How to convert a hallway closet into a Laundry closet

Convert a hallway closet into a Laundry closet by installing a washer and dryer set into a small space, it’s an ideal solution for a small space

How to Transform a Hall Closet Into a Bedroom-Level Laundry Closet

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something through one of my links, I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

As for many of us, laundry is one of those never-ending chores we just can’t escape. No matter how many loads you do, there’s always another basketful waiting.

For me, the worst part wasn’t even the laundry itself. It was carrying heavy loads up and down two flights to our unfinished basement with rickety steps. The basement, another major project for the future that I can’t wait to see happen.

So, I started brainstorming every possible way to make laundry less of a hassle.

That’s when the crazy idea clicked to convert our 2nd-floor hallway closet into a laundry closet!

I asked my contractor husband if it could be done, and he said yes!

Lucky for us, our adjacent bathroom was being renovated, which gave access to water and drain.

Why did we move the laundry upstairs?

When you think about it, most of the dirty laundry is generated from the bedrooms and bathrooms. Clothes, towels, bedding — it all starts upstairs. So why was our laundry room two floors away in the basement?

We decided to move the laundry to the same level as our bedrooms. Makes sense, right?

There was one closet next to the upstairs bathroom, and it was the only space that could be converted into a laundry closet.

Since the adjacent bathroom was being renovated, it gave us the perfect opportunity to tap into the water and drain for the laundry closet.

So we jumped on the chance to bring the laundry machines upstairs. Because once we complete the bathroom reno, the opportunity will be gone or too complicated.

One of the biggest challenges in our home is the limited closet space. You can see how we built our much-needed kitchen pantry closet in place of our bookshelf to gain storage space. It really added so much storage space!

We couldn’t eliminate a linen closet, but had to move it elsewhere.

I’ll show you where we put the new linen closet and how we built it in another post on that soon.

Things We Had to Consider Before Adding Laundry Upstairs

• closet width and depth
• electrical needs
• dryer venting
• plumbing access
• Gas line hook-up
• flooring/water protection
• losing linen storage
• whether the washer/dryer tower fits
• hallway flow and doors

In order to accommodate a washer and dryer. This closet had the perfect width for the LG washer-dryer we purchased.

Except we had to steal 6 inches from my daughter’s room for the depth, she was not thrilled about that!

But the return is well worth her protest; she quickly saw how easy it would be to do her laundry and forgot about the 6-inch encroachment into her bedroom.

How we converted our hall closet into a laundry closet

• The first step was measuring the closet — and then measuring it again, because this is one of those projects where every inch matters. Our existing linen closet was wide enough for the washer and dryer tower, but not deep enough to fit the machine properly. We had to get a little creative. The back wall of the closet was shared with my daughter’s bedroom, so we removed it and borrowed about 6 inches from her room to extend the closet depth. We framed out the new wall, closed it up with sheetrock, plastered, and painted it until it looked like it had always been there. We also made sure to leave enough clearance around the machine, with at least three inches on each side and about eight inches above, to allow for proper airflow.

• Once we established our water and drain source from the adjacent bathroom, the difficult part was over. We used a SharkBite washing machine box to connect the hot/cold water supply line and drain.

• We used a magnetic dryer vent connector, which made this step so much easier. Once the dryer was pushed back into place, the connector snapped right on, giving us a secure connection without having to wrestle with the vent hose.

• For our setup, a gas line had to be brought up from the basement to connect the dryer. If you do not have easy access to a gas line, a ventless electric heat pump dryer can be a great option. Since it does not require a traditional vent setup, it offers greater flexibility.

• Have the correct electrical outlet installed for your washer and dryer setup.

• Another important step was making sure the floor was level. This is especially important with a washer-and-dryer tower because you do not want the machine shaking, bouncing, or doing its own little dance during the spin cycle. Thankfully, the LG WashTower has four adjustable legs, which made it much easier to level the machine and keep everything nice and sturdy.

• We also added a plastic drain pan underneath the washing machine for a little extra peace of mind. If there is ever a leak or overflow, the pan helps protect the floor and gives us an added layer of protection.

• Now it is a matter of sliding the machine into place and giving it a test run.

Is an Upstairs Laundry Closet Worth It?

Converting our hallway closet into a laundry closet was one of the best decisions we made.

There is definitely a growing trend of moving washers and dryers upstairs or onto the bedroom level. I completely understand why.

This is definitely one of those home improvement decisions that immediately made everyday life easier. The laundry is now right where we actually need it.

If something makes daily life easier, I am all for it.

Since we’ve moved the laundry up to the bedroom level, I can honestly say it has been a game-changer. No more hauling baskets up and down the stairs. No more avoiding laundry because it feels like such a production. Everything is simply more convenient.

Converting our hall closet into a laundry closet was one of the most practical home updates we could’ve made.

And for a busy household, that is always a win.

Thank you for stopping!