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| The author spent almost $30,000 of an inheritance upgrading her laundry room. Now, she enjoys the task. Courtesy of Alexandra Frost |
When my stepmom passed away after a two-decade battle with metastatic breast cancer, I found myself grieving not only her absence but also the life she never got to live. She used to say, over and over again, “I had enough money, but not enough time.” Those words became a quiet refrain in my mind, especially when I learned she had left me an inheritance.
I had never expected it. I thought I’d receive a few sentimental items from her home and, of course, a lifetime of memories. But instead, I was entrusted with a sum of money that carried both emotional weight and the responsibility to honor her life.
Finding the Right Way to Use the Money
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| The author had a separate garage and small laundry room prior to renovations. Courtesy of Alexandra Frost |
For months, I went back and forth on how to spend it. With five young children, the practical choice was obvious put it toward a college fund, pay off part of our house, or settle a car loan. Another option was to spend it on something extravagant, like a family trip.
But none of those ideas felt quite right. My stepmom’s words about time kept echoing. Saving the money for decades down the line seemed to miss the point. I wanted to invest in something that would make our everyday life better now something functional, joyful, and lasting.
One afternoon, sitting on what my family jokingly called the “laundry couch,” folding yet another mountain of clothes, I had my moment of clarity. I would transform our cramped, awkward laundry space into the laundry room of my dreams.
From Tiny Laundry Closet to Spacious Family Hub
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| The author worked with a contractor to design her new laundry room. Courtesy of Alexandra Frost |
Our existing laundry room was so small, you couldn’t even stand comfortably with a basket. My vision was to knock down the wall separating it from the garage, essentially turning part of that unused space into a bright, functional laundry and organization hub for our family of seven.
After paying down a few debts and setting aside a portion for savings, my husband and I budgeted about $20,000 for the project. We turned to a longtime friend who ran a family contracting business to bring the idea to life.
The first step was to replace the garage door with an insulated wall and add a large, beautiful window that overlooked our backyard. Now, instead of staring at a blank wall, I could watch my kids climb the swingset while sorting laundry.
Designing for a Large, Busy Family
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| The author put a window above the upgraded washers and dryers. Courtesy of Alexandra Frost |
I wanted the space to be both practical and uplifting. I chose bold, patterned tiles to give the room personality and warmth. Custom cabinetry became a must-have, with clear pullout bins labeled for each family member. Everyone had their own space for sorting laundry, which instantly made the daily routine more organized.
We added a second washer and dryer to keep up with the endless cycles of clothing from sports practices, muddy forest adventures, and the general chaos of five active kids.
The “drop zone” became another key feature a wall of open, locker-style cubbies where each child could store backpacks, shoes, school papers, and odds and ends. It kept clutter out of the main living areas and gave the kids a dedicated spot to dump their things after school.
The Final Cost and Why It Was Worth Every Penny
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| The author has laundry baskets for each family member in her laundry room. Courtesy of Alexandra Frost |
As the project progressed, I quickly learned that cabinetry for an entire room can be shockingly expensive. Between the custom builds, high-quality finishes, appliances, and little extras, our original $20,000 budget crept closer to $30,000.
Yes, it was a big investment. But this was more than just a laundry room it was a daily-use space that brought peace, order, and a sense of beauty to one of the busiest parts of our home.
A Space That Feels Like Her Gift Lives On
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| The author now enjoys spending time in her laundry room. Courtesy of Alexandra Frost |
Today, laundry no longer feels like a dreaded chore. I stand at a spacious folding table handcrafted by our contractor, chatting with my kids as they toss clothes into their bins or dash through the room on their way to play.
Sometimes, I pause in the quiet moments, folding in peace, feeling my stepmom’s presence. A small heart-shaped pillow from her bed sits in the room, a constant reminder of her love and generosity.
This space isn’t just a renovation it’s a living tribute. Every time I open those washer doors or look out the big backyard window, I’m reminded of her words and her wisdom: to spend time, energy, and resources on what truly matters now, not just someday.
I know she’d be proud of how her gift turned into a room that serves our family every single day.
