Neverending Washing.. How to reset your laundry routine and stop feeling overwhelmed

What to do when you're overwhelmed by laundry?

No matter how many loads we wash, dry, and fold, the laundry basket never stays empty for long. But here’s the thing: it’s not supposed to.....

The clue is in the word washing cycle. Laundry isn’t a task with a clear beginning, middle, and end - it’s an ongoing loop. The goal isn’t to “finish” laundry (because spoiler alert, that’s impossible) but to create a routine that keeps the cycle moving smoothly so you're in control rather than feeling overwhelmed by laundry and constantly buried under an avalanche of mismatched socks and half-dry towels.

If you’re constantly chasing a full-to-empty laundry basket and feeling like you’re losing, here are my top tips on how to keep up with laundry by changing your mindset, resetting your routine, and stopping laundry overwhelm for good.

In this blog:

Reset your mindset around laundry
Home laundry tips to get back on top of the washing in your home
My favourite space and time-saving laundry products

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Changing your mindset - laundry is a cycle not a tick list chore
How to reset your laundry backlog
Streamline your laundry routine
Create a laundry friendly space
Make laundry less of a chore
Smart, space-saving laundry solutions

This blog includes links to previously gifted laundry items from JD Williams which I use and recommend.

1: Accept That Laundry Is a Cycle, Not a To-Do List Item

Some household jobs come with a satisfying tick - like decluttering a drawer, cleaning the bathroom, or finally tackling that paperwork pile. Laundry isn't like that. It’s not something you can ever really finish - because the minute you pop the last clean sock in the drawer, someone’s wearing something else that’ll soon end up back in the basket.

What changed things for me was realising laundry isn’t something you finish, it’s a cycle you keep moving. At any one time, you're wearing clothes, others are in the wash, some are drying, and the rest are ready to be put away. Once you embrace the idea that laundry isn’t a box to tick but a cycle to manage, the pressure lifts - and you can focus on keeping it flowing rather than fighting to get it ‘done.’

Pile of washing in front of a washing machine

2: Reset your Laundry Backlog

If your laundry has completely snowballed, it might be time to draw a line and wipe the slate clean with a full laundry reset. Here’s how to take back control - one load at a time:

Gather everything together: Collect all laundry from baskets, floors, chairs, and hiding places. Sort it into lights, darks, and delicates (or whatever system works for you).
Declutter as you go – If you haven’t worn it in months or don’t love it anymore, it doesn’t need to rejoin the cycle. Set aside anything to donate, repair, or repurpose.
Do a full reset – If the backlog feels impossible, consider a laundrette session. Doing multiple loads at once means everything gets washed, dried, and folded in a single day, giving you a fresh start.
Establish a new routine – Now that you’re reset, try implementing regular laundry days so you can keep the laundry flowing smoothly and easily cope with any unexpected mishaps.

3: Streamline Your Laundry Routine

Limit laundry baskets

Having a laundry basket in every bedroom and bathroom might seem practical, but in reality, it leads to laundry piling up everywhere. I’ve seen this in so many of my clients' homes - having multiple baskets just makes it easy to keep wearing clothes until every basket is full, creating a massive laundry backlog. Instead, try using one central laundry basket. Not only does it stop washing from spreading all over the house, but it also acts as a natural trigger - when it's full you’ll know it’s time for a load rather than waiting until you’ve worn everything you own!

Declutter your wardrobe

The more clothes you own, the longer you can avoid doing the washing … until suddenly you can’t, and you’re drowning in it. Break this cycle by having a smaller, more intentional wardrobe - this will help you keep on top of the laundry and make it much easier to put away clean clothes.

Where do you do with lightly worn clothes?

My take? If it’s clean enough to wear again, it’s clean enough to be put away. But I know that not everyone feels the same! If the idea of mixing worn and unworn clothes makes you uneasy, create a designated spot to stop your bedroom chair from becoming a second laundry basket. A hook on the back of the door, a separate drawer, or a section of your wardrobe will keep those in-between items neat and out of sight - without them ending up in a crumpled pile of limbo laundry.

Establish regular laundry days

Instead of waiting until the laundry basket is overflowing, try setting specific days for washing essentials like towels, bedding, and everyday clothes. This keeps the cycle moving smoothly, ensures you always have what you need, and leaves room for unexpected spills or last-minute outfit changes without the stress.

4: Create a Laundry-Friendly Space

You don’t need a fancy utility room to make laundry feel more manageable, just a functional, clutter-free zone that works for you. Whether it’s a corner of your kitchen, a compact utility room, or even a nook near the washing machine, clearing the surfaces gives you room to sort, fold, and tackle stains without balancing baskets on top of the toaster.

Organised utility room with washing machine and baskets to hold laundry detergent and cleaners

Gather your essentials - laundry detergent, softener, stain remover - and give them a proper home, whether that’s a shelf, a caddy, or a cupboard. When everything’s easy to grab and neatly stored, the whole routine takes less time, feels calmer and less of a chore.

5: Make Laundry Feel Less Like a Chore

Okay, so you have to do laundry. But can it be a little less soul destroying? Absolutely!

Turn it into a “laundry power hour” – Put on a playlist, podcast, or audiobook and see how much you can get done in an hour. Sorting, folding, and putting away feels faster when you’re entertained.
Delegate where you can – If you live with family or housemates, share the load. Even young kids can match socks or put their clothes away, and consider using a laundry service for bedding - this can take pressure off during busy weeks.
Make it a mindful moment – try a bit of slow living by turning your clean laundry into a sensory experience. Enjoy the warmth of fresh towels, the smell of clean clothes, and the satisfaction of a neatly folded pile. Even lighting a candle or opening a window can shift your perspective.

Mum and daughter doing the washing together

6: Use Smart, Space-Saving Laundry Solutions

If laundry feels like it’s taking over your home, a few clever tools can make a big difference and will keep the cycle moving without your home looking like a laundrette.

Speed up drying with a heated clothes airer

A bulky clothes horse that takes days to dry a load isn’t doing you any favours. I love my Beldray heated airer which can hold two loads at once and costs just 11p an hour to run. It’s perfect for cutting down on tumble dryer use while speeding up drying time. And it keeps everything in one room so there are no more damp clothes draped over radiators around the house!

Save Space with Collapsible Baskets

Laundry baskets are essential, but let’s be honest—they take up a ridiculous amount of space when they’re empty. (Which, let’s face it, isn’t often, but still!). That’s why a collapsible laundry basket is such a game-changer. The Joseph Joseph space-saving laundry basket folds down flat when not in use, meaning you can tuck it away in a cupboard or slide it neatly between the washing machine and the wall instead of tripping over it all week.

Save space with a collapsible laundry basket like this one from Joseph Joseph at JD WIlliams

For an even smoother system, try using two baskets, one for dirty laundry and one for clean. This stops washed clothes from sitting in an ever-growing “to-be-folded” pile and makes it easier to stay on top of what’s clean and what still needs washing. Simply swap them over as needed: when a load is finished, transfer it to the “clean” basket and use the empty one for the next batch of dirty washing. It’s a simple trick that helps keep the cycle moving - without piles of clothes taking over the house.

Make Ironing Less of a Chore

Ironing can feel like one of those tasks that takes longer to set up than it does to actually do - especially if you’re wrestling with a full-size ironing board. That’s why I love my Joseph Joseph tabletop ironing board from JD Williams. It takes away the faff I used to associate with ironing and means I can quickly get the job done and move on.

Try this space saving table top ironing board from Joseph Joseph if you need an ironing board but lack the space for a full size one.

Being wall-mounted and compact, it’s perfect for smaller homes or anyone who doesn’t want a bulky ironing board cluttering up their space. It folds away neatly when not in use, making it ideal for rightsized homes where storage is at a premium. Pair it with a good steam iron and suddenly, ironing those last-minute outfits feels far less of a hassle.

These smart solutions help keep laundry under control without taking over your home, making it easier to stay on top of washing without sacrificing space.

Take a look at more of my space saving kitchen solutions in Small Kitchen Organisation: How to use clever storage solutions to maximise space.

7: Let Go of Laundry Perfectionism

The final (and most freeing) step? Give yourself a break and let go of the idea that laundry has to be perfect.

It’s okay if socks aren’t paired.
It’s okay if laundry sits on the airer a little longer.
It’s okay if clothes go straight from the drying rack to your body without ironing .

Laundry isn’t a test of how “together” you are, it’s a never-ending life admin jobs. The key is making it easier, so it takes up less space in your home and your head.

So, instead of aiming for an empty laundry basket (which will only last five minutes), focus on keeping the cycle moving, finding a routine that works for you, and giving yourself permission to not stress over the small stuff.

Sue Spencer - A Life More Organised - Professional Organiser

Hi! I’m Sue, a professional home organiser and KonMari Consultant based in Hampshire, UK. I had the privilege of training with Marie Kondo and by using her methods, I help growing families and empty nesters Rightsize their Homes.

We declutter and organise to clear space and time so they can get on with the important job of enjoying life.