I Found This $10 IKEA Find on Facebook Marketplace for Free — Now, I Never Leave Home Without It

I’m an avid surfer, and during the summer I’ll drop anything when the water is warm and the tide is just right. But in my rush to the beach, I’ve often scrambled around my apartment looking for my surf gear, towel, sunscreen, and snacks. I hit my breaking point after one sunset sesh, when I got out of the water only to realize that I had forgotten my towel. I was cold and wet, and the only thing I could use to dry off was a pair of jeans.

That’s when I realized that even summer free-spirits need an organizational system — something to enable the good chaos while limiting the bad. Enter: the IKEA TORKIS Flexible Laundry Basket. I quickly learned that this adorable green container wasn’t just a solution for surfing, but also an ultra-versatile, surprisingly rugged essential for all kinds of whimsical outdoor adventures. And believe me — I’ve put this thing to the test.

Sold as a laundry basket, the TORKIS is made of a lightweight, flexible, and smooth plastic with ridged handles that feel nice to hold. It costs $9.99 and comes in four fun colors: green, pale blue, pink, and yellow. Because it’s made of a plastic material, it’s water-resistant, which is a must for anything coming with me on a beach day — or staying in my car afterward. 

When my TORKIS isn’t in my trunk, I keep it in the garage. At around 11 inches by 24 inches, it holds nine gallons and is the perfect size to keep all of my surfing essentials organized.

Here are all the weird ways that I’ve used my TORKIS that the IKEA designers probably did not anticipate: I’ve used it as a changing station to prevent sandy feet, to schlep pickleball equipment to the park to hold gear for a weekend car camping trip, as the camp dishwashing bucket, and even as a “bath tub” for my 30-pound dog after a muddy hike.

Occasionally, I’ll give my TORKIS a wash with a sponge and dish soap, and it’s ready for the next adventure. I recommend the TORKIS to everyone, but especially to athletes, campers, and anyone who lives a sporty summer life full of good chaos. Whether I’m at the pool or in the forest, the TORKIS is structured enough to carry what I need and rugged enough to withstand the unexpected. And isn’t embracing the unexpected what these long, bright days are all about?

Buy: IKEA TORKIS Flexible Laundry Basket, $9.99

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