Hacks and bodges
There are usually laundries convenient to the towpath (again, search online), but you still probably will have to wash clothes out in the sink (use the larger kitchen sink). Unless your boat has an airing cupboard (a small closet above the hot water tank or heating boiler), there’s probably no place to hang wet clothes. I’ve finagled a clothesline with two suction cups to string across the shower or tub.
There’s never enough storage space on a narrowboat, especially on a hire boat. Closets are small and few with never enough hangers. There are usually drawers underneath the bed or the dinette, but they’re probably quite short because they pull out into the narrow hallway. You’ll often find that if you lift up a mattress or cushion, however, that there’s a plywood board underneath that can be lifted up for additional storage space. Be careful how you use this space, however, because you’ll see the boat’s wiring and plumbing and you don’t want to damage what’s there. There may be some water down there as well. Don’t put anything there you’ll forget. We’ve used it to store our empty luggage because we’re unlikely to forget that when we leave the boat.
Shelf space is also at a premium. It’s unlikely you’ll stop at a DIY center to buy shelves, but you could probably find something like the adhesive hooks that can be removed without damaging paint or paneling. Even a small bag hung from a hook to give you a place to keep your glasses or cellphone would be a great convenience. I had everyone tearing up the boat for my camera because I didn’t have a good place to store it.
There’s never enough space in the tiny bathroom to hang up towels, but you’ll notice there’s usually a bar underneath each window to hold back the curtains (because the walls lean in), which is a perfect place to hang towels because there’s usually a heat register there.
If you fall into the canal, it’s possible you might ingest enough water to be infected with leptospirosis bacteria (introduced into the water by rat urine) and develop Weil’s disease. It’s even possible to be infected by a cut, so it’s a good idea to wash your hands after handling a line and to take a shower if you fall into the canal. If you develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical help and mention that you were recently on a canal.