Have you ever thought about living in a laundromat? Don’t get me wrong, I know this is a crazy thing to think about (and even ask) but there’s someone who actually lives in a laundromat. Today, we are going to talk about Sampson Dahl, a 28-year-old man who has lived in an old laundromat in New York since 2019.
It’s no secret that paying rent is getting expensive in most places, so people are trying to find the cheapest alternatives to have somewhere to live. Was this laundromat a great choice? Let’s find out more about Dahl’s story that has gone viral on social media and has even inspired other people to think differently about what a ‘’home’’ means.
How everything started
In 2029, Dahl found a strange ad on the internet: an old laundromat in the neighborhood of Maspeth, Queens, was available to rent. It wasn’t like the common apartment, but a room where there used to be washing machines and dryers.
Although it wasn’t a ‘’house’’ as the ones we know, Dahl thought he could adapt it. What about the rent? He was paying $1,850 per month, but this has increased to $1,900, which is considered ‘’cheap’’ for living alone in New York. So, this is how Dahl’s adventure of transforming a laundromat into his home started.
The transformation
Dahl worked in film and TV set design, so he knew about decoration and building creative spaces. Thanks to his knowledge, he was able to get unique furniture and ornaments that gave a touch of personality to his new home.
Imagine entering an abandoned laundromat where it’s cold and you can only hear machine noises, would you think this place is a great opportunity to create your home? It’s difficult to picture it, but Dahl could make it cozy and fill the place with sofas, paintings, and an improvised kitchen. It’s all about creativity.
Advantages of living in a laundromat
I know it’s hard to believe there are advantages of living in a laundromat, but Dahl has found some through his experience:
- Freedom: He can use the space however he likes, without the strict rules of a regular apartment building.
- Creativity: Since the laundry isn’t traditional housing, he’s turned it into an artistic and unique environment.
- Community: Most of his neighbors are retirees, and they appreciate having a place on the block that feels different and brings a new mood to the area.
Basically, Dahl feels that living in a laundromat is more than just having a place to stay, it’s creating somewhere people can meet without a concrete without a specific purpose.
Life changes
In 2023, something unexpected happened: The Hollywood writers’ strike put a stop to TV and film productions, so Dahl didn’t have any stable income. That’s why he decided to give the laundromat another use and started to organize events, parties, and meetings. He doesn’t make much money, but it’s enough to pay the rent and keep living there.
What about the future?
Dahl says he doesn’t want to live in the laundromat forever, he would like to move to a more traditional apartment. However, he wishes the laundromat continues as a community space. He wants a group of friends to be in charge of it and keep using it for events, meetings, and cultural activities. He doesn’t want to make a business out of this place, he just wants to keep this unique environment the neighborhood is already familiar with.
What he learnt from this experience
Something Dahl has learnt about life is to enjoy the moment without the pressure of wanting more all the time. We live in a world where everything seems to go around success and money, but he discovered you can be happy creating a special place, even if it’s not perfect or luxurious. Do you agree with Dahl?