As I mentioned in some of my recent threads, my big news is that I'm moving in just a couple weeks - and while I LOVE most of the benefits that our new apartment will bring, I'm not as thrilled to have a community laundry room.

I haven't had shared laundry facilities since EARLY college, and while I realize that having an in-building facility is much better than a laundromat, I'm trying to prepare myself with coping strategies.

According to the map of our facility, there are actually multiple laundry rooms scattered throughout the multi-story, U shaped building - it looks like there should be a laundry room just around the corner from our unit, though I'm not sure if it's actually on our floor or not - and I believe there are 2 washers and dryers per room. We'll be paying by loading cash onto a card key (no need to hoard quarters.)

Here are some of my ideas so far based on some articles I've read and my current practices, but I'd love it if some of you could chime in with tips and helpful experiences:

Cutting down on the laundry load:
* I already wear my clothes multiple times between washes, with the exception of workout gear that gets sweaty and, of course, undies. I wear bras several times between washes too.
* Many of my dresses are poly/spandex blends that can be hand washed and that dry fairly quickly when they are hung up over the shower curtain rod.
* Ditto undies, bras, and hosiery: Hand wash and hang to dry. (Currently, I wash them on delicate cycle.)
* Double up laundry with B. and take turns doing loads - but make sure B. knows which items shouldn't go in the dryer (like my jeans!)
* We have PLENTY of towels and sheets to get us by, so we shouldn't ever be in a crunch without an item that we need.
* I already have stopped using hand towels to wash my face as the terrycloth was too rough on my skin; I use cotton balls or my bare hands instead.
* Get a collapsible drying rack that will fit in the tub, but can be folded up in the closet when not in use

Doing laundry in the laundry room:
* Bring laundry supplies in a small caddy
* Use powder laundry detergent, and rather than bringing the whole carton down to the laundry room, keep small, re-usable Tupperware containers filled with the correct proportion of detergent and bring that instead. (Same thing with Oxy-clean, etc.)
* Bring some antibacterial wipes to laundry room to clean up spills and lint (mine, or spills other people left behind)
* Use a touch of white vinegar to eliminate smells
* Check the machines before putting in clothing to ensure that there isn't animal hair, tissue lint, etc. that will get on my clothes
* If leaving the laundry room:
- Set a timer on my iPhone to go off 5-10 minutes before my load is due to be done so that I head over in time (to avoid annoying my neighbors who could be waiting to use the machine)
- Don't leave for a long length of time
- Make sure all supplies/baskets left behind are labeled
- Leave a note on the machine with my name/phone number in case I space out and forget to pick it up

Articles that I found very helpful:
http://unclutterer.com/2009/03.....-dwellers/
http://www.apartmenttherapy.co.....unal-75641

Anything to add that I'm overlooking? Thanks!