Use An IKEA Laundry Hamper To Keep More Than Clothing Clutter At Bay

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When thinking about a laundry hamper, you're probably thinking of ... well, laundry. Yes, an affordable laundry hamper from IKEA is a great place to stuff your dirty clothes until laundry day away as intended, but it can do much more. This foldable hamper from the JÄLL collection is your secret weapon to keep clutter out of sight, and it costs just $5.99.

Social media users have discovered that they can use this laundry hamper to store all types of clutter. For example, use it to store not only kids' clutter, like board games, toys, books, stuffed animals, or balls, but also home items like blankets, throw pillows, or even scarves. It's lightweight and, therefore, easy to move, and it can be folded when it's not in use. The IKEA hamper is made of simple white polyethylene and two metal rods and can hold an impressive 13 gallons or up to 17 pounds. Sure, it's not the most beautiful storage solution, but it's affordable and functional. This storage solution is perfect for a child's bedroom, a playroom, or even the living room, allowing you to toss messes out of sight in an instant and make your space feel cleaner.

One thing to note about this hack is that the white fabric of the laundry hamper is quite thin and, therefore, a bit see-through. Just keep that in mind when deciding whether this is the right budget storage solution for you, since some other laundry hampers might have dark fabric or harder exteriors. 

This storage solution is pretty self-explanatory. Use the laundry hamper as a bin to store clutter. Place large items like board games vertically, or stack smaller things like soccer balls on top of each other. 

If you like this idea but want a more elevated and convenient version, consider different types of laundry baskets to help you stay organized. For example, this Songmics laundry basket can store 37 gallons, has wheels, and offers two separate sections. That way, you can keep things better organized with compartments and wheel the cart away instead of carrying it. Another option for the more aesthetically inclined is to use a laundry hamper with a lid on it, so that you can keep clutter completely out of sight when it's closed. For example, this Songmics laundry hamper with a lid could do the trick. However, both of these options cost between $40 and $50, and for that price, you might want to look into buying an actual IKEA toy organizer that looks more luxurious. 

The beauty of the JÄLL is that it's so cheap and versatile. And who knows — when your kids grow up or if you declutter your home full of toys, you can use it as a laundry hamper. In the meantime, use them for toys, games, and stuffed animals that otherwise end up on the floor, cluttering your space and collecting dirt. If you really don't like the look of it, consider placing it inside of a closet or in a hidden corner of the room.