How to Make the Most of Limited Living Spaces

With rental rates souring over the past year, and rates expected to increase even more in 2016, many people are looking to downsize into smaller homes. Downgrading into smaller living spaces requires learning how to make the most of what space you do have. In some places, like New York City, renters live in some of the smallest apartment homes, ranging in size from 78 square feet to 450 square feet. If you are considering downgrading into a smaller home to keep your rental rates from increasing, here are a few useful tips to maximize your smaller living space.

Find Multiple Purposes for Everything

Depending on the number of rooms in a small apartment, you should look at ways in which the rooms can be used for multiple purposes, rather than one. The kitchen is a great example, as most people only consider this room for cooking and eating, which is not the case when you do not have the square footage. You can convert a section of the under-counter space to make room for a compact washer dryer combo and also make the kitchen the laundry room.

With cabinets and closets, do not overlook the dead space on the back of doors. These areas are great for adding small shelves and increasing the amount of space you have to store food, clothes, cleaning products, and so on. To maximize space inside the cabinets, use pullout bins so it is easy to access anything you put toward the back. In addition, pullout bins give you various options for storing loose items, like putting silverware and utensils in cups, rather than placing them in a drawer, and thus freeing up the drawer to store something else.

Select Furnishings That Do Not Get in the Way

The idea of having furnishings cramped into a small apartment leaves little free space. The best thing to do in smaller homes is to use furnishings that can be easily stored away or out of sight when they are not required. In cases where your living room is also your bed room, a Murphy bed or sofa bed are perfect. Both provide somewhere to sleep, but are easy to put away to recover the space.

You could also look at a fold-down kitchen table mounted to the wall with foldable chairs. When you want to eat or sit around the table, it is easy to set up, but, when it is not in use, it is not taking up space. Basically, you will want to look at your walls and ask yourself how you can incorporate furniture against the wall, or into it, to fit more furniture into the tiny apartment.

By taking the time to look at the different ways you can utilizing living spaces and discover multiple purposes for them, you will be able to live comfortably in a smaller home and keep your rental rates down. To learn more about space-saving combination washer and dryers, please feel free to contact FJS Distributors, Inc. at 800-875-1533 and speak to a representative about compact LG Washer Dryers.

Make Your Space Count with Innovative Laundry Machines

As housing prices and rents rise, home space is getting more expensive. Making each square foot of your purchased home or rental count can help you get more out of your space and increase your enjoyment of your residence. Stackable washing machines and combination washer dryers make use of the vertical space that often gets unused, freeing up space for other uses.

Stackable washing machines are devices that have a washing machine on the bottom and a dryer up top. Stackables can incorporate front or top loading washers. The key benefit of stackable washing machines is that they save horizontal space, allowing the laundry area to be small enough to fit into a closet or alcove. For empty-nesters or single homeowners with minimal laundry needs, the stackable may be a great solution.

If you’re building a new home, it may be worthwhile to incorporate a stackable washer/dryer into your design. The smaller space needed for laundry will allow you to use square footage that would have been taken up by your washer and dryer for other purposes, like a larger bathroom or more space elsewhere. If you’re considering using a stackable, it may be worthwhile to purchase one that includes a front-loading washer, as these washing machines use significantly less water than a top-loading washer.

The most common varieties of stackable washing machine/dryer combos are either 27 or 24 inches wide. The 24-inch model will fit in most closets. Stackable washer-dryers will need a 220-volt power outlet, and you may need to have an electrician install this outlet in your home. Stackables may not have all of the features available on conventional washers and dryers because of the concessions product designers must make to keep these devices compact.

If a stackable washer/dryer isn’t for you, a combination washer dryer may be a better solution. Combination washer/dryers are single machines that do the job of both a washer and dryer. Because there’s only one machine, homeowners and renters save space by using a combo. These washer/dryers also use less electricity and water than conventional washers and dryers. Another key benefit of a combination washer and dryer is that it is easier on clothes because of the horizontal axis drum incorporated into its design. This design is far gentler than conventional washing machines.

With the average price per square foot for a home hovering between $104 and $130, saving space where you can makes sense. Saving space and upgrading to more energy-efficient laundry machines can help you get greater value from your home and have a positive impact on the environment. Consumers interested in stackables or combos should research brands offered by reputable vendors.

FJS Distributors, Inc. sells LG Electronics washer dryer combos and Asko washers and dryers. A factory-authorized distributor, FJS Distributors has been connecting customers with top quality laundry machines for the past 15 years. LG and Asko washers and dryers are innovative products that help make doing laundry a joy rather than a chore. To learn more, call 1-800-884-8635.

Top Loader Washers vs. Front Loader Washers

It’s a debate raging in household laundry rooms across the country – top loader washing machines vs. front loader washing machines. Partisans of both types of laundry machines are surprisingly passionate about their washing machine of choice, and discussions about each can become quite heated. The debates concerning device type are often even more intense than those regarding brand quality like LG washers vs. Maytag, or Whirlpool vs. Samsung.

The truth is that each device has its pros and cons, and some will fit certain lifestyles and households better than others. When making that fateful choice between top loading and front loading washing machines, consider these facts:

  • Many front loading washing machines allow their users to add steam to the wash cycle to help remove stains. For households with soccer uniforms and baseball leggings to wash, this feature can be a great help.
  • Front loading washing machines are stackable, making them helpful in homes where space is at a premium.
  • Front loading washing machines use less water than top loaders, making them more energy efficient. As inflation rises and wages remain stagnant, families need every option they can get for cutting costs, including monthly power bills.
  • Because of the advanced technology incorporated into their design, front loading washing machines are often much more expensive than top loading machines. This may be a big drawback for young consumers or first time home buyers seeking a washing machine.
  • Top loading washing machines don’t require users to bend to put clothes in and take them out. This is a helpful feature for older users or those with back or hip problems.
  • Water can get trapped inside of front loading washers, causing a musty smell to develop.
  • Wash cycles for top loaders are not as adjustable as those for front loading devices.
  • Front loading washing machines have a faster spin cycle. This wrings more moisture out of clothes and will often result in a shorter time needed in the dryer.
  • Top loading washers are easier to fix and maintain than the more technologically complicated front loading washers.

When front loading washing machines hit the market a few years ago, they quickly blazed a trail toward sales dominance, but that momentum has faded in recent years as top loaders have remained highly cost competitive. Technology enthusiasts are passionate about the front loaders, however, giving them a strong reservoir of goodwill from which to draw.

Consumers have a lot of variables to consider when purchasing either a front loading or top loading washing machine. Smart consumers will consider their needs and their lifestyle, and also research specific brands of washers before settling on a choice.

FJS Distributors, Inc. sells LG Electronics washer dryer combos and Asko washers and dryers. A factory-authorized distributor, FJS Distributors has been connecting customers with top quality laundry machines for the past 15 years. LG and Asko washers and dryers are innovative products that help make doing laundry a joy rather than a chore. To learn more, call 1-800-884-8635.

How to Select Washer and Dryer Sets

Making the best purchasing decision for your home, and selecting washer and dryer sets requires some advanced planning. You may already have an idea about what features and options you desire, but you also need to consider other aspects, as this could determine the size and type of appliances you buy.

  1. What are your laundry needs? The types of loads you need to wash, as well as soil levels, help determine what sort of features to look for in your new washer. In addition, if you have large, bulky items to launder, consider a larger capacity washer and dryer.
  2. Where will the washer and dryer be installed? For homes with existing laundry connections, verify the placement of washer hookups and the type of dryer cord needed. Measure the space, and use this measurement to shop washer and dryer sets capable of fitting into the existing space. If there are width restrictions, but no height issues, consider a stackable washer and dryer setup. For homes lacking existing connections, a washer and dryer combo is less expensive to install than traditional laundry pairs.
  3. Are there handicap accessibility concerns? If you or someone in your home is wheelchair bound, or has other mobility issues, consider front loading models, as these are easily accessible and have the controls on the front of the machines.
  4. How often and how much time do you need to do laundry? If you only need to launder a few loads a week, you can choose a combination washer dryer, or stand-alone washer and dryer models. On the other hand, for large families with endless loads of laundry, separate appliances allow them to complete more loads in less time.

For more information about washer and dryer sets, or professional assistance in choosing the right appliances for your home, call 800-875-1533 today.

Which LG Dryer Model Is Best for Your Home?

One question home owners and renters face on a regular basis is deciding which LG dryer model would be the best one to use. Well, it depends, as each person’s laundry needs has to be evaluated based several factors.

  1. Is there an existing laundry room with a dry outlet? If so, you have a bit more flexibility in choosing the best dryer for your home. You could select a stand-alone ventless LG dryer. Another option if you are purchasing or replacing both a washer and a dryer is a combination washer dryer.
  2. How much space is available? If you have a limited amount of space and want a stand-alone dryer, it can be stacked on top of a compatible LG washer model. If there are height restrictions, an all-in-one washer dryer is a better choice.
  3. Can you remodel the home? If you are able to remodel your home, you have several options where you could install a new dryer. Renters who cannot remodel their homes will want to look at converting a washer dryer combo into a portable appliance.
  4. Is dryer venting an obstacle or a concern? Installing dryer vents is a major remodeling task. Dryer vents are also fire hazards, and provide easy access for small animals and pests to get inside your home. A ventless dryer is the best solution to these issues.

For more information about LG washer and dryer models for your home, contact us today at 800-875-1533.

Do-It-Yourself Washer-and-Dryer-in-One Installation

Installing a washer-and-dryer-in-one is not difficult for most people to do whenever they lack existing laundry connections in their home. The skill level required depends on whether you want to install the combination washer-dryer in a fixed location, or use it as a portable washing machine and dryer. The easiest method is to convert the all-in-one washer-dryer into a portable machine, since there are no plumbing and drain lines to tap.

The types of tools you will need to install a washer-dryer combo could include:

  • Level
  • Tape Measure
  • Pipe Cutter
  • Water Line Splitting Kit
  • Hot and Cold Water Connections with Shut Off Valves
  • Drain Pipe Tapping Kit
  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Saw

We recommend you select an installation location near water and drain lines for the least amount of work, like your kitchen or bathroom. The washer-and-dryer-in-one is designed to fit nicely underneath your existing countertop.

Once you have selected the location to install the combination washer-dryer, start by tapping water and drain lines under the sink. This is the easiest location to tap these lines, since you do not have to cut into drywall or try to determine where the builder ran the lines within your home. Next, drill holes in the back of the cabinets, large enough to run the water hoses and drain hose from the machine to your newly tapped lines.

Connect the hoses to the tapped lines, make sure they are tight, and turn on the water to check for leaks. Now run the electrical cord to a 3-prong 110V outlet. You may want to slide the machine under the counter if you need more cord length to reach the outlet. Verify the machine is level, and you are ready to start washing and drying clothes.

Feel free to contact us at 800-875-1533 to learn more about combination washers and dryers or to order one for your home today.  

How to Convert a Side by Side into a Stacked Washer Dryer

It is easy to convert a side by side washer dryer into a stacked washer dryer with a stacking accessory kit. The stacking kit includes all of the necessary parts and components needed to secure the dryer in place on top of the washer, like retainer brackets and padded strips. Most people are able to do the work themselves with the right tools, like a socket wrench set and various screwdrivers. You will also need someone to help you lift the dryer and set it on top of the washer.

The following steps outline how to convert your side by side washer dryer into a stacked washer dryer:

  1. Unplug the electrical cords on both the washer and the dryer.
  2. Move the dryer to a location where you can easily access it.
  3. Remove the feet from the bottom of the dryer and install the padded strips.
  4. Pull the washer forward for access to the rear for installing the retainer brackets.
  5. Situate the dryer on top of the washer and install the retainer brackets.
  6. Carefully push the washer and dryer back into place.
  7. Reconnect the electrical cords.

Keep in mind these steps are for a typical conversion and may vary based on the particular washer and dryer model. To order a stacking kit for LG washer and dryer sets, call us at 800-875-1533.