How to Fold Laundry for Better Home Organization (2025)

Fold clothes uniformly, sort by category, stack vertically, and store in labeled bins or drawers.

Does your laundry pile turn into a chaotic mess the moment you put it away? Wrinkled clothes, overflowing drawers, and lost socks make staying organized feel impossible. The right laundry folding techniques can transform clutter into a streamlined system. In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step methods to maximize space, reduce wrinkles, and maintain order. For more home organization tips, check out our guide on the best storage solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Sort first – Group clothes by type and size before folding.
• Fold uniformly – Consistent sizes stack neatly and save space.
• Store vertically – See every item at a glance.
• Label containers – Maintain order long-term.

1. Sort Laundry by Category

Separate clothes into groups: shirts, pants, underwear, and socks. Sub-sort by size (e.g., kids vs. adults) or season. This prevents mismatched piles and speeds up folding. Use separate baskets for each category if space allows. For small items like socks, try space-saving solutions.

2. Master Basic Folding Techniques

For shirts:

• Lay flat, smooth wrinkles.
• Fold sleeves inward, then fold bottom to top.

For pants:

• Fold vertically in half, then fold legs up.

Uniform folds create compact rectangles that stack easily.

3. Use the Vertical Storage Method

Arrange folded clothes vertically in drawers like files. This prevents toppling stacks and lets you see all items instantly. Ideal for small spaces or shared dressers.

4. Optimize Drawer Space

Divide drawers with dividers or small bins. Store socks/underwear in labeled sections. For bulkier items (sweaters), fold using the KonMari method to minimize bulk.

5. Label and Maintain

Label bins or shelves to keep categories sorted. Refresh folded piles weekly to avoid re-cluttering. Pair with a non-toxic cleaning routine for a tidy home.

With these steps, laundry becomes a quick, stress-free task. Consistent folding and labeling save time and keep your home clutter-free. For more efficiency, explore KonMari’s official guide or The Spruce’s tips.