The Alternative Way To Use Trash Cans That Will Revolutionize Your Laundry Routine

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If your laundry routine feels like a chaotic cycle of confusion, we have a solution. It's not, as you'd expect, yet another stylish laundry basket. Instead, it's trash cans. Yes, literal trash cans made for garbage. This clever alternative is so simple and can make your laundry routine much easier.

The idea, inspired by Instagram creator @homewithmari__, is to use pull-out trash cans instead of laundry baskets. The ones they used are built into the counter and look like regular cabinets when they're closed, but conveniently open into a bin the moment you need to throw in some soiled clothes. Just as you'd often have two separate bins in the kitchen for trash and recycling, you can use separate bins to simplify your laundry routine. One bin can be for darks, the other for brights, or you can separate them by materials that require different wash cycles. In any case, it's a perfect way to keep laundry off the ground, out of sight, and neatly organized. 

Because this hack requires a bit of space, it's best suited for spacious laundry rooms. If you have a small space, other laundry room finds, like behind-the-door laundry baskets, will work better. But if you've got tons of space, and especially if you have a laundry room with a counter and cabinets, this approach will be perfect. Ideally, look for multi-bin options like this Double Pullout Under Cabinet Kitchen Trash Cans from Rev-A-Shelf. If you don't already have a counter to use, you can buy a standalone unit, like this Pull-out Trash Can Cabinet from TDLEAYYD. 

To create a seamless look, install pull-out trash cans under a counter so they blend into your laundry room decor. The benefit of this approach is that it's aesthetically pleasing and doesn't add clutter to the space or take up any additional floor space. The counter space above the bins can be used to fold laundry or store detergent. 

While it may sound like a lot of work, don't worry. You can easily install a pullout trash can drawer without the complicated installation required for a custom cabinet with sliding rails. Instead, you can mount a Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Trash Can inside a regular cabinet. Simply open the door, then pull the cans out, and toss the laundry in. 

If you don't have a counter in your laundry room to set up a pull-out bin, you can still use this hack with standalone garbage and recycling bins. For example, IKEA's HALLBAR bins can hold up to 9 gallons of laundry and feature lids, which help keep smells contained and dirty laundry out of sight. You can place two or more bins next to each other to keep lights and darks separate, and even add a label on the lid to help you and your family stay organized. You can also pair this with smaller versions of the HALLBAR, like the 3-gallon bin, perfect for small loads like delicates. And for the smallest laundry room, you can use IKEA's GÅRDSBUTIK kitchen bin hack and place it directly on the wall. This is a nice way to avoid bins using up floor space, even if you don't have a counter to set up pull-out bins.