Washing day in my house is Sunday, which means that there’s often a whole week of clothes lying around waiting to be cleaned until the weekend. Although there are just two of us, it often feels like a huge mountain to conquer. That is, until I spoke with our resident cleaning queen, Digital Editor Tahni Mesann, on what I could do to make the process easier.
The first thing she asked- where does your laundry hamper live? I hadn’t thought that location was all that important until I realised that all my clothes were strewn about my room because I had nowhere to put them. My hamper was living in the laundry, which was down the hall, through the kitchen, out the back door and through the garden.
Tahni explained that where you put your laundry hamper is essential for a clean and tidy home, and makes washing day that much simpler when it comes around. While every home is different, there is an ideal spot for your hamper that will mean tidy rooms and easy pick-up-and-go loads.
Let’s find out where it will fit best for you.
Where to keep your laundry hamper
Bathroom
For anyone with small children or tradies living in the house, a bathroom hamper is a must. It’s as easy as stripping off the dirty clothes, popping them straight in the basket before a shower. This could also be paired with a smaller hamper in the laundry room itself for miscellaneous items, such as tea towels and dishcloths.
Bedroom
Bedroom hampers work well for smaller homes that have limited bathroom space or no laundry room. Make sure to place it close to your wardrobe or most common changing area, and ensure it always has a lid in case of more smelly items that need a good scrub.
Having individual bedroom hampers with older children is a great way for them to take responsibility for a tidy, clothes-free room, and to begin their washing-clothes education.
Laundry
The classic choice is having your hamper sitting right next to your washing machine in the laundry. However, this doesn’t work in every household.
If, like me, you’ve got a laundry that’s only accessible from the garden, carrying your piles of clothes through the house is definitely not efficient (and will usually mean stray socks end up in the kitchen).
For centrally located laundry rooms, a hamper in the laundry will work fine. To make the process even easier, buy a dual hamper or two separate hampers, so you can separate darks and whites as you throw your clothes in.
Central area
Finally, if space is lacking in all areas, finding a little nook in a common area may work best for you. Think under the stairs or in an empty gap in the hallway. If a central area hamper is required, make sure it’s got a lid, and a little bit of extra style, so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Best laundry hampers for family washing
01
Harbour laundry hamper
from $69.95, Pillow Talk
Best for: hiding laundry in plain sight
For a sleek laundry hamper that is fit to be seen in any room, this one from Pillow Talk is it. It’s got a lid to cover up any nasty, stained tops, and handles for you to take it straight to the washing machine. The cotton inner lining can be easily removed and washed as well if needed! If you have the space, buy two, one for whites and one for darks.
Materials: woven paper with a cotton lining
Key features:
- Removable lining
- Made in small and large sizes
- Included lid
02
Sandi laundry hamper
from $149, Freedom
Best for: separating darks and whites
This double hamper is ideal for mums and dads on the go, who don’t want to have to worry about separating colours later down the track. Stick this in in the bathroom or bedroom and quickly sort dirty socks and shorts by colour with ease.
Materials: Bamboo with cotton lining
Key features:
- Two separate compartments for your darks and whites
- Comes with slatted bamboo lid
- Cut out handles on the side for easy movement
03
Bamboo foldable laundry hamper
from $59.99, Temple & Webster
Best for: easy movability
For smaller households, this foldable hamper works wonders for mobility. Keep this laundry hamper in a central area and simply pick it up and move it straight to the washing machine when it’s time to put on a load. This one doesn’t come with a lid, so make sure to keep it away from prying eyes when guests come over!
Materials: Bamboo frame with polyester bag
Key features:
- Foldable
- Frame is made from bamboo
- Easy to install & store
- Simple construction required
- Comes flat packed
Other laundry hampers we love
Yamazaki home basket-foldable storage organiser, from $67.69
Joseph Joseph Tota 90L laundry basket, from $119
Morgan & Finch collapsible bamboo hamper, from $39.95
HomeHacks 2-pack large laundry basket, from $29.99
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