Laundrettes?!

flower_chops

Hello,

I'm not sure if this would be the right place but seeing as I wanna be debt free I thouht I'd give it a go! So far this week we're looking at some cheaper rented flats than we're paying now. My question is though, there is one we really like but it doesn't come with a washing machine...how much do laundrettes cost?

Prudent

Personally this is the one thing I would never want to do without again. I remember making the same 'economy' years ago when renting. It was no real economy at all as it worked out just as expensive using the launderette and had a big hassle factor. The low point was when I was sick in bed and had to take the smelly sheets in a black bag on the bus to the launderette.

My advise would be to look for one with the plumbing a space for a machine. You can pick one up through freecycle of for about £30 second hand. You save on the rent and you still own the machine at the end.

lady_fuschia

In most places it's around £2 a wash and then another £1 or so (depending on the clothes, jeans about 3 times that!) for the drier. Bear in mind that you will often need to use 3 driers at once to get a whole wash dry. If you want to wash twice a week that's quite a bit of money.
It is also a major pain in the a**e getting down to the launderette.
I lived without a washing machine for 3 years thinking I was saving money, now I have one and I would never go back, even if it broke down.
If the flat has the space and the plumbing for a washing machine (if you're planning to stay there a few years it may be worth getting someone to putthe plumbing in.) Washing machines can be picked up cheaply second hand these days, so I really think its worth it.

lynzpower

Completely agree with Prudent, definately worth buying one , and you might even be able to sell it onto the LL at the end of the tenancy. Round here in East London we were paying 8.50 :eek: for a service wash ( couldnt get near the machines in the evenings- so no real option) which is nigh on ridiculous but of course paying the wages of the staff so understandable.

Id find one with a WM, or at very least a space for one. I paid over the odds for my WM ( pre mse) at £300 but im certain you could get one new for 100, which pays for itself on the 8.50 rates after about 15 washes.

flower_chops

Thank you all so so much for your advice. Just had a job interview so that's why I couldn't reply earlier.

We're viewing a flat at 2pm today which is next door to where we are now but a fraction of the rent (we really don't need 2 bedrooms!!) so fingers crossed for it having a washing machine!!

Thanks again - I'm so glad I've found this website. I'm recommending it all to all my friends and my mum now loves it too! Still gotta get those Stardrops though!