A collapsible laundry basket folds flat for storage, taking up a fraction of the space of a traditional laundry basket. When choosing a basket, evaluate your laundry needs and determine the size, shape, and material that will work best for you. Color is not relevant to the functionality of the basket, but a wide array of colors, from white and black to fuchsia and lime green, will likely be available.
Since one buys a collapsible laundry basket to be able to fold it for storage, the first thing to evaluate is the size of the folded basket. Choose a basket that, when folded, will fit into the space where you want to store it. Another important factor is how easily the basket opens and closes. Most collapsible baskets have a design that allows them to pop open easily for use. They are collapsed for storage when not in use.
Collapsible laundry baskets can be tall or short, rectangular or round. Each shape comes in different sizes. Larger baskets can accommodate large, heavy loads of laundry, such as towels, while smaller baskets are good for light loads. If you need to carry large amounts of laundry from one place to another, then a large basket may best suit your needs, depending on the amount of weight you can comfortably carry. On the other hand, if you have only small amounts of laundry, seldom need to transport it, or can only carry something that is fairly light, a smaller basket will work best.
Choose the shape that works best for you. Tall tube-shaped or rectangle baskets are easy to maneuver and transport but will not fit upright in the trunk of a car when full of laundry. Short rectangular baskets are close to the ground and make taking clothes out of the dryer easier. They fit more easily into the trunk of a car, but since they are wide, they might not be as easy to move around as a tall basket.
Nylon and mesh are the two most common materials for a collapsible laundry basket. Both are lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle carrying laundry. Another benefit of nylon or mesh is that they dry quickly, which aids in preventing mold and mildew. Handles are a common feature on a collapsible laundry basket, making them easy to carry, even when full. Some styles also have pockets or pouches attached to the sides of the basket for storing items such as laundry detergent or fabric softener.
When choosing a collapsible laundry basket, look for one that is sturdy, made of durable materials, and well constructed. Laundry can be heavy, and a flimsy basket can break or tear after only a few uses. A bottom support is a nice feature that will help the basket retain its form when in use.
