If your home or laundry area is small, these simple solutions can make a big difference. In compact spaces you don’t have room for bulky baskets or oversized storage. Our laundry area is essentially a narrow closet, so traditional laundry baskets simply won’t fit.
When we moved in I found collapsible laundry bags that have become indispensable. They hold their shape well enough to stand upright while you fill them, yet collapse flat when not in use so they tuck into the tiniest gaps. We store ours in the narrow space between the stacked washer and dryer and the wall, which keeps the closet tidy and accessible.
On the opposite side of the closet we use two super-slim shelving carts stacked together to hold detergent, the iron, and small laundry supplies. These narrow carts make the most of vertical space without crowding the closet.
I recently added a star-patterned collapsible bag that I love. It’s both functional and cheerful. Below I share other styles and practical tips for making collapsible laundry bags work for you.
With limited square footage you must be intentional about what you keep and how you store it. That limitation can actually be an advantage: it forces you to evaluate what’s truly necessary and helps prevent clutter from accumulating. Having less space makes you think more carefully about daily routines and storage solutions that actually serve your household.
We’ve lived in larger homes before, and while extra room has benefits, it also invites more stuff. Smaller living spaces encourage smarter organizing and simpler maintenance, which many of us find easier to sustain over time.
On the other side of our tiny laundry closet we stacked a 4-tier and a 3-tier slim cart to create usable shelving for smaller detergent bottles, ironing supplies, and other essentials. These stacked racks make it easy to reach what you need without taking up floor space.
We also keep a collapsible drying rack that folds flat and slides into a narrow spot when not in use. It pulls out easily for drying a few items and then tucks away again to keep the area uncluttered.
Ways to use collapsible laundry bags to simplify your routine:
- As a reusable grocery bag or farmer’s market tote.
- In the car to corral items and prevent spills.
- To carry laundry to a folding area or another room.
- Kept empty in the car for unexpected needs, or pre-packed with on-the-go items like a picnic blanket.
- Use as a donation bag—keep it in a closet or the car and add items until it’s full.
- Keep one in a kitchen closet or corner for used dish towels if your laundry room is far from the kitchen.
- Use them inside closets to organize seasonal clothes, linens, or bulky items that don’t need daily access.
Take care of your home and it will take care of you.
I’m passionate about helping others create efficient routines because homekeeping didn’t come naturally to me at first. I’ve always loved decorating, but I had to work to develop cleaning habits and find joy in everyday tasks. With practice I built routines that make maintenance simple and even enjoyable.
I share daily homekeeping routines and decorating tips in the HomeBody Gathering Place, where our community discusses practical ways to bring joy and order to our homes.
In the group we focus on creating comforting, functional spaces: learning decorating basics, cultivating seasonal rhythms, and embracing routines that keep the home running smoothly so you feel your best there.
We’d love to have you join the community to learn more about organizing, decorating, and daily home care.
Further inspiration: A Cute & Organized ‘Laundry Room’ in a Closet; Pretty Laundry Room Inspiration; Linen Closet Organization Ideas; Shallow Underbed Storage Bags for Linens. Find more laundry and linen inspiration posts on The Inspired Room and additional organization ideas in their organization category. See more laundry and linen storage solutions in curated shop selections.