Urban properties face a unique challenge: how to provide residents with essential amenities in buildings where every square foot matters. Laundry facilities are often one of the most in-demand but hardest-to-fit services. Compact laundry solutions are emerging as a practical answer, helping property owners and managers deliver convenience, boost resident satisfaction, and generate additional revenue without requiring major space sacrifices.
In dense cities, space is one of the most valuable resources. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 80% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, where apartments and multifamily housing are smaller than suburban counterparts . This trend means residents expect efficient, shared laundry facilities that don’t compromise livable or rentable space.
Compact laundry solutions, from stackable machines to space-optimized laundry rooms, help urban property owners meet these expectations while increasing building appeal.
Stackable laundry systems save up to 50% of the floor space compared to side-by-side models . For multifamily properties, this allows more machines in the same footprint, reducing wait times for residents and maximizing revenue potential.
All-in-one models combine washing and drying into a single machine, perfect for buildings with very limited space. While cycle times may be longer, they eliminate the need for separate units entirely.
Brands like Speed Queen and Maytag offer compact commercial washers and dryers designed specifically for multi-housing applications. These machines are built to handle high volumes while fitting into tighter spaces.
Instead of dedicating an entire floor or basement, some properties are integrating “laundry pods” — smaller laundry nooks on each floor equipped with compact units. This setup increases accessibility for residents while distributing the demand more evenly across the property.
By using compact laundry machines, property owners can free up square footage for additional units, amenities, or storage.
Even smaller machines can be configured for payment systems (coin, card, or app-based). With more units fitting in less space, property owners can serve more residents and increase laundry revenue.
Convenient, efficient laundry facilities are among the top amenities renters look for. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, in-building laundry ranks as one of the most desired features in apartments . Compact solutions ensure even small urban properties remain competitive.
Modern compact machines are designed with efficiency in mind, often using less water and energy than older, bulkier models. For property managers seeking LEED credits or greener operations, this can be a major advantage.
Compact laundry solutions make it possible for urban properties to deliver one of the most sought-after amenities in a way that balances convenience, efficiency, and revenue. Whether through stackable units, all-in-one machines, or distributed laundry pods, these systems maximize limited space while keeping residents happy. For property managers, investing in compact laundry solutions is not just about saving space, it’s about building long-term value.