room more functional has been helpful as our laundry requirements tripled in the last few months. Many people are using the space, and now it is more usable for everyone.

Issues Noted

After being back in our home for almost 10 months now, I can evaluate the re-designed laundry room. I wrote a post about the mistakes I made with the first (rushed) design here. In short, this was my insight:

“When I was first dealing with chronic pain, I didn't understand how pain, fatigue, and the resulting brain fog accumulated throughout the day. Not calculating each portion of the laundry task-including getting to the laundry room- was a mistake. But so is forgetting that each time I do a load of laundry, the next load is harder to do, and a relatively 'minor' task such as throwing in the next load can take days because I have used all my energy before it's complete.

Here are the issues I had with that system;

1. Clutter was constantly building up on [the sorting] surface because the laundry room was actually a pass-through. This meant that when the laundry was brought down it was usually left on the floor.

2. And I think this is the most crucial part- I didn't account for my journey to the laundry room. The staircase to get there is steep, and by the time I made it down I was already tired. I usually sit on the floor to sort the laundry. I tried to use a bar stool but it was usually in the way, and I needed to rest on the floor anyways after the stairs. If you have not dealt with waves of pain or dizziness from minor activities, this part can be hard to understand. Being on the floor is what I should have worked around!

3. Finally the stacked full sized washer dryer ultimately didn't work for me. With back constraints, vertigo and limited reach, there is a midpoint of usability.”

A stacked washer dryer unit on the left, laundry sink on the right.

Laundry Solutions Start with the Basics

Raised Washer and Dryer

Pull-out Dryer Racks on Right

How I changed the design

Changing the staircase. It is now less steep, and easier to access from both floors - no doorway at the top, and a wide doorway offset from the bottom.
Using a laundry island. This separates the laundry from the rest of the space. It allows a pass-through and the rest of the multi-functional aspects of the room to occur, but it's a physical barrier that defines the space. Clutter is less likely to end up in the ‘work zone’.
Elevating the machines, and placing them side by side. This allows an easy transfer from washing, to dryer. I tend to transfer laundry from the island, to the washer, then dryer, and this is all at the same height.
Keeping the middle of the washing machine door at the same height as the island still allows me to reach the buttons and fill in liquids if needed. Measure yourself before building a base!
Adding in more mid-range storage. The island has pull-out drawers for small miscellaneous items. There is also a small laundry sink, and great lighting above.
Dryer racks - put floor to ceiling pull-out vertical racks. I love the DryAway system - but my ceiling height was too low - so we made our own. https://dryaway.net/galleries/ These allow me to easily hang items that need to air dry without taxing my body, or taking up valuable walkway space.
A beautiful chandelier above the island was definitely a source of amusement for the contractors and electricians - but it makes the space much less utilitarian, while being functional!

Why I didn't use a pull-out shelf below the machine: This would not work for me. Perhaps for someone quite a bit taller it would help, but at 5’-4” (142 cm), I wouldn't be able to reach far into the machine with the basket in the way, and the island surface is close enough for easy transfers.

Stacked Washer Dryer wish pull-out shelf.

In full transparency, as per my last blog post, we still have many boxes to unpack and sort through. A good portion of these are in the laundry room, so it’s hard to take a photo that really show these elements clearly. I hope to get some much nicer photos when time allows!

For Designers: Understanding Invisible Disabilities and Their Impact on Daily Tasks

Invisible disabilities, unlike physical disabilities, are not immediately apparent to others. These can include conditions like:

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Fibromyalgia
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Sensory processing disorders
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
ADHD
Long Covid
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

People with these conditions may experience fatigue, cognitive difficulties, sensory overload, and chronic pain, which can make managing routine household tasks like laundry exhausting or even daunting.

Prioritize Accessibility and Ergonomics

Designing a laundry room that’s physically accessible is crucial for anyone facing mobility challenges or chronic pain. Here are some ideas for improving ergonomics:

Elevated Washer and Dryer

For individuals with conditions such as arthritis or back pain, bending down to load or unload laundry can be painful. Elevating the washer and dryer to a comfortable height reduces strain and minimizes the need for bending or stooping. Consider front-loading machines with a pedestal base or installing custom cabinetry to raise the machines.

Easy-to-Reach Shelving and Storage

People with cognitive or physical limitations often struggle with accessing high or low shelves. Opt for low, easily reachable shelves for detergents and supplies, or install pull-out drawers and baskets that are more manageable for users. Make sure labels are large, clear, and easily readable.

Wider Walkways

For wheelchair or walker users, wide doorways and walkways are essential. Aim for at least 32 inches of clearance to ensure smooth navigation.

Also Consider

Sensory-Friendly Design

For individuals with sensory processing disorders or those who experience sensory overload, like individuals on the autism spectrum, the design and materials used in the laundry room can have a profound effect. Here are some key considerations:

Lighting

Harsh fluorescent lights can be overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities. Use soft, ambient lighting that doesn’t flicker. Consider adding dimmable lights, or use natural light where possible. LED lighting is an excellent choice as it provides bright yet softer illumination and can be less taxing on the eyes.

Noise Reduction

Some invisible disabilities, such as those associated with anxiety, can make individuals more sensitive to loud noises. Opt for quieter washing machines and dryers with noise-reduction features. Adding soft furnishings like rugs or noise-dampening wall materials can also reduce the sound in the room.

Color Scheme

Certain colors can either calm or overwhelm individuals with sensory sensitivities. Soft, neutral tones like pale blues, grays, or muted earth tones can create a peaceful, soothing environment. Avoid highly saturated or bold colors, which might increase stress levels for some individuals.

Create a Calm and Organized Environment

A cluttered, disorganized space can exacerbate stress and anxiety for people with invisible disabilities. A clean, organized, and clutter-free laundry room can significantly improve the overall experience. Here’s how to achieve it:

Storage Solutions

Incorporate thoughtful storage options such as open baskets, bins, and bins with labels to keep items organized and easy to access. For those with cognitive disabilities, keeping the space organized with clear labeling and consistency in storage locations can reduce frustration and confusion.

Declutter the Room

A decluttered laundry room reduces visual overload. Keep countertops clear and minimize unnecessary items. Built-in cabinetry or hidden storage can hide away supplies when not in use, creating a more relaxing and organized environment.

Routine and Simplicity

For people with cognitive challenges, maintaining a routine can help reduce decision fatigue. Design the laundry room to have intuitive workflows, ensuring that steps are simple and easy to follow. Labels on shelves, clear step-by-step guides, and well-organized sorting stations can help.

Adapt the Laundry Room to Specific Needs

Remember that every disability is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. It’s important to consider the specific needs of the individual. Here are a few considerations:

For those with chronic pain or fatigue: Adjustable-height counters or folding tables can provide a comfortable place to fold laundry without bending over.
For individuals with ADHD: A laundry room with clear, labeled areas for sorting clothes and easy-to-use reminders can help them stay organized.
For individuals with mental health concerns: Creating a visually calm space with soft lighting, minimalist design, and pleasant textures can help ease anxiety or depression.

Washing, Folding, etc.