I was recently asked about how we handle laundry in the tiny house.
The answer for us was pretty short and simple. We didn't want a washer and dryer in our home. Instead we planned early on to go to a local laundromat and we built that into our weekly expenses.
When we first moved into the tiny house we began to go to the closest, traditional landromat and we wondered if we had made a mistake. Bright florescent lights beat down on us while we listened to the sounds of the washers and dryers and tried not to think about the heavy smell of fabric softener in the air.
I did not like it. I hadn't been to a laundromat since I was in college and I had forgotten what it was like.
But then we stumbled upon the BEST THING EVER. And yes, I'm shouting.
We learned about Bar of Soap, a laundromat/bar located in North Asheville. It is about a 20 minute drive from the tiny house and well worth the trip. We quickly learned that we had time for one beer while the washer was running, one beer while the dryer was running, and then we were ready to fold our laundry and go. We got to know the bartenders and we became Tuesday regulars. The bar features all canned beers and when fully stocked have about 80 to choose from.
Check out this local podcast featuring the owner of Bar of Soap.
Full disclosure - I now work for Bar of Soap one day a week. It was such a great place and I got to know everyone there that they offered me a job. It is as much fun to work there as it is to hang out.
One of the biggest differences a laundromat/bar made in our routine was that laundry became an "entrainment" expense rather than a utility. I know this sounds like picking nits but going out to the bar is a big part of our social experience so we were able to combine a necessary chore into an afternoon enjoying beers.
Laundromat/bars are starting to gain momentum across the country, and the world. If you don't necessarily enjoy laundry but you enjoy going out to the bar you may want to search your town for a similar business.
The answer for us was pretty short and simple. We didn't want a washer and dryer in our home. Instead we planned early on to go to a local laundromat and we built that into our weekly expenses.
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| These are just the pale ales and IPAs |
I did not like it. I hadn't been to a laundromat since I was in college and I had forgotten what it was like.
But then we stumbled upon the BEST THING EVER. And yes, I'm shouting.
We learned about Bar of Soap, a laundromat/bar located in North Asheville. It is about a 20 minute drive from the tiny house and well worth the trip. We quickly learned that we had time for one beer while the washer was running, one beer while the dryer was running, and then we were ready to fold our laundry and go. We got to know the bartenders and we became Tuesday regulars. The bar features all canned beers and when fully stocked have about 80 to choose from.
Check out this local podcast featuring the owner of Bar of Soap.
Full disclosure - I now work for Bar of Soap one day a week. It was such a great place and I got to know everyone there that they offered me a job. It is as much fun to work there as it is to hang out.
One of the biggest differences a laundromat/bar made in our routine was that laundry became an "entrainment" expense rather than a utility. I know this sounds like picking nits but going out to the bar is a big part of our social experience so we were able to combine a necessary chore into an afternoon enjoying beers.
Laundromat/bars are starting to gain momentum across the country, and the world. If you don't necessarily enjoy laundry but you enjoy going out to the bar you may want to search your town for a similar business.
"Laundromat/bars are starting to gain momentum across the country, and the world. If you don't necessarily enjoy laundry but you enjoy going out to the bar you may want to search your town for a similar business."
ReplyDeleteI wonder what it takes to start a business like this, other than a ton of ready cash.
Listen to the Podcast linked in the post. I think Sean of Bar of Soap gives a little insight.
DeleteBAR OF SOAP? The idea & name is everything!!! And I thought laundromats with wifi were good. Love what you guys are doing btw, Laura. We recently sold everything & moved into an Airstream, which is pretty tiny house-like. I could definitely see us doing something more permanent on a piece of land in the future. Cheers to living authentically!
ReplyDeleteVery nice post
ReplyDelete