Alright folks, gather 'round! Today I'm spilling the beans on a little project I tackled – setting up my washing machine outside. Yeah, you heard right, OUTSIDE. Sounds crazy? Maybe. Practical? Absolutely!

It all started when I was fed up with the noise and the cramped laundry space indoors. I have a decent-sized backyard, and I thought, "Why not?" So, I started planning.

First things first, I measured the washing machine like a hawk. Needed to know the exact dimensions to figure out the perfect spot. Then, I scouted the backyard. I wanted a place that was relatively flat, close to a water source, and had access to a drain. Found a spot near the back fence that ticked all the boxes.

Next up, the prep work. This was the tough part. I leveled the ground as best I could using a shovel and a spirit level. Not gonna lie, it wasn't perfect, but good enough. Then, I laid down some paving slabs to create a stable base for the machine. I made sure the slabs were also as level as possible. Wobbling washing machines are a nightmare!

Now for the plumbing. I extended the cold water pipe from the outdoor tap using some PVC pipes and fittings. I used plumber's tape on all the connections to prevent leaks. This bit was a bit fiddly, but nothing YouTube tutorials couldn't help with. I also rigged up a drain hose to a nearby drain using a flexible hose and some clamps. I double-checked everything for leaks before moving on.

Then came the big moment: moving the washing machine. This was a two-person job, so I roped in my neighbor. We carefully lifted the machine and carried it to its new outdoor home. We placed it gently onto the paving slabs and made sure it was sitting securely.

Now, the electricals. I ran an extension cord from an outdoor socket to the washing machine. I made sure it was a heavy-duty, weatherproof extension cord to avoid any accidents. Safety first, always!

Finally, the moment of truth. I connected the water supply, plugged in the extension cord, and turned on the power. I loaded a few old towels into the machine and started a wash cycle. And… it worked! No leaks, no weird noises, just a washing machine doing its thing in the great outdoors.

Of course, there were a few minor hiccups along the way. A leaky pipe connection that I had to re-tape, a slightly uneven paving slab that I had to adjust, but overall, it was a success. I even built a small wooden shelter to protect the machine from the worst of the weather.

So, there you have it. My journey of moving my washing machine outside. It might not be for everyone, but it's been a game-changer for me. More space indoors, less noise, and a quirky conversation starter. Plus, doing laundry in the sunshine? Can't beat that!

Things I Learned:

• Leveling is Key: Spend the time to get the base as level as possible. It will save you headaches later.
• Waterproof Everything: Seriously, invest in good quality weatherproof materials.
• Safety First: Electricity and water don't mix. Be extra careful when dealing with electrical connections outdoors.

Hope this inspires you to tackle your own crazy DIY projects. Until next time!