The Best Way to Fold Clothes If You’re Short on Storage

Laundry day can be stressful, if not for any other reason than putting away all the clothes. (Hello pile of clean laundry that sits in the laundry room for days.) Sorting and folding can be monotonous, but did you know that how you fold your clothes could mean that they're taking up more space than necessary?

With the right folding strategy, you can add significantly more space to your dresser drawers and closets. Whether you’re a fan of the file folding or rolling method (or perhaps a mix of both!), we've got ways to fold your laundry so it stays neat and tidy. Follow this tutorial to streamline your laundry-folding routine and maximize your storage.

File Folding Method

One of the most popular - and arguably most effective - ways to fold clothes is by file folding, also often referred to as the KonMari Method, as it’s famously used by organizing expert Marie Kondo. It involves folding clothes into shallow rectangles so they can stand vertically. By arranging items upright in drawers (or baskets), you can easily see and access everything without having to rummage through piles. Plus, it saves considerable space!

You can file fold virtually everything (including linens), but it works particularly well with bulkier items such as sweaters, jeans, and thick T-shirts. We also recommend trying the technique on smaller or flimsier things (like baby onesies or lightweight pajamas), especially in a crowded drawer or bin, as it will help to keep everything upright.

How to File Fold Laundry

Follow this step-by-step file folding tutorial to master the method of file folding.

1. Lay the garment on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Depending on your preference, you can face it front up or down.
2. Begin folding from the sides. For tops, fold one side or sleeve toward the center and then fold the opposite side over it. Fold one pant or short leg over the other.
3. Then, fold from top to bottom. Fold the item in half lengthwise, and then fold it in thirds. If it’s too high for the drawer or not standing well on its own, folding it one more time should do the trick.
4. Arrange folded items in rows. Whether they’re going into a drawer or bin, line items up in neat rows so each piece is visible at a glance.
5. Consider adding drawer dividers. While optional, spring-loaded drawer dividers can help keep items in their rows and prevent flimsier items from falling over.
   

Rolling Method

If you aren’t a fan of file folding, rolling clothes and linens can have a similar compact effect. You may already be using the rolling method to pack a suitcase; it’s a simple transition to use this method for putting items away in closets. Rolling is known to help keep your things wrinkle-free, allows you to see everything just like the file fold method, and takes up less room than if you were to lay things flat. As with file folding, it works best on thicker, more casual items (like leggings and sweatshirts) but can be used for anything, including socks and towels.

How to Roll Laundry

If you’re unfamiliar with how the rolling method works, it’s very similar to file folding but requires less precision and - potentially - time and effort.

1. Place the garment flat on a surface. Like with file folding, it doesn’t matter which way it faces. This might require some trial and error until you decide on the method that works best for you.
2. Begin folding from the sides. Tops can be folded from the sides to the center, while pants can be folded in half.
3. Roll the item lengthwise. Once again, it’s up to you if you’d like to roll from top to bottom or vice versa. But either way, make sure to keep the item taut as you roll.
4. Arrange rolled items. Depending on the height of your drawers, you may have to lay rolled items horizontally, stacking them on top of each other and, therefore, losing the ability to see each. If they’re going to live in a basket, you should have enough height to place them vertically. And, if you’re only using a shelf, you’ll have to position them horizontally, but with this method, you’ll be able to see everything. This works well for something like towels in the linen closet, where you can grab a fresh one from the top rather than pull from the bottom, disrupting the stack.
   

Space-Saving Laundry Folding Tips

• Sort by category. When organizing laundry, group similar items together, such as tops and pants or workout clothes. This will make it easy to put things away and find what you need.
• Add labels. Even though your things may be more visible, especially if you’ve gone the file folding route, getting used to a new organizational system can still be challenging. Label the front of bins, the fronts of shelves, and the inside lip of drawers with categories to spot what you’re looking for in a snap.
• Utilize vertical space. Don't waste that space between the top of your closet and the ceiling! Add shelf risers or stacking baskets, and tuck those off-season or less often worn items away higher up.