Do you know anyone who actually enjoys doing laundry?
Do you feel anxiety welling up inside of you at the mere mention of the word?
Let’s face it, laundry causes stress!
Why? Because it’s a task that’s never finished!
It doesn’t matter how fast and furious you work today…there’s going to be more to do tomorrow.
Ugh…that thought alone causes me anxiety – it’s in my nature to ‘complete things.’
That’s why I’m a list maker – checking things off a list makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.
And I can’t check laundry off my list so it makes me feel like I’m always behind…and I hate that feeling!!
(I just wanted to get that off my chest)
Yes, there are a few (ever so brief) moments when I’m all caught up but then Hubby or I take a shower and I’m ‘behind’ again. ☹
It’s not that laundry is complicated – it isn’t – it just involves a lot of steps and if you don’t have a system in place for dealing with it – it can become overwhelming in a microsecond!
It really helped when I took the time to think about the process and determine which one of the steps was my least favorite…
Maybe it’s time you do the same –
Is it the sorting, pre-treating, folding, ironing, hanging up or putting away?
Once you know the answer to that question you can figure out a way to turn your lemons into lemonade.
Once I acknowledged to myself that it was the ‘folding’ I dreaded – I discussed it to Hubby – and guess what, he doesn’t mind folding at all – in fact, he actually enjoys it.
I know, I know, He’s a rare one and not all Hubby’s are going to jump up and down with excitement over folding clothes …but I dare say someone in the family would be willing to trade a task they don’t love for folding clothes — Right?
If you’re empty nesters (like us) or live alone – it might require a little more creative thinking to come up with a solution – but I have faith that you can figure a way to turn this task into something you no longer dread — even it it NEVER becomes something you look forward to doing.
Here are a few ideas that have helped me (#7 was the one that helped me the most) and my clients tackle:
The Dreaded – Never ending Laundry Pile
No. 1: Get Started
The hardest step to take is always the FIRST ONE.
Often the thought of doing something is much worse that actual work itself.
Don’t wait until every hamper is overflowing and you’re contemplating buying new underwear before you get started 😉
No. 2: Have a Laundry Fest
Maybe you’ve already gone past step one…have no fear, you can still get caught up by having a good “old fashioned wash day” like your grandmother used to have.
Gather every item of clothing that needs washing, block out a day or several evenings and make it your mission to “catch up.”
Put on some fun music, a good movie or grab a favorite book. Do whatever you need to do, but get caught up!
No. 3: Put a Plan in Place for the Future
For most families keeping laundry manageable is as simple as doing one load a day.
Either wash one load every night then dry and put away first thing next morning or reverse and wash a load each morning to be put away at night.
If you follow this plan you must be consistent because if you miss a couple days you will have to have another laundry fest!
No. 4: Keep Supplies Close at Hand
Install a shelf above the washer/dryer to keep common laundry supplies. Keep extra supplies hand to avoid hampering your efforts. (Pun intended)
No. 5: Separate as You Go
If you have room, invest in some type separating system (basket’s, hampers, or free standing clothes sorter) this will not only make it easier to see when you have a full load, it will eliminate the sorting step later.
Here is how a fellow Blogger solved the sorting problem:
https://everydayhomeblog.com/8-tips-for-a-great-laundry-room.html
No. 6: Simplify Sorting Socks
Why is it that no matter how hard you try, socks are going to separate themselves?
If your family consists of more than one family member – sorting socks can become an all consuming task, shoot…even if you live alone, I bet you contend with a lost sock now and then – Right?
Here is a solution that I’ve found to work really well as I’m working with clients.
Grab a different colored mesh bag for each person, hang it on the back of a door, add socks, toss in washer on laundry day then return to sender. Let the owner decide whether or not they want to toss those little boogers into the drawer “sorted or unsorted.”
Nowadays the style is mismatched socks anyway…so who cares as long as they are clean – Right?
No. 7: Make it Pretty and Functionable
Last but not least (in fact this may be the most important tip so far)
Make it pretty and functionable. Period!
Take a look at this laundry room from and see what you can do with only $100 https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/diy/laundry-room-makeover-100/
You already have to spend HOURS in this space, so take the time and effort necessary to make it an enjoyable place to spend your time.
There are literally millions of inspiring ideas on Pinterest and Instagram showing you how to do this – it doesn’t matter how small and gloomy or large and grand a laundry room you have – do the research – there’s a solution out there that perfectly fits your situation.
Just do it! Life is too short to live with an ugly laundry room.
After all, Laundry’s got to be done anyway – you may as well make it FUN!
p.s. One final tip that has helped me over the years –
* Iron 5 pieces a day —
I never have time to spend hours ironing (and wouldn’t even if I had hours) but I’ve found that by just ironing 5 pieces a day I can keep my ironing manageable.
You may be like my friend and leave it on the rack if it requires ironing … (if so) WooHoo for you … but I’ve never been able to do that…so I found a solution that works for me.
Until next week,
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