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The Storage Fit Guide

Laundry storage

Best laundry baskets for small spaces

Small-space laundry storage is about footprint first. A basket that is too deep can make a bathroom or bedroom feel harder to use every day.

Storage Fit Guide Editorial Team · Reviewed using listed dimensions and UK-home measurements

Quick verdict

Top pick

Brabantia 35L laundry bin with steel lid

Measure first

floor footprint width × depth, and lid clearance above

Showing 3 of 3 options
30w × 30d × 63.5h cm
LaundryfreestandingNo drill

Best for: small bathrooms

Price: Premium

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56w × 40d × 67h cm
LaundryfreestandingNo drill

Best for: sorting lights and darks

Price: Mid-range

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66w × 38d × 58h cm
LaundryfreestandingNo drill

Best for: three-way sorting (lights, darks, colours)

Price: Mid-range

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Want to check exact fit?

Enter your usable width, depth and height to see which products fit your specific space.

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Before you buy

What this guide helps you decide

Laundry storage has to fit into the daily route through the room. A basket may technically fit beside a washing machine but still block the door, towel rail or path to the sink.

how much floor space to allow

A 22cm slim basket may fit beside a washing machine, but you still need enough clearance to open doors, reach shelves and move safely.

slim baskets versus taller bins

Slim baskets suit one-person households or daily laundry habits.

when ventilation matters

Lidded baskets look neater, but damp towels and sports kit need airflow.

Fit check 1

Measure the gap and the walking route

A 22cm slim basket may fit beside a washing machine, but you still need enough clearance to open doors, reach shelves and move safely.

Fit check 2

Choose capacity by household

Slim baskets suit one-person households or daily laundry habits. Families usually need divided or taller storage rather than one narrow basket.

Fit check 3

Check ventilation

Lidded baskets look neater, but damp towels and sports kit need airflow. Choose vented plastic or fabric when laundry may sit for more than a day.

FAQ

What width is a slim laundry basket?

Many slim baskets are around 20-25cm wide. Always leave a couple of centimetres spare so the basket can be pulled out without scraping.

Should a laundry basket have a lid?

A lid hides clutter, but ventilation is more important for damp laundry. Choose a vented lid or open basket for towels.

What laundry basket fits beside a standard washing machine?

Standard washing machines are 60cm wide. A slim basket of 20-25cm can fit beside one, but also check the door swing and whether you can still reach the machine controls easily.

Are wicker laundry baskets suitable for damp towels?

Natural wicker can absorb moisture and develop mould if damp laundry sits in it for days. For damp items, a vented plastic or powder-coated metal basket is easier to keep clean.

Last updated: 22 May 2026