If you’re drowning in laundry — baskets everywhere, clothes piling up, a laundry room that never seems empty — these seven strategies will help you get out from under it. They’re simple, practical, and designed for families who need relief right now.
1. Limit Outfits Temporarily
When laundry feels overwhelming, reduce the amount of clothing in rotation. Give each family member 5-7 outfits for the time being.
Less clothing = fewer items to wash, fewer piles, and cleaner closets.
Link to my weekly organizer > https://amzn.to/4y0ahQs
2. Stop Folding Kids’ Clothes
My kids use open storage bins for their clothes.
Nothing gets folded.
They simply toss items in, and it eliminates a huge amount of time and friction.
It also makes it easier for them to participate in putting clothes away.
Link to my kids’ open storage bins > https://on.ltk.com/+c7jkQT8KQH0NImWDNu4-4Q
3. Remove Laundry Baskets From Bedrooms
We got rid of bedroom laundry baskets entirely.
Dirty clothes go straight into the washer (unless it is occupied) — not on the floor, not in a basket, not “to deal with later.”
In the laundry room, we keep one divided basket.
- One side for regular dirty clothes
- One side for items needing special treatment (stain remover, soaking, etc.)
This prevents laundry from sneaking up on you.
Link to my laundry basket > https://on.ltk.com/+3s4L1vk_Hzcj9rymzaXJlw
4. Use a Collapsible Basket For Transfers
Since we don’t keep baskets in bedrooms, I like having one collapsible basket in the laundry room.
It’s perfect for transferring clothes if I want to fold on the bed or couch, and it takes up almost no space.
Link to my collapsible baskets > https://amzn.to/4rdtPhE
5. Add Hooks in the Closet
Hooks are perfect for:
- Pajamas
- “Not dirty but not clean” clothes
- Workout clothes you’ll wear again
This keeps these items off the floor and out of laundry piles.
Link to my hooks > https://amzn.to/4AhKJ2Q
6. Keep Small Baskets in the Closet
Use small baskets for clothing that needs attention:
- Too small
- Has a hole
- Needs dry cleaning
- Needs mending
Toss it in the basket and deal with it later — instead of letting it pile up on the closet floor.
Link to my small baskets > https://amzn.to/4h5QCY7
7. Use Wrinkle-Release Spray
Ditch the iron.
If something comes out of the dryer wrinkly, hang it up, spray it, and let the wrinkles fall out. It’s fast, easy, and keeps clothes looking fresh without extra work.
Link to my wrinkle-release spray > https://amzn.to/4yayuUc
Final Thought
Laundry doesn’t have to take over your home. Small, simple systems like these make laundry manageable — and keep it from becoming a never-ending chore.
