Hanging vs Folding - What is the best way to store laundry?

Laundry day is a chore that we all have to tackle at some point. One of the most common dilemmas people face when doing laundry is whether to hang their clothes or fold them. While the choice might seem insignificant, it can actually impact the longevity and organisation of your wardrobe. In this blog, I explore the pros and cons of both hanging and folding your laundry and offer some tips on the best way to put away your freshly cleaned clothes.

Hanging Your Laundry

Hanging your laundry has its advantages, especially for specific types of clothing and situations:

• Prevents wrinkles: Hanging your clothes can help prevent wrinkles and creases after being washed with a Natural Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener. This is particularly beneficial for items like dress shirts, blouses, and delicate fabrics that are prone to wrinkling. 
• Preserves the shape: Some garments, like sweaters and dresses, tend to lose their shape when folded for an extended period. Hanging them ensures they maintain their original form.
• Saves space: Hanging clothes can be a space-efficient option, especially if you have a small closet. Utilising vertical space with hangers can make your closet more organised.
• Easy access: Hung clothes are easily accessible, making it convenient to find what you need quickly. You can also mist your clothes with a natural Garment Refresher much easier when hanging up. This will also help to avoid over washing.

However, there are downsides to hanging laundry as well:

• Takes up more space: While hanging can save space vertically, it consumes more horizontal space in your closet or laundry area.
• Limited to certain items: Not all clothing items are suitable for hanging. Jeans, T-shirts, and pyjamas, for example, are often better folded.

Folding Your Laundry

Folding your laundry is a more versatile option that works well for a wide range of clothing items:

• Saves space: Folded clothes take up less space in drawers and on shelves, making it easier to organise your wardrobe efficiently.
• Suitable for various fabrics: Folding works well for most fabrics and clothing types, including casual wear, undergarments, and activewear.
• Prevents stretching: Delicate fabrics and knits are less likely to stretch out of shape when folded. It is also great to use a specific natural clothing wash for these particular garments such as a Cashmere Shampoo or Wool & Silk Wash.
• Easy to store in drawers and bins: Folded clothes can be neatly stacked or organised in drawers and storage bins, which makes it easier to keep things tidy.

However, folding also has its drawbacks:

• Wrinkles may occur: Certain fabrics, like linen or cotton, can wrinkle more easily when folded. You may need to iron these items before wearing them.
• Less visibility: It can be more challenging to see what you have in your drawers compared to hanging clothes in an open closet.

The Best Way to Put Away Your Laundry

Now that we've examined the pros and cons of both hanging and folding laundry, here are some tips on how to put away your laundry efficiently:

• Sort your laundry: Before you decide whether to hang or fold, sort your laundry by fabric type and garment style. This will help you determine the best storage method for each item.
• Invest in quality hangers and storage solutions: If you choose to hang your clothes, invest in sturdy, non-slip hangers to prevent clothes from slipping off. For folded items, use drawer dividers or storage bins to keep things organised.
• Be mindful of space: Maximise your closet and storage space by using slim hangers, cascading hooks, and shelf dividers.
• Rotate your wardrobe: To ensure all your clothes get equal wear, periodically rotate your wardrobe by moving less frequently worn items to the front.

The decision to hang or fold your laundry ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the types of clothing you own. A combination of both methods may be the most practical approach. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each method and following the tips provided, you can keep your wardrobe organised, minimise wrinkles, and make laundry day a little more manageable. Ultimately, the key is finding a system that works for you and helps you maintain an organised and functional wardrobe.
As always, please do let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to help.
Talk soon,
B x