Just wanted to add in to the washer debate - top load washers with an agitator actually clean clothes much better than front loaders. I have no desire any more to upgrade my washer.

I can't use my outside clothesline right now b/c of the creepy-crawly-earwigs that like to hide in damp laundry. So I strung a retractable one across my laundry room instead. I really like it.