Winter in Australia is a season of contradictions: while we might dream of snuggling up with a cuppa and a good book, the reality is often shivering in our own homes and battling the never-ending struggle to get laundry dry.

For those of us living in small spaces—think apartments, granny flats, or the ever-popular caravan life—the challenge is even greater.

Where do you hang your washing when it’s bucketing down outside and there’s barely room to swing a cat, let alone string up a clothesline?


Caitlin and Lachlan Golding, a young couple who’ve been living the dream (and sometimes the damp reality) of travelling around Australia in their campervan.

Since April, they’ve been on the road, sharing their adventures—and their clever solutions—on Instagram at @goldnadventures.

But as any seasoned traveller will tell you, the romance of van life can quickly be dampened (literally) by soggy socks and a cluttered living space.


‘It feels like we’ve been following the rain,’ Caitlin laughs, describing how their makeshift washing line left their van feeling more like a laundry than a home.

The couple knew they needed a better solution, as winter’s drizzle and condensation made it nearly impossible to air-dry clothes.

Their answer? A trip to Bunnings, the beloved Aussie hardware store that’s a treasure trove for DIYers and budget-conscious shoppers alike.

There, they stumbled upon a retractable, foldaway washing line for just $40—a near replica of the much-hyped Vendline clothesline, which retails for up to $160.

‘We were stoked to find this budget option,’ Caitlin said.

‘It was easy to install in our ensuite bathroom and is the perfect size for a load of washing or to hang the towels on.’

The Goldings’ find quickly became a hit among fellow vanlifers and small-space dwellers when Caitlin shared it on social media.

Comments poured in from grateful campers: ‘Amazing find!’ and ‘Looks like a trip to Bunnings coming up!’

Others were curious about the weight—at 2.4 kilos, it’s a tad heavier than the pricier Vendline (1.6 kilos), but as Caitlin points out, the difference is negligible for most.

‘There is a weight limit when towing, so people always want light solutions, but there isn’t much more weight in it, so we weren’t too stressed,’ she explained.

And for the price difference, most agreed the extra few hundred grams were worth it.

The Bunnings model features aluminium rails and a powder-coated steel frame, making it sturdy enough for indoor use and unlikely to rust unless the coating is scratched.

The more expensive Vendline is all-aluminium and designed for outdoor use, but unless you’re planning to leave it out in the elements, the Bunnings version is a savvy alternative.

One small caveat: the Bunnings line doesn’t come with a lock, so if you’re bouncing along rough roads, it could pop open.

‘It’s been fine on sealed roads, but we might need to make a lock for when we go off-road,’ Caitlin said.

Handy types could easily add a simple latch or hook to keep it secure.

After just a short time, the Goldings say their new drying set-up is a ‘gamechanger’, freeing up precious space and making van life much more comfortable.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a grey nomad or a vanlifer to benefit.

At 80cm wide, this retractable line is perfect for any small laundry, bathroom, or balcony—ideal for anyone looking to save space and avoid the musty smell of clothes that never quite dry.

Every square centimetre counts for many Australians, especially those downsizing or embracing the freedom of the open road.

Traditional clothes, horses and bulky racks just aren’t practical. Retractable lines, wall-mounted racks, and clever foldaway options are becoming must-haves for seniors, renters, and anyone living in a compact home.

Not only do these solutions save space, but they also help keep energy bills down—a real bonus as electricity prices continue to climb.

Using a dryer can be expensive, and running it constantly is tempting in winter.

But with a smart, space-saving line, you can air-dry your clothes indoors, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your home clutter-free.

And whether you’re on the road or living in a cosy home, remember that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones. Happy drying, everyone!
Have you found a clever way to dry your laundry in a small space? Are you a fan of retractable lines, or do you have another space-saving hack to share? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks—drop a comment below.

Read more: Bunnings Shoppers Swear By This $49 Winter Essential—Is This the Game-Changer Your Home Needs?