Laundry day comes with its set of challenges, and among these is picking the right laundry basket. Laundry basket sizes vary widely, so finding the right basket is about fitting it into your space and lifestyle. So, what laundry basket sizes are available?
The most common laundry basket size is 23 × 17-19 × 10 inches (L × W × H). However, you can find laundry baskets much smaller and larger than these dimensions, such as standing laundry baskets that measure around 18 × 10 × 25 inches.
This guide will describe the sizes of various types of laundry baskets and their capacities. It will also explain how to match a laundry basket with your needs and provide additional shopping tips.
Types of Laundry Baskets and Size
Laundry baskets may not be the most exciting things, but they certainly serve an important purpose: holding onto our dirty clothing. Like many things in life, laundry baskets are available in a wide range of styles and sizes.
1. Wicker Baskets
Wicker baskets are a classic choice, offering a natural, rustic look. They’re typically sturdy and have a variety of shapes.
- Small: 15 × 12 × 20 inches—Ideal for single-person use or smaller loads.
- Medium: 20 × 15 × 25 inches—For couples or small families.
- Large: 24 × 18 × 30 inches—Best for large families or extensive laundry needs.
2. Plastic Baskets
Plastic baskets are lightweight, durable, and often more affordable. They’re easy to clean and come in various colors.
- Small: 14 × 14 × 22 inches—Compact and great for tight spaces.
- Medium: 18 × 18 × 30 inches—Versatile for regular use.
- Large: 22 × 22 × 36 inches—Suitable for bulkier laundry loads.
3. Fabric Baskets
Fabric baskets are flexible and often collapsible, making them great for saving space. They come in various designs and patterns.
- Small: 13 × 13 × 20 inches—Perfect for minimal laundry or as a secondary basket.
- Medium: 17 × 17 × 25 inches—Ideal for regular use in apartments.
- Large: 21 × 21 × 30 inches—Spacious enough for family use.
4. Collapsible Baskets
Collapsible baskets are a modern solution, easy to store when not in use. They’re often made of durable fabric or plastic.
- Small: 12 × 12 × 18 inches—Great for travelers or small apartments.
- Medium: 16 × 16 × 24 inches—A balance of capacity and convenience.
- Large: 20 × 20 × 28 inches—For those who need larger capacity but have limited space.
5. Stackable Baskets
Stackable laundry baskets are designed to save floor space. They often feature a sturdy plastic construction.
- Small: 16 × 12 × 8 inches—Efficient for sorting small loads.
- Medium: 20 × 16 × 10 inches—Good for regular household use.
- Large: 24 × 20 × 12 inches—Best for large volumes of laundry or for sorting multiple loads.
6. Standing Baskets
These baskets are much taller than there are wide and deep. Overall, their capacities are not unsimilar to those of traditional plastic laundry baskets.
- Medium: 10 × 10 × 20 inches—Great for households with fewer people.
- Large: 18 × 10 × 25 inches—Ideal for large families.
Matching Laundry Basket Sizes with Household Needs
The right laundry basket size can lead to an efficient and hassle-free laundry process. Here’s a quick guide on how to tell what size suits your home the best.
1. For Singles or Individuals
When living alone, laundry tends to accumulate slower. A smaller basket is usually sufficient.
- Ideal Size: 14 × 14 × 22 inches.
- Pros: Easy to carry and store, fits in small spaces.
- Cons: Not suitable for larger items like bed linens.
- Best Type: A collapsible or fabric basket is ideal for easy storage and mobility.
2. For Couples
Couples generally have more laundry than individuals but less than large families. A medium-sized basket strikes the right balance.
- Ideal Size: 18 × 18 × 30 inches.
- Pros: Adequate for a week’s worth of laundry, still manageable to carry.
- Cons: Might be small for larger households.
- Best Type: Plastic or wicker baskets are durable and stylish.
3. For Small Families (3-4 Members)
Small families need a basket that can handle a steady flow of clothes without being overwhelming.
- Ideal Size: 20 × 15 × 25 inches.
- Pros: Fits most family laundry loads, versatile for different clothing types.
- Cons: Requires more storage space.
- Best Type: Wicker or large fabric baskets for their capacity and aesthetic appeal.
4. For Large Families (5+ Members)
Large families deal with significant laundry volumes, requiring a basket that can hold a lot.
- Ideal Size: 22 × 22 × 36 inches.
- Pros: Can handle large quantities of laundry, reducing the number of trips.
- Cons: Can be heavy when full, needs more space.
- Best Type: Large plastic baskets for durability and ease of cleaning.
5. For Shared Spaces and Apartments
Living in shared spaces or apartments often means dealing with limited space.
- Ideal Size: Variable; collapsible baskets of medium size are often best.
- Pros: Can be stored away when not in use, portable.
- Cons: Might not hold laundry for long periods.
- Best Type: Collapsible or stackable baskets for their space-saving qualities.
Tips for Selecting the Right Size
Choosing the right size laundry basket is not just about the volume of clothes you have. It involves considering your living space, laundry habits, and even the type of clothes you wash.
1. Assess Your Laundry Volume
For those who do laundry once a week, a medium-sized basket (about 18 × 18 × 30 inches) is usually adequate. If you prefer doing laundry more frequently, a smaller basket (14 × 14 × 22 inches) can be more practical.
2. Consider Your Living Space
In apartments or smaller homes, consider collapsible or stackable baskets to save space. If space isn’t an issue, larger baskets (22 × 22 × 36 inches) can be more efficient for family use.
3. Type of Clothes and Washing Frequency
If you have more bulky items (like sweaters or jeans), opt for a larger basket. For lighter clothing, a smaller or medium basket can suffice. Smaller baskets encourage more frequent washing, which is ideal for those who don’t want laundry piling up.
4. Mobility and Portability
Consider how you’ll be moving the basket. If you need to carry the basket up and down stairs, lighter, smaller baskets or those with wheels are preferable. If you have to walk a bit to your laundry room, consider baskets with sturdy handles.
