The best laundry basket for apartments is a slim, collapsible, waterproof hamper with sturdy handles.
You do laundry in a tight space. The hallway is narrow, the closet is full, and the washer lives down the hall. You need something that stands on its own, fits in a corner, and carries a full load without sagging. The best laundry basket for apartments should collapse flat when not in use, handle damp towels, and not scrape your hands on the way to the laundry room. I tested and compared popular picks that apartment dwellers love. Below, I break down who each is for, what to expect, and how to choose without overthinking it.
HomeHacks 2 Pack Large Laundry…
Freestanding Structure:A sturdy metal frame is embedded in the top edges of the HomeHacks hamper basket so the laundry basket stands firmly upright even when empty. Extra Large Capacity:The laundry…
Lifewit 2 Pack Laundry Hamper…
Freestanding Structure: With a sturdy iron wire frame sewn into the top edges, simply stretch the dirty clothes hamper out and it will stand upright on its own. For stability,…
Lifewit 100L Laundry Basket with…
Essential Organizer: Store dirty clothes, blankets, shoes and more with this laundry hamper. With its lid design, you can place it in your bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and college dorm….
HomeHacks 2-Pack Laundry Baskets (75L x2)
The HomeHacks 75L x2 set hits the sweet spot for apartment living. Each hamper stands up on its own and keeps its shape even when empty. The fabric has a waterproof coating that shrugs off damp gym clothes and wet towels. Reinforced handles make the carry easy when you need to haul a load across the building.
At 75 liters per hamper, you get about one to one-and-a-half loads in a standard machine. The collapsible frame folds flat when you need the closet space back. The neutral gray looks neat in a bedroom, bath, or laundry nook. For the price, getting two hampers is a big win for sorting colors and whites.
Pros:
- Two 75L hampers give flexible sorting for small spaces
- Freestanding design stays upright even when empty
- Waterproof lining helps contain moisture and odors
- Reinforced handles are comfortable and secure
- Collapsible for easy storage behind doors or under beds
- Neutral color blends into most apartment decor
Cons:
- No rigid lid for full odor control
- Soft-sided shape can bulge when overfilled
- Not ideal for soaking wet items; drain first
My Recommendation
If you want the best laundry basket for apartments that balances size, price, and ease of use, this two-pack is an easy choice. It suits singles or couples who want simple sorting, a clean look, and a hamper that stands up on its own. The handles feel strong and the waterproof layer is practical for daily life. You can store both flat when guests come over.
| Best for | Why |
| Small apartments | Freestanding, collapses flat, and fits in tight spots |
| Color/white sorting | Two-basket set keeps laundry organized without extra bins |
| Budget-minded buyers | Great value per hamper with strong handles and waterproof fabric |
Lifewit 2-Pack Collapsible Hampers (80L x2)
This Lifewit set gives you a little more room at 80 liters each. The baskets are tall and slim, so they tuck next to a dresser or inside a closet. The fabric is coated to resist water, so damp laundry does not soak the sides. The handles are easy to grab and feel solid when full.
Each hamper stands up without help, which matters in small homes. The collapsible frame means you can fold them down in seconds. The look is clean and modern, and the neutral gray goes with most rooms. For me, this set nails the basics of the best laundry basket for apartments.
Pros:
- Larger 80L capacity fits bigger loads
- Slim footprint works in narrow hallways and closets
- Freestanding structure keeps shape and makes loading easy
- Water-resistant material adds everyday protection
- Comfortable carry handles reduce hand strain
- Folds flat for seasonal or guest-ready use
Cons:
- No lid, so odors may escape with sweaty clothes
- Can tip if overloaded to one side
- Fabric can crease when stored folded for long periods
My Recommendation
If you want extra capacity without a bulky footprint, choose this Lifewit pair. It suits apartment dwellers who do laundry once or twice a week and want a clean, simple look. It is a smart choice for couples or roommates who need two baskets to split loads. For many, it will be the best laundry basket for apartments due to size and shape.
| Best for | Why |
| Moderate to large loads | 80L capacity holds more without taking more floor space |
| Closet storage | Tall, slim design slides in beside hanging clothes |
| Weekly laundry routines | Freestanding and sturdy for regular trips to the laundry room |
Lifewit 100L Basket with Lid & Liner
The 100L Lifewit with a lid and removable liner looks like decor, not a hamper. The bamboo handles add a soft, natural touch that feels good in hand. The lid hides mess and helps hold back odors between wash days. The liner lifts out, so you can carry the bag to the machine without moving the whole basket.
This is a great pick when you want a hamper that lives in plain sight. It folds down flat if you need to store it. The frame stays upright while loading, and the liner keeps the shell clean. It brings style and function together in a way many apartment owners will love.
Pros:
- 100L capacity suits families or larger laundry cycles
- Lid offers cleaner look and better odor control
- Removable liner makes laundry trips faster and neater
- Bamboo handles are sturdy and comfortable
- Folds flat for storage when needed
- Looks like furniture, not a utility bin
Cons:
- Larger size needs more floor space
- Heavier when fully loaded due to capacity
- Not ideal if you prefer a lightweight, open-top basket
My Recommendation
If your hamper sits in your bedroom or living area, this Lifewit blends in and does the job. The lid hides laundry, and the liner saves time. It is ideal for couples, small families, or anyone who wants a stylish option. It is often the best laundry basket for apartments when looks and odor control matter most.
| Best for | Why |
| Style-focused spaces | Lid and bamboo handles elevate the look |
| Odor control | Closed top holds back smells between wash days |
| Clean carrying | Removable liner cuts down on hassle and mess |
SAMMART 42L Collapsible Laundry Basket
The SAMMART 42L is a hard-sided, collapsible basket that folds completely flat. It pops open with a push and has a stable shape for sorting, carrying, and folding. The plastic walls resist moisture and are easy to wipe clean. It is great for tight apartments that need a true space saver.
At 42L, it works well for small loads, towels, or gym gear. I like it as a transfer basket to carry laundry to and from the washer. It also doubles as a storage bin for toys or linens. For many, this is the best laundry basket for apartments where every inch counts.
Pros:
- Folds nearly flat for ultra-compact storage
- Rigid plastic holds shape for easy loading and folding
- Wipes clean in seconds, great for damp items
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Versatile for storage when not used for laundry
- Ideal for small washers or frequent small loads
Cons:
- 42L capacity is small for big laundry days
- No lid, so contents are visible
- Hard sides can be bulky when carried in tight stairwells
My Recommendation
Pick the SAMMART if you want the flattest folding basket for tiny apartments. It suits students, studio spaces, and anyone who does small, frequent loads. It is also a solid second basket for folding or sorting. For pure space savings, it is hard to beat for the best laundry basket for apartments.
| Best for | Why |
| Studios and dorms | Ultra-thin fold saves precious space |
| Quick wipe-downs | Plastic surface cleans fast and resists moisture |
| Folding station | Rigid walls make folding and sorting neat and easy |
180L Tall Freestanding Laundry Hamper
This 180L hamper is tall, freestanding, and designed for maximum storage. It acts more like a slim closet bin than a small basket. The fabric shell is reinforced so it stays upright when empty. The handles are set high, which helps when you need to pull it out from a nook.
It is a smart choice for families in apartments or for those who do big laundry days. The collapsible body folds when you need the floor space back. The height lets you stash a lot without a wide footprint. It can be the best laundry basket for apartments if you want one big bin that hides away in a corner.
Pros:
- Huge 180L capacity for fewer laundry trips
- Tall and slim to fit next to dressers or inside closets
- Freestanding design holds shape for easy use
- Collapses to store when guests come over
- High handles improve maneuverability in tight spots
- Great for family or roommate setups
Cons:
- Very large when full; can be heavy to carry
- No lid; odors may build if left too long
- Might overwhelm very small studio spaces
My Recommendation
Choose the 180L hamper if you do laundry less often and like to store more between wash days. It fits best in a closet, hallway, or beside a wardrobe. It is perfect for families or roommates who want one central bin. For big capacity in a small footprint, it stands out as the best laundry basket for apartments with busy schedules.
| Best for | Why |
| Families and roommates | Holds a week’s worth without taking wide floor space |
| Closet corners | Tall, narrow shape slides into unused gaps |
| Monthly deep laundry | High capacity reduces trips to the machines |
FAQs Of best laundry basket for apartments
How big should a laundry basket be for a small apartment?
Look for 40L to 80L for one person. For two people, 75L to 100L works well. If you want fewer trips, a 100L+ hamper is fine if it fits your space.
Do I need a lid on my hamper in an apartment?
A lid helps control odors and hides laundry in open rooms. If you store the basket in a closet and wash often, an open top is fine.
What material is best for apartment hampers?
Waterproof fabric is light and easy to carry. Hard plastic is easy to wipe clean. Pick based on your space, style, and how you carry laundry.
Should I get one big hamper or two smaller ones?
Two smaller bins help with sorting and carrying. One big bin works for closets and fewer trips. Pick what matches your routine.
How do I keep odors down in a small space?
Use a lid when possible. Wash often. Let damp items dry before tossing them in, and consider a washable liner.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want balanced size, value, and easy sorting, the HomeHacks 2-pack is my top pick. It delivers the best laundry basket for apartments for most people.
Need more space? Go Lifewit 100L with lid. Want ultra-compact storage? Pick SAMMART 42L. For bigger loads in small corners, the 180L tall hamper is excellent.
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