If you’re anything like me, laundry can feel like a never-ending chore — how do three people produce this much washing?
Here’s the thing: most of it isn’t even dirty. It’s clothes worn once, thrown on the floor, then swept into the wash with everything else, meaning you’re doing way more laundry than you need to. Thankfully, we came across a very simple solution.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Most clothes that end up in the laundry aren’t actually dirty
- The fix is a separate “in-between” washing basket for clothes that can be worn again before washing
- Your in-between washing basket should live wherever you take off your clothes
So what do you do with the clothes that are worn once and could be worn again before washing? You get an in-between or separate washing basket.
What is an in-between washing basket?
As written in Apartment Therapy: “Your in-between washing basket should live wherever you take off your clothes, whether that be your bathroom, bedroom, or closet.”
So if there’s a spot in your home where clothes tend to pile up, that’s where this separate washing basket should go.
While you may not need to get a new washing basket to try this out, here are our top picks if you want one.
What BHG readers say
We asked our Facebook community where worn-but-not-dirty clothes end up in their house, and it turns out almost everyone has a system.
The bedroom chair came out on top, with several readers admitting it’s their default “halfway” spot, while others lean on the wardrobe, hang back on a hanger, tuck onto a spare shelf, or loop over the door.
Some skip the in-between pile altogether, putting worn clothes straight in the wash, “because I won’t wear them again even if they look clean.” Another community member said she keeps hers “folded on a bench in the walk-in robe” so she can wear them again the next day.
A few readers get creative with their spots too, from the hallway bannister to the ottoman at the end of the bed, but one commenter summed up what a lot of people are clearly thinking: she’d love a proper “halfway” cupboard built into her wardrobe just for these clothes.
Best washing baskets to shop right now
Lifewit 2 pack collapsible laundry hampers, $29.99, Amazon
These two laundry hampers come in a stylish, striped design and could be great if you want an in-between laundry hamper in more than one room. They have a sturdy iron wire frame that’s sewn into the fabric, a waterproof interior, and reinforced handles that make them easy to move around.
Key features:
- Collapsible design
- Large dimensions (60.5L x 44.7W x 119.4H centimetres)
- Comes in a set of two
Sherwood Home extra large rectangular foldable bamboo laundry hamper, $49.95, Amazon
This versatile washing basket has a foldable bamboo frame that looks great and is simple to set up. The polyester lining includes a divider so you can keep your once-worn clothes organised, as well as a lid that’s great for protecting clothes from dust.
Key features:
- Stylish bamboo frame
- Lid for dust protection
- Odour and mildew protective liner
Masai Natural wash basket, $62.99 (usually $69.99) or laundry basket, $109.99 (usually $98.99), Adairs
These Masai Natural Laundry hampers come in two sizes, with a textural style that could suit many different rooms.
Key features:
- Stylish weave design
- Cut-out handles
- Choice of two sizes
Brilliant Basics premium laundry hamper 60L, $18, Big W
This Big W washing basket is an ideal way to keep your laundry tidy on a budget. The plastic, woven design is sturdy and can blend in with most decor, while its generous size means you can keep clothes off the floor.
Key features:
- Very affordable
- Grey, woven plastic design
- Easy-to-open lid and 60L capacity
You don’t need a dedicated laundry room to make this work. Look for a spot where clothes already tend to land — behind a bedroom door, on a closet shelf, or a slim basket tucked beside the wardrobe. Collapsible or foldable baskets are ideal for small spaces since they flatten down when not in use.
As a general rule, if there’s no visible stain, sweat, or odour, it can likely go back into rotation. Items worn close to skin — like underwear or activewear — should still be washed after each use.
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