There's no single "best" laundry basket; there's the right one for your household, your space, and your routine. A basket that's perfect for a single-person apartment is completely wrong for a family with three kids. And the best material for a bathroom is different from the best one for a bedroom.
This guide works through the decision in six steps, so you end up with something that actually fits your life.
Step 1: Match Capacity to Your Household Size
Laundry basket capacity is measured in litres. Here's a practical guide:
• Individuals or apartment dwellers doing laundry frequently (every few days): around 35–50L is usually enough. Collapsible and pop-up designs are popular here since they can be tucked away when empty.
• Couples and smaller households washing weekly: 50–75L for a single basket, or two medium baskets (~45L each) for colour sorting. Two medium baskets are often more practical since neither gets too heavy to carry.
• Families with children: one larger basket (65–80L) or multiple medium baskets. Kids generate a disproportionate amount of laundry, multiple outfit changes daily for school, sports, and play, so either a high-capacity option or a multi-basket system is usually necessary.
As a rough machine-load reference: baskets up to around 35L typically hold one small wash load. Baskets in the 60–90L range can hold a full load or more.
According to Canstar Blue, families with children "should look for hampers with 70–80 litre capacity or consider using two separate hampers to manage volume and make carrying easier." (Source: Canstar Blue)
Step 2: One Basket or Multiple?
A single large hamper is simple. But two or three medium baskets are often more practical for most households:
• Each basket holds one category of laundry (colours, darks, delicates) — so sorting happens automatically, as covered in our guide to sorting laundry like a pro.
• Smaller baskets are lighter when full and easier to carry to the machine.
• If one basket is being washed, the others are still available.
If you prefer an all-in-one option, a divided laundry sorter with two or three sections gives you pre-sorting without needing separate baskets.
Step 3: Choose a Material That Suits the Room
Material choice matters more than most people think, especially if the basket is going to be visible in a bedroom or living area.
• Plastic or mesh: the practical choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or anywhere dampness is likely. Easy to clean, won't absorb moisture, and is durable.
• Wicker, rattan, or woven: better suited to bedrooms and living spaces where appearance matters. Breathable, looks great with most décor, but is less tolerant of damp conditions.
• Fabric or canvas: works well in bedrooms and kids' rooms. Lightweight, often collapsible, and available in a wide range of colours. Best kept away from wet items unless the liner is removable and easy to wash.
• Collapsible designs (usually fabric or mesh): ideal anywhere storage space is tight, compact to stow when empty, full-size when in use.
Step 4: Lid or Open?
This is a trade-off rather than a clear winner:
• Lidded hampers are good for bedrooms and shared spaces where containing smells is the priority. The lid keeps dirty laundry out of sight and odour contained, useful if the basket is in a guest room or a room that doubles as a living and sleeping space.
• Open or mesh designs prioritise airflow. They're better at reducing moisture build-up (which prevents mould and odour long-term) and are generally easier to keep clean. If you're prone to putting damp towels or gym gear straight in, an open or breathable design is a safer choice.
For tips on keeping either type fresh, see our guide to keeping your laundry basket clean and mould-free.
Step 5: Think About Extra Features
A few extras that are worth considering, depending on your situation:
• Wheels or casters: genuinely useful for multi-storey homes (moving laundry up and down stairs) or larger households with heavier loads. Look for sturdy casters and a stable frame.
• Handles: make carrying significantly easier, especially for larger or heavier baskets. Cutout handles on plastic, fabric loops on canvas, or woven handles on wicker all serve the same purpose.
• Removable liners: a big convenience advantage for fabric and wicker hampers. The liner goes through the wash; the outer frame just needs a wipe.
• Collapsible frames: if the basket will be stored when empty (a spare, a travel option, or a kid's room basket that's only used on laundry day), a collapsible design saves space.
Step 6: Think About Where It's Going
A basket's stated capacity doesn't always tell you its physical dimensions; two baskets with the same litre capacity can have very different footprints depending on shape (tall and narrow vs wide and shallow). Before buying, check the dimensions against the space where it'll live.
If the basket needs to fit in a small bathroom, an under-stairs cupboard, or alongside a washing machine, dimensions matter as much as capacity. For more on making baskets work in tight spaces, our guide to small-space laundry organisation has practical ideas.
Quick Recommendations by Household Type
Single Person / Apartment
One collapsible mesh or fabric basket, ~35–50L. Keeps things simple, stores easily when empty.
Couple / Small Household
Two medium plastic or fabric baskets (~45–60L each) for colour sorting, or a divided two-section sorter as an all-in-one. A lidded option in the bedroom if odour containment matters.
Family with Children
One large basket (65–80L) or multiple medium baskets. Consider wheels for moving heavy loads. A dedicated, smaller basket for towels or sports kit if volume warrants it.
Humid Climate or Recurring Odour Issues
Prioritise breathable, easy-clean materials, plastic, mesh, or wicker with good airflow. Avoid lidded designs if damp items regularly go straight in.
The Decision in Summary
• Match capacity to household size and laundry frequency.
• One large basket or multiple medium ones, the latter often more practical.
• Material to match the room: plastic/mesh for wet areas, wicker/fabric for bedrooms.
• Lid for odour containment; open or mesh for breathability.
• Consider wheels, handles, and removable liners based on your routine.
• Check dimensions, not just capacity.
Our laundry basket range covers options from compact collapsibles for small apartments to large family-sized hampers, in materials suited to every room in the house.