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DIY laundry setup: How to afford a washer and dryer without the upfront cost
DIY laundry is possible – learn how Snap Finance makes washer and dryer setups possible without upfront costs.
Oct 22, 2025
8 min. read
Inside a front-load washer drum, a woman reaches in to remove blue and patterned laundry.

Lugging laundry to a laundromat eats up time and money, but owning your own washer and dryer is within reach. This blog explains how to plan a DIY laundry setup, choose the right appliances, and bring them home with Snap Finance’s lease-to-own financing.

Key takeaways:

  • You don’t need a large home to set up an in-unit washer and dryer.

  • Lease-to-own financing makes appliances accessible without having to pay for everything up front.

  • Snap Finance partners with thousands of retailers to help you get the appliances you need now.

If you’ve ever hauled baskets of clothes to a laundromat or waited hours for a shared apartment laundry room, you know how exhausting it can be. The time adds up, the quarters disappear, and your weekend disappears with them.

The truth is, having your own washer and dryer at home isn’t just about convenience – it can save money in the long run. The challenge is the upfront cost. For many renters and first-time homebuyers, the price of a new laundry setup feels out of reach.

The good news is, with the right washer and dryer financing, you can bring laundry appliances home without draining your savings. This guide walks you through setting up your own DIY laundry space and explains how washer and dryer financing makes it possible.

Planning your DIY laundry setup

Before you buy appliances, think about where you’ll put your laundry setup. The right space makes installation easier and saves you headaches later. Here are some options:

  • Laundry closet. Many apartments or small homes have a utility closet perfect for stackable units.

  • Bathroom. If you don’t have hookups elsewhere, bathrooms often have the plumbing you need.

  • Kitchen corner. In some apartments, a washer/dryer combo can share space with your dishwasher.

  • Garage or basement. These larger spaces are great for standard washer/dryer sets.

Electrical and water hookup considerations

Washers need hot and cold water lines plus a drain. Dryers may require a 240-volt outlet. Always double-check what connections exist in your space before buying.

Ventless vs. vented dryer setups

Traditional dryers vent hot air outside. If you don’t have a vent, a ventless dryer (often a condenser or heat pump model) is a safe, compact option that often works well in apartments.

Types of washers and dryers for small or DIY spaces

The size of your living space and your laundry needs will determine which appliances fit best.

  • Stackable washer/dryer units. These vertical sets are perfect for closets and small apartments.

  • Portable washers. Great for renters, these connect to a kitchen or bathroom sink and roll away when not in use.

  • All-in-one washer/dryer combos. A single machine that washes and dries clothes without needing a vent, which is ideal for tight spaces.

  • Standard sets. If you have the room and a family generating lots of laundry, full-size models may be worth the investment.

Budget challenges: Why people delay washer and dryer purchases

Even when you know you’d save time and money at home, the upfront cost often makes people delay.

  1. Appliance price tags. A washer and dryer set can cost thousands of dollars.

  2. Delivery and installation. Be sure to factor in costs for delivery and setup, which can vary depending on hookups and location.

  3. Extra parts. Hoses, vents, and stands can push the cost even higher.

For many people, sticking with the laundromat feels like the only option. But if you’re spending $30 a week on laundry, that’s more than $1,500 per year – money that could go toward your own appliances instead.

How to get a washer and dryer without the upfront cost

This is where lease-to-own financing helps. Instead of saving for months or years, you can bring appliances home now and make payments over time.

  • Lease-to-own financing. Unlike traditional loans, lease-to-own allows you to get appliances now with convenient payments you can pay over time.

  • Accessible to more people. Many financing options are limited to good credit scores, but lease-to-own works regardless of your credit.1

  • Upgrade sooner. Rather than waiting years to buy, you can choose energy-efficient, space-saving models right away.

How Snap Finance helps with DIY laundry setups

Snap Finance partners with thousands of retailers nationwide to make getting your washer and dryer faster and easier.

  • Lease-to-own financing. Get appliances today and pay for them over time.

  • All credit types welcome to apply. No credit needed.1

  • Quick applications. Apply online or in-store with fast decisions.

  • Early ownership options. Pay off your lease sooner and save on overall lease costs.2

  • Nationwide availability. With thousands of partner retailers, you can find everything from compact stackables to energy-efficient family sets.

Imagine a renter tired of carrying laundry down three flights of stairs and across the street to a laundromat. Using Snap Finance, they pick up a compact stackable washer/dryer through a local partner store. Within days, they’re saving time and frustration – and their weekly laundry budget goes toward ownership instead of laundromat machines.

Tips to maximize your DIY laundry setup

Once you have your washer and dryer, a few simple additions can make your space work smarter.

  • Use wall-mounted drying racks or foldable racks to air-dry clothes.

  • Add shelves or rolling carts for detergent, dryer sheets, and cleaning supplies.

  • Choose Energy Star appliances to reduce utility bills over the long term.

  • Schedule routine maintenance like cleaning the dryer vent and checking hoses to extend appliance life.

Making laundry day easier than ever

You don’t have to wait years or keep draining quarters into machines across town. Building your own laundry setup is possible today – even if you’re working with a tight budget or living in a small apartment.

Snap Finance makes the process simple by connecting you to nearby retailers, offering quick decisions, and letting you take appliances home right away. Whether you need a compact combo unit or a full washer/dryer set, there’s a solution that fits your space and lifestyle.

Find a Snap Finance partner retailer today and create your own DIY laundry setup without the upfront cost.

 

The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.

1 Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.

2 The default payment plan is the Maximum-Term Plan, which includes 12- to 18-month renewable terms and is your highest cost option. To exercise an early ownership option, including any early buyout promotions, you must make all regular payments on time and ensure the required amount is paid within the applicable timeframe through the customer portal or by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769. Early buyout promotions may include a cost of lease above the merchandise price. For details and limitations, including relating to applicable early ownership options, refer to your lease agreement.