Sorry for delay. Here is the laundry room

Okay first please tell me that is not the vent for your dryer going up that direction?

You just need a plumber to change the washer hookup, perhaps an electrician for the dryer, though if you're handy, you could probably move the box yourself. I would consider getting new units that stack and putting them in the alcove. That would free the rest of the room for sorting and folding and ironing. Does anybody iron anymore?

BTW: excuse the mess! we are also renovating several other areas in our house so have not had time to clean

Yes it is the dryer vent going up. The laundry room is in the basement - how do you fix this?

Thanks for the suggestions! :) we'd like to move the washer and dryer over that direction

It really needs to be vented going level or slighted tilted going directly outside. Please tell me that it is at least vented outside? I agree with groveraxle and go with a stack-able unit either in the same location as the dryer or in the area where the freezer is located.

Yes - it is vented outside :)
Always new it was a big problem which is why we are at home and close by the dryer when it's running! This is the next room I'd like to tackle (and yes we are budgeting new washer and dryer!) I've always wished I could move the closet over just a little more. The corner of it has nothing in it and is wasted space. The freezer will be located in garage or another room. Here is my pinterest page I've been saving ideas for the laundry room. Sigh.

http://pinterest.com/michelleannh/mood-board-laundry-room/

Okay good that it is at least vented outside and good you are there to keep an eye on it when running the dryer.