sus I didn't read the above responses - so pardon in advance if this is redundant. If you are definitely going to be there for 7yrs, you decide how you would like your home to be during that time. Do pros/cons of relocating - then move on. If you leave laundry there - think vertical! Yes, look into stacking units make sure you have all the space & clearances necessary to do so - ck and double check, it's not just the dimensions of the machines but the duct work for dryer, hook ups for washer - & enough height in the area I would consider making or purchasing a nice panel drapery there that can easily be pulled aside to do laundry - **Do I see pocket doors? closed up when complete. Also, vertical on shelves storage - creative ways of making that little space more efficient - how often do you iron? do you have another spot to dash the board. I would only have what is absolutely daily use in that area. If you leave the laundry there - I don't think you really have space for mud area - other than putting in some hooks to hang a jacket or 2 - scroll down look at tiny laundry room transformation http://realsouthernliving.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html http://www.remodelaholic.com/2010/08/laundry-room-design-with-craft-room-all.html Link below to images Here is a link that might be useful: laundry areas

i prefer side by side, but i fold out of the dryer and stack on top-- way easier than dumping and folding, imo!! :) i would be ok with stacked if i didn't fold out of the dryer because i'm fairly tall... tho, in the winter i also sometimes put towels on top of the washer/dryer and lay sweaters on top of them to dry... i love my pedestals- 15.5"tall- and they are stuffed! i have numerous different types of detergent, bleach, stain remover bottles, etc, etc under the washer and dryer sheets and extra towels and rags and a bunch of other stuff under the dryer... i have had cabinets above my w&d in previous homes and it doesn't work great for me because i stack clothes, etc on top and don't always immediately remove- then to get in the cabinets, i have to pull over a stepstool and remove what's on top of the w&d to get into the cabinet. open shelves definitely would be easier! if you put up shelves, i would make them 18" deep.

Is this room for laundry or entertaining? Embrace utilitarianism. I do not see brooms/vacuum (just mop in the sink), pantry over flow or paper goods. But there are cleaning supplies. There are also miscellaneous laundry supplies: hangers, delicates mesh bags, clothes pins, laundry basket etc. that all need a place to stay until being used. Forget using the under stairs alcove for a folding counter. No one wants to fold clothes in the corner of a cave. Mankind invented houses to get us out of caves. I prefer closed door storage, neater and cleaner. Avoid wire shelves, they suck (stuff falls through and you can see every thing. 1) Hang the ironing board behind the door. Do this no matter what else you do. Where is the iron stored? 2) Move the stuff from inside/under the stairs and push your rolling hanging rack into that space for storage when not being used. 3) Pantry or broom closet style cabinet. Either in the alcove or next to the dryer. As many as fit and the door opening space will allow. And yes (before anyone mentions it), cut holes for any electric outlets. 4) Do your washer/dryer (W/D) have a stacking option? Get the hardware and stack them (embrace you height and get a step stool). Move them to the alcove side as far as the hoses/cords etc allow. Put a base cabinet between the sink and W/D with counter there (maybe new sink built into this). Wall cabinets above the sink and counter (use all the space to the ceiling) and also all the way over the W/D too, pantry/broom cabinets on the other side. 5) Hanging rod above above counter (if you can). Or those accordion pull out type racks (for delicates). 6) If no stacking option, get the under W/D drawers. They are expensive, but some people like them. 7) Or just build a counter over the W/D and be done. 8) Consider more lighting. Unless you are going for that nostalgic cave look. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET PUTTING IN AS MUCH STORAGE AS YOU CAN.

Try a new word. Replace ”maximize” with ”optimize”. You want storage that suits what you plan to store, can possibly store things you don’t yet know you need to store, and importantly, storage that you can and will access and use, to put things away and to retrieve them. Perhaps you are expecting too much from this small space. Besides laundry, what else is going on in here? Is this where you keep general cleaning supplies, hence need to prepare and clean your cleaning tools, rags, swiffer supplies, buckets, cleaning solutions? What about general textile care, like ironing, steaming clothes, etc? or cleaning muddy boots? Are items and activities unrelated to laundry and household cleaning going to be here?