Laundry on a Budget: How to Save Money While Doing Laundry on a Long Trip

We regard laundry as something daunting and exhausting. Yet, if you are planning a long trip, you may be thinking of doing laundry at some point. But laundry while traveling can be expensive. So, how can you do laundry on a budget?

Here are some tips to help you save money while doing laundry on a long trip.

Pack Lightly And Wisely.

One of the primary benefits of doing laundry on a long trip is that it allows you to pack fewer clothes. Overpacking can lead to extra baggage fees and make it more difficult to move around.

Packing lightly and wisely is the best way to save money on laundry while traveling. Bringing your whole wardrobe will only cost you an additional baggage fee and more dirty clothes to wash during your trip. It is better to pack only a few clothes that you know you can wear during your trip.

Plan your outfit, and only bring clothes that are easy to wash and dry. You can easily wash them in the bathroom sink and hang them overnight.

Plan The Itinerary And Find A Laundry Service Near You.

Do research and plan on the places you want to go, may it be a tourist destination or a must-try local restaurant. But, aside from the destinations you wish to, find a laundry service near you.

If you plan to have a guided tour on some days, you can look for a laundry service that offers laundry pickup. So when you are busy going on a day tour around your travel destination, you can pick up your cleaned and fresh clothes afterward.

Wash Clothes In The Sink.

Several does this, especially when they go backpacking. If you do not have access or are tight on budget, you can handwash your clothes in the sink. Fill the sink or tub with warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Let your clothes soak for 15–20 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly and hang them to dry.

Obviously, hotel rooms do not have a dryer machine. So when you hang your clothes, dry them on a clothesline or hanger.

Use A Laundry Service. 

Booking a laundry service or visiting a laundromat is much better than an expensive hotel laundry service or handwashing your clothes. Besides, it is much more affordable, and the cleaning quality is excellent. It can also give you a chance to experience local culture and interact with locals uniquely. It can also be a more convenient option if you are staying in a neighborhood without access to in-room laundry facilities.

Moreover, avoid expensive dry cleaning. If you bring clothes that need a dry cleaning service, ensure you get a cheaper alternative than using the dry cleaning services in the hotel.

Do Not Use The Hotel Laundry Service.

Although we promote relying on a laundry service than washing your clothes in the hotel bathroom, we do not recommend you use the hotel laundry service. These can be expensive. Avoid hotel laundry service and keep more money in your pocket.

Many hotels charge high fees for laundry services, especially if you need something done quickly. Visiting a local laundry service provider and dry cleaner can save you money compared to using the hotel laundry service. Finding a cheaper laundromat is better than having all these added expenses.

Book Accommodation With A Washer And Dryer.

It is cheaper to book an apartment or vacation rental when traveling is cheaper than having a hotel room. Hotel rooms are expensive and may lack other appliances that you want to use over your trip. So, when you book accommodation, check their amenities. Do they have a laundry room? If they do not, do they have a washer and dryer in their bathroom?

Having access to a washer and dryer while on vacation is heaven-sent. You can save money on laundry. Make sure to visit the groceries to have your detergent.

Keep Clothes Clean And Fresh.

Finally, doing laundry on a long trip can help you keep your clothes clean and fresh. Dirty clothes can attract insects, making it difficult to feel comfortable and confident while traveling. When you do this, you can avoid these issues and enjoy a more pleasant travel experience.

Doing laundry during a long trip can be a cost-effective way to save money on laundry fees and baggage fees.

Final Takeaway

Doing laundry on a long trip may seem like an additional expense, but in the long run, it actually helps you save and is better than paying for additional baggage costs. You can do it on a budget by packing fewer clothes and avoiding hotel laundry service. You can maximize your travel budget and enjoy a more efficient trip by doing laundry.