Can We Talk Laundry Baskets?

I have had these Rubbermaid ones for years.  They have held up well. They still look brand new.  Large Rubbermaid Laundry Basket

We have one basket. I think it’s at least 20 years old. Very similar to the link posted above. Rubbermaid also.

I have never broken a laundry basket so I have probably have the same one for 20 or 30 years, But I’m curious what are you doing to your yours that they break ?

I have a heavy duty plastic one in the laundry room that stays there for sorting and such -- it doesn't get carried around. I have a wicker laundry basket that I use to carry small loads to be folded and put away. The wicker one just makes me happy. Laundry is such a repetitive chore that I welcome anything - like a pretty wicker basket - that makes the experience a little more enjoyable.

Multiple decades ago we got sick of the plastic laundry baskets that always seem to break at the handles or the sides, so we bought about six of these big heavy duty plastic tubs with rope handles similar to THIS. I’m not sure if this one in the link is the same size as the ones we bought because the labels are long gone. We got them at the hardware store. I think one has a small crack in the bottom from trying to carry something too heavy in it at one point, but it’s still perfectly functional for carrying laundry.

They have been with us through three residences, seven dogs, one kid and probably thousands of loads of laundry. Yeah, they were more expensive initially, but they have held up for almost 30 years so I would venture to guess they were a pretty good investment!

ETA: They measure about 14” high and 18” diameter, so they’re good sized.

i do not break them either

I have a hip hugger like the first baskets in the link. I’ve had it for about 10 years and it’s held up well. I like the hip hugger aspect—it fits well on my hip to carry it. I often use my laundry baskets for hauling other things to events and such (I frequently bring food and decorations to pot luck, Church, or school events) and use the baskets to haul things around. They’ve gotten a lot of use over the years. 

I have one we got as a shower gift 20 years ago. My DD's have ones that are 17 & 15 years old. They are all Sterlite actually.

I have the collapsible one from Costco. It's sturdy and yet folds down to just a few inches high if necessary.

We also have Sterlite baskets, about 6 large and 4 small. We purchased them for moving, took some things over and unpacked everyday while we were painting the house, installing closets, etc. That was 10 years ago. Since then we've used them for packing, camping, gathering and storing (often heavy) things for whatever reason. They get tossed around and often live in the garage. And rarely are they used for something light like laundry (I'm a hang and fold as it comes out of the dryer kinda gal). There are some scratches on the bottom from outdoor use but otherwise they look new. So another one who is super curious what is causing all of these broken laundry baskets!

I have one similar to that but it's square, teal, and I got it from Wal-mart. Love it. Very sturdy!

We use canvas collapsible totes that are round. I think they are really designed for yard work. After about 15 years, I just recently replaced ours as the canvas started wearing out on the bottom around the wires. I like them because I can drag them down the stairs rather than carry a rigid basket. I worry about falling.

Amazon has a lot of options for this style of tote.

I have this rolling tall one from Target. I keep my laundry inside my bedroom closet and this one fits perfect. And then I don’t have to lug it to the other end of the house when it’s overflowing. I bought it last summer and it’s held up fine.

www.target.com/p/home-logic-rolling-laundry-hamper-white-with-teal-handle/-/A-51742382

I bought one at Walmart about 10 years ago, it is hard plastic, brown wicker look to it, a hip hugger and the best laundry basket I have ever owned! It even takes being thrown down the basement stairs!!
They don't have them anymore, never have seen them since. I have the white with grey handles and I hate that the handles come off and then they break. This basket can't take the throw down basement stairs, handles fly off!