I would suggest your plumber links the hot and cold fill pipes to the supply UNDER the sink - this gets rid of unsightly pipes and while he's there get him to move the taps to the L side of sink. I would then create a broad drop down counter top to create a place to sort your laundry ready for hanging out to dry or to fold ready for ironing This drop down counter top to be hinged to R side of washing machine and ensuring the taps are not impeded. If you can't do the drop down version then create a free standing top made out of a piece of MDF/laminated board to put over the sink and washing machine for clothes sorting & folding. This free standing top can 'live' at the side of the washing machine when not needed. I would then put shelves above the folded back counter top to store washing powder and sundries. I would store the washing powder etc in colourful or white boxes to keep the place looking tidy and uniform. Handles on the boxes for ease of access. Oh I do love organising - can I pop round and do this for you? Hope all goes well with the changes.

Could you put the laundry behind doors so that you won't see it with the walk through...by the way...I am just over the water in OZ, know what you mean by costs... will get some pics....this would be my option...just going on what you are saying.... The good thing about this is that you can shut the laundry away except for when you are washing...... I would have the washer with the dryer next to it if you can and put a bench over the top of the both of them....for this it is worth getting a front loader if you haven't already got one.. this will avoid the bench on the other side...it can all be contained and done on the one side of the laundry. Don't go for sliding doors ...the glass look great but they will need a bottom track and if they don't have one...they will move a lot....not great for this even though they look great. As for having the bench over the top of the washer and dryer, you can then have overhead shelving, does not need to be cupboards as the bifolds will hide what is in there...double cost other wise. hope this helps...Robyn

I could see doing something like French doors with opaque glass so the lite could come thru to the rest of the house. Also double French doors would allow you to open the area up completely whilst doing laundry. You could even leave everything where it is (dryer) and build some storage on the left side. I would image the sink would be very useful - I'd be lost without mine in the laundry room.

Make sure you save up enough money for your bond and two weeks rent in advance - most agents usually require this and it's a big hole in your pocket to begin with! I slowly started buying things in the lead up that I knew I would need (plates, utensils, linen, appliances on sale, etc). Try to do most of your shopping around sale times. I stocked up at the boxing day sales and got a lot of stuff for really cheap! Other things I'd urge you to consider are: bedroom window light (ours face an internal common area with night time safety lights right next to them and let in a lot of light), number of bathrooms/schedules of house members, sufficient storage space and (assuming you'll be sharing with others) a clear idea of household duties/who will do what. Remember: it's your first time out of home, it's probably not going to be a dream-come-true kind of house but it's a great experience, so try not to stress too much!