Hey everyone! I just moved to the Hudson Valley in New York from California, and I'm not really familiar with basements. My washer and dryer are stuck in the creepy, unfinished basement, which was okay during the fall and winter, but now it's just gross with crickets and other pests. I'm really at my wit's end here!
Is it possible to move my washer and dryer to a more livable area in the house instead of the basement? What steps should I take to make this happen?
5 Answers
It's totally doable, but maybe consider why it wasn’t moved before. My grandparents had their set-up in a spooky basement forever, but it worked for them. I recently saw a house where the laundry was moved to the kitchen! Good luck with your remodel!
I’m a big fan of basement laundry rooms myself. Moving your appliances upstairs could lead to flooding issues if you don’t have a good waterproof setup. Basements usually come with floor drains, so a flood there is less of a big deal compared to upstairs.
You definitely have options here! One way to tackle the issue is to finish the basement. It may be colder, but you could create a functional laundry space or even a workshop or home theatre. Plus, a finished basement makes pest control easier! Just be cautious with flooring in case of water issues.
Good point! It doesn’t have to be fully finished to keep bugs out, right?
If you want to move them, you’ll need to sort out plumbing for the washer and electrical plus venting for the dryer. I’d suggest getting quotes from local plumbers and electricians to see what it’ll cost.
Of course you can move them! Just remember you'll need the plumbing, electrical, and a vent duct for the dryer. Asking locals for trusted home repair referrals could also save you some hassle!

Yeah, I get that! I passed on a great house for the same reason—getting to the basement was such a chore!