I recently moved into a small apartment where the bathroom is barely 5x7 feet, but I really need to fit a washer-dryer combo in there. The only spot that could work is where the old cabinet and sink vanity currently are. I’ve tried swapping out the bulky vanity for a pedestal sink to open up space, but then I lose all my storage for toiletries and cleaning supplies. I’m hesitant to add wall shelves because the bathroom walls are moisture-prone and I worry about mold or damage. I want a setup that’s functional and doesn’t turn the bathroom into a cluttered mess. Ideally, I’d like to keep some hidden storage or at least a neat way to organize essentials. Has anyone managed to squeeze a washer-dryer into a tiny bathroom without sacrificing storage? What kind of vanities or shelving have worked for you in a damp, small space? Would waterproof baskets or cabinets be a good investment, or is there a better solution I haven’t thought of?

Totally get the struggle of fitting a washer-dryer in such a tight bathroom! One trick that worked for me was swapping the traditional vanity for a slim, waterproof cabinet with drawers that fit right under a wall-mounted sink. It keeps your essentials tucked away but doesn’t eat up floor space. For the moisture issue, I found that sealed laminate or marine-grade plywood cabinets resist mold way better than regular wood.

Also, instead of open shelves, try recessed niches in the wall if possible - they stay dry and look neat. Waterproof baskets can help, but they often just shift around and add visual clutter. If you’re open to it, a small rolling cart with waterproof bins can slide in and out when needed, giving you flexible storage without permanent wall fixtures.

On 02/03/2026 at 4:20 AM, FrugalFinn said:

Totally get the struggle of fitting a washer-dryer in such a tight bathroom! One trick that worked for me was swapping the traditional vanity for a slim, waterproof cabinet with drawers that fit right under a wall-mounted sink. It keeps your essentials tucked away but doesn’t eat up floor space. For the moisture issue, I found that sealed laminate or marine-grade plywood cabinets resist mold way better than regular wood.

Also, instead of open shelves, try recessed niches in the wall if possible - they stay dry and look neat. Waterproof baskets can help, but they often just shift around and add visual clutter. If you’re open to it, a small rolling cart with waterproof bins can slide in and out when needed, giving you flexible storage without permanent wall fixtures.

@FrugalFinn, that sounds like a smart setup! I like the idea of a slim waterproof cabinet under a wall-mounted sink - it’s such a clever way to keep storage without crowding the floor. Marine-grade plywood is a great shout for moisture resistance; I’ve heard it holds up way better than regular wood in bathrooms. I also wonder if adding a few waterproof baskets inside that cabinet could help keep smaller items organized without risking mold. Maybe even a small, vented cabinet door could help airflow and keep things dry. It’s tricky balancing storage with a washer-dryer in such a tiny space, but your approach feels like a solid middle ground.