5 Laundry Day Strategies For Those who Hate Doing It

I love clean clothes, but I hate doing laundry. When I say I hate doing laundry. I mean it from the bottom of my soul which is exactly where all my laundry belongs. I’d rather watch paint dry, because every time I see a full laundry basket of clothes, my soul assumes the fetal position on said bathroom floor. 

For the last two weeks, I had a pile of clean laundry sitting in one corner of my bedroom floor waiting to be folded, because I simply did not have the time or energy to do it. I know so many of us have been there, and that is okay from time to time, but we don’t want to make that a habit. Otherwise, this is where things can get out of control.

So, here are some laundry strategies that might help if you don’t like doing laundry or just hate it. This strategy is also for people who have to go out to a laundromat, because let’s be real, we do not all have washer dryers at home.

1. Schedule laundry around your routine

Now that I have a washer dryer at home, I can easily throw in a load while I do things like cooking or doing an activity with the kids. For people who have to go out, incorporate laundry on a day when you can really allocate the time to make it happen. I strongly encourage once a week whether you’re single or a larger family.

2. Fold right away

The most important part after the washer and dryer have done their job is to fold immediately after. There is the temptation sometimes that you will get to it tomorrow, but I encourage you to do it while it’s warm. Plus who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of warm laundry.

3. Do smaller loads

The sight of a big pile of laundry can be so discouraging, so you can try doing a load every two days if you have a washer dryer at home. For the laundromat crew, I would still say once a week, because that can be a whole event, but if possible, try twice a week. This can help you feel less overwhelmed and make laundry part of your normal routine.

4. Use baskets 

There are a few things I refuse to fold, especially for my kids. I do not fold my kids’ pajamas, but simply throw it in a basket. We also have baskets for underwear and socks, which they have to match themselves. You can opt out of matching socks quite honestly. As long as the right size goes to the right person, the will figure it out. It also doesn’t matter how many people I watch who beautifully fold underwear and socks, I will never be that person. I fold the things that need folding.

5. Get the kids involved

Kids need to learn how to be responsible for their things in small ways. Yesterday, I handed my 8 year old daughter a small pile of dresses and some hangers and asked that she arrange it. She did an excellent job. They also help with the sorting of laundry sometimes and my younger daughter also helps in the matching of the socks. It may seem like something small, but it is a great way to get them involved.

The less complicated the better it is for those of us who like clean clothes, but altogether do not like this process. Maybe one day, we will actually enjoy doing laundry, but for now, let's do what is needed to keep our families clean.