In many households, laundry is a chore that everyone dreads. It's a never-ending circle of drudgery, but the work can be minimized by getting into a routine that you can live with. But how do you decide what will work for you?

 

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There is no such thing as ONE system that will work for everyone. By picking and choosing from the list of ideas here, you can customize a system that will help you master your laundry pile and make it a liveable, and maybe even a likeable, part of living. Simply choose from the tips and ideas listed here to customize your own master laundry plan.

Divide and Conquer

 

• Designate certain days of the week to do laundry (i.e. Saturdays, every other Wednesday, the 1st and 15th of each month, etc.) and log it into your planner or family calendar.
  
  
• Go through the house and collect the dirty laundry every day. Put it in a centrally located hamper.
  
  
• Have a designated spot for all dirty clothes so that each family member can help.
  
  
• Put a basket for collecting dirty clothes in each person's bedroom.
  
  
• Plan and utilize your time well while clothes are washing and/or drying.
  
  
• Mark labels of clothes with initials of children who wear similar sizes or outfits.

Detergents

 

• Install or utilize existing shelving for your detergent, bleach and fabric softeners.
  
  
• Use an over-the-sink basket to hold detergents.
  
  
• Pre-measure your laundry soaps, powders and softeners to use in a snap.
  
  
• If you travel to the Laundromat to wash clothes, keep a tote with your laundry supplies in the trunk of your car, and use film canisters to collect quarters in.
  
  
• Keep a pre-treating stick or spray bottle in your dirty clothes baskets in order to pre-treat stains right away.
  

Before the Wash

 

• Use plastic milk crates, tall kitchen garbage pails, large buckets, small laundry baskets, or you can purchase a tri-section laundry sorter for sorting dirty laundry.
  
  
• Have a designated basket that is specifically for stained clothing only.
  
  
• Use zipper mesh lingerie bags for each person's socks; these can be washed, dried and returned to their owner all in one pouch.
  
  
• Avoid the mounds by following the rule: as soon as a basket fills, wash it.
  
  
• For easy sorting for every family member, post signs above sorters or use color-coded containers.
  
  
• Sort clothes according to whites, reds and darks.
  
  
• Sort delicates and towels separately.

The Wash

 

• Vow to do at least one load per day, more if possible.
  
  
• Arrange it so that the first person to get home starts the washer.
  
  
• Keep a basket or two handy for removing clothes from the dryer for folding.
  
  
• Set an egg timer so you don't forget to check on your loads!
  
  
• Keep a small basket or clothespin bag next to your washer or dryer for orphan socks.

Folding and Putting Away

 

• Fold clothes as soon as you remove them from the dryer.
  
  
• Put clothes away after folding, or designate certain days each week to put away folded clothes.
  
  
• Make it a game to get the kids involved — sit in a circle with clothes in the middle, have everyone fold and put clothes into piles.
  
  
• Fold clothes in front of the TV or while helping kids with their homework.
  
  
• Teach kids to fold their own clothes, start them on towels and dish cloths.
  
  
• Use a table by the dryer to put folded clothes on. When the table is full, put the clothes away.
  
  
• Use small plastic baskets to sort folded clothes into. Have children pick up their baskets and put their clothes away.
  
  
• Purchase an inexpensive tension shower rod to hang clothes as they come out of the dryer.

 

Create your plan, stick to it, and you'll be on top of the laundry pile before you know it!

 

 

 

About Amanda Formaro

As seen on FamilyCorner.com. Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com Magazine, from which she operates several free newsletters, including her favorite, "Comforts of Home." To subscribe send an email message to: kitchen-on@mail-list.com