How to Keep Laundry From Piling Up, According to Professional Organizers

Laundry may seem like the chore that never ends, and is often reviled for that reason. Even if every piece is folded and put away at this exact moment, you’re highly aware that the clothes on your back will grace that hamper soon—along with the attire of everyone else in your household.

"If you’re part of a family who exercises, plays sports, dresses for work and dresses down when you come home, chances are you’re all wearing more than one outfit a day," says Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner at Living. Simplified. 

Consistency is key when it comes to keeping that pile at bay, so let these tips from experts help you conquer your laundry woes once and for all. 

Keep Laundry Separated

Assigning an individual laundry basket to each family member is a simple yet effective way to streamline the laundry process. 

"This system not only makes sorting and distributing clean clothes faster, but also helps children learn to take responsibility for their laundry," says Melanie Summers, professional organizer and owner of I Speak Organized. "To get started, choose baskets in different colors or label them with names. This way, once clothes are washed and dried, everyone can quickly find their items and put them away, reducing the chaos and clutter in your laundry area."

When it comes to towels, assigning a specific color to each family member—or perhaps each bathroom—can help streamline the process of folding and putting away. It also comes in handy when you need help with laundry issues, such as identifying the culprit who keeps leaving wet towels on the floor. 

Reduce Sock Sorting

If there are multiple people in your household, socks can quickly become the bane of your laundry existence. Try attaching a small lingerie bag to each individual hamper and stash dirty socks after each wear, which will eliminate sorting altogether. 

In the case of a stray sock, Saltman recently worked with a client in their laundry room and labeled a 'Single Sock' basket. "When a singleton was found, it would be placed in the decorative basket," she says. "Weekly, my client will go through the bin and match up pairs."

Keep Your Stain Treatment Close

Pre-treating your stains may require you to keep stain remover with your laundry basket, rather than with your detergent. "When you remove your clothing, inspect it to see if there are any stains and treat them right away," says Saltman. "Then put the clothing item in the laundry basket with the rest of your dirty items."

Designate a Folding Station

Creating a designated space with a flat surface for folding laundry can make the process more enjoyable. "I would have normally brushed this off, but having a suitable spot for folding a large pile of clothing will make the process less overwhelming if you do not have to fight for space," says Olivia Parks, a professional organizer in New Orleans.

If you don’t have built-in space in your laundry room, consider investing in a table covered with a pretty tablecloth. If that’s not an option, even a freshly made bed will suffice. 

Fold and Hang Immediately

This is perhaps the step that trips up most people, as many tend to have no trouble washing the clothes. To avoid wrinkles and ensure clothes are ready to wear straight away, it’s crucial to fold and hang clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer. This practice also keeps your laundry area tidy and organized, and ensures the laundry process continues to run smoothly. 

"Encourage family members to spend a few extra minutes after each load to fold or hang items immediately," says Summers. "This simple habit can make a huge difference in keeping your laundry routine smooth and efficient."

Develop a Daily Routine

Make it a habit to start a load of laundry each morning when you first wake up, or before you leave for the day. Switch it over to the dryer each afternoon as soon as you arrive home. Then once everyone has settled in for the night, enjoy a relaxing podcast, a phone call with a friend, or some screen time while you fold. Or perhaps start the washer each night before bed, switch to the dryer each morning and fold each afternoon. Whatever is easiest to maintain is what’s best for you and your family. 

Parks suggests setting a timer for each stage of the laundry process. "Whether for loading, washing, drying or folding, having a timer creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused and efficient," she says.

Create a Weekly Schedule

Whether you schedule specific items, such as bedding and towels on Saturday, or by person with adults on Monday and kids on Wednesday, it’s important to get input from others in your house about which day works best for them. You may think a weekday is most logical for your teens, but they instead prefer the weekend.

"Just be sure to also schedule in time to fold the laundry and put it all away where it belongs," says Saltman. "Whatever you do, try your best to build in one laundry-free day per week."

Keep Your Machine Sparkling Clean

An uncommon appliance most never think to clean is their washing machine. "Detergent residue, organic material, odors, unwanted germs and even mold can build up in your machine, preventing your clothes from ever being fully clean," says Maria Mooney, cleaning expert at Truly Free, renowned for its plant-based, non-toxic cleaning and laundry products.

To ensure your machine runs smoothly and your clothes are thoroughly clean, Mooney recommends using a laundry machine cleaner once a month to cleanse every nook and cranny to leave it running brand new.

Make It a Family Affair

Parks recommends getting everyone involved in the laundry process. "Even if that means one family member puts the clothes in the washer and dryer, one folds them, and another puts them away," she says. "This will lighten your load and get everyone involved."

Saltman agrees, and even if smaller children actually make the job take longer, it teaches them from a young age. "As the kids get older, they can be responsible for putting the clothes in the wash or putting away their folded clothes, up until the time that you decide the kids can do their laundry completely on their own," she says.