Hate Folding Laundry? 6 Easy Tricks to Make Emptying the Basket Faster

Folding laundry is one of those chores that always seems to pile up, literally. It’s easy to let clean clothes sit in the basket for days, turning a simple task into a daunting one. But what if you could speed up the process and make it less of a headache? With these six easy tricks, you’ll be emptying your laundry basket in no time and maybe even enjoying the process a little more.

1. Make Folding a Habit, Not a Task

One of the biggest hurdles with folding laundry is putting it off until it becomes an overwhelming chore. Instead of waiting until the basket overflows, make folding part of your routine. Try setting a specific time each laundry day to fold clothes immediately after they come out of the dryer. The sooner you do it, the less wrinkled your clothes will be, making the process even faster.

Folded and stacked laundry.
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2. Sort Before You Fold

Sorting clothes as you pull them from the basket can cut folding time in half. Separate items into piles for each family member or by clothing type. This simple step reduces the mental effort of deciding where each item goes and speeds up the process of putting everything away.

Person sorting through their laundry basket.
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3. Use the Flat Surface Rule

Folding laundry on a stable, flat surface like a table or a bed makes it much easier than trying to do it on your lap or an uneven surface. A designated folding area allows you to spread items out, work efficiently, and avoid dropping freshly folded clothes.

Folding laundry on table.
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4. Master the One-Move Fold

Instead of meticulously folding each item like a retail store, use a quick and simple folding method that works for you. The KonMari fold, the two-second t-shirt fold, or even rolling clothes instead of folding can save time. The key is consistency, once you have a go-to method, folding becomes second nature.

Folded laundry put away in drawer.
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5. Make It Entertaining

Folding laundry feels like a burden when it’s boring, so make it more enjoyable by adding entertainment. Listen to a podcast, watch your favorite show, or turn on some music. Pairing laundry with something you enjoy will make the task feel quicker and less tedious.

Woman having fun while folding laundry.
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6. Get the Whole Family Involved

If you live with others, don’t take on the burden alone. Teach kids to fold their own clothes, or have each person put away their own pile. Even young children can help by matching socks or folding simple items like towels. The more hands helping, the faster the basket gets emptied.

Family folding laundry together.
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Folding laundry may never be your favorite chore, but with these six tricks, it doesn’t have to feel like such a dreaded task. By making folding a habit, sorting first, using an efficient method, and adding some entertainment, you’ll speed up the process and make it less of a hassle. Try these tips, and you may never let that laundry pile up again!