A practical guide to organising a small laundry area

Start with the laundry routine

Choose where washing is collected, separated and dried. Keeping those tasks close together can reduce the number of baskets and temporary piles in a small room.

Choose a suitable format

An upright basket suits a narrow corner; a foldable basket can be stored between uses. Compare capacity and the folded dimensions rather than assuming all collapsible designs become equally compact.

Leave a clear route

Keep access to the washing machine, sockets and ventilation clear. Do not block appliance doors or place storage against a heat source.

Keep it manageable

Separate damp items from dry laundry and follow the basket material’s cleaning instructions. Check handles and any stated carrying limit before moving a full basket.