How to Fold Clothes to Save Space

Overstuffed drawers, creased shirts and a wardrobe you cannot see into all come down to one thing: how you fold. Switch from stacking flat to a few smarter methods and you can free up a third of your drawer space, and actually find what you own. Here is how.

Fold to stand, not to stack

The single biggest change is filing rather than piling. Instead of laying folded clothes flat on top of each other, fold each item into a small rectangle that can stand on its edge. Line them up like books in a drawer. You see every item at a glance, and pulling one out does not topple the rest.

The basic rectangle fold

Almost anything folds down the same way:

• Lay the item face down and smooth out the creases.
• Fold both sides into the middle so you have a long strip.
• Tuck the sleeves in along the strip.
• Fold the strip in half, then in half again, until it stands up.

The parcel should hold its shape without springing open. If it flops, fold it one more time into a smaller rectangle.

When to roll instead

Rolling suits soft, casual items and is ideal for suitcases:

• T-shirts, vests and leggings roll tightly and resist creasing.
• Jeans and joggers roll into firm logs that stack in a drawer.
• Underwear and pyjamas roll into small bundles that fill gaps.

Avoid rolling linen or formal shirts, as the creases are hard to iron out.

Handle each type right

Jumpers and knitwear

Always fold, never hang. Hangers stretch the shoulders out of shape. Fold the arms across the back, then fold in thirds.

Shirts and blouses

Hang these if you have rail space, as it keeps collars crisp. If drawer folding, do up the top button and fold along the seams.

Socks

Fold pairs flat over each other. Do not ball them up, as the elastic stretches and they take more room.

Make the drawer work harder

• Add dividers or small boxes to keep upright folds from sliding over.
• Store heavy items low. Jeans in bottom drawers, light tops up top.
• Keep a one in, one out rule so drawers never overfill again.

Keep it going

The system only works if you fold laundry as soon as it is dry, before it creases in the basket. If keeping on top of the washing pile is the real battle, you can book a GlowSpark cleaner to wash, fold and iron for you.

A tidy drawer starts with a better fold, and ten minutes of practice is all it takes. Want your time back? Book a GlowSpark cleaner from £19 an hour, or from £16 for members.