Laundry is by far my most disliked household chore of all.
I would rather scrub toilets...true story!
The picture above shows the laundry pile I had last week. That was just the clothes that needed to be hung up.
In our home, with 8 people, it is very easy to fall behind on the laundry. It spreads like wild fire and regenerates by the minute.
I've had plenty of laundry systems but most fell through for a few reasons. One being that I wasn't consistent enough with them and two being that I just loathe laundry. I've learned that it's not necessarily the system that is failing but more my negative reaction to laundry itself.
So in an effort to tame our own laundry monster and give me my sanity back I decided it was time for a new laundry system and new habits associated with said laundry!
To begin with, let's take a look at my new laundry schedule.
Mondays - Mine and Drew's clothes
Tuesday - McKenzie and The Littles' clothes
Wednesday - Towels
Thursday - Boys' clothes
Friday - All bed sheets, Drew's work uniforms
Aside from that, McKenzie and the boys' school uniforms will have to be washed every other day. We decided that since the 3 boys practically wear the same size there was no point in buying 5 sets of uniforms for each boy --they have 6-7 sets to share between them.
What works best for us is to split up which clothes are washed daily so that I don't end up needing to wash 3-4 loads a day because that is when I fall behind. Now this schedule sometimes requires 2 loads a day but that's a lot better for me than anything else!
Laundry Tips
1. Set up a schedule/routine.
-Find what works for your family's needs and size. It may be washing 1 load every day or splitting it up like we have done.
2. Make sure everyone/room has their own hamper and uses it.
-It takes a lot longer if you have to go hunting for clothes so making sure you can go right to where you need to get the clothes makes it easier. Our boys are world's worst about shoving dirty clothes in their closet or under beds. I'll get all the clothes washed then find more stuffed in other places and have to start all over again.
3. Set a timer for each load. As soon as the timer goes off switch the clothes from washer to dryer to laundry basket. Fold or hang up the clothes immediately to avoid wrinkles or procrastination!!
4. Get the kids to help.
-Instead of me having to put away everyone's clothes I have enlisted the help of our kids. They will each put up their own laundry as well as towels in their bathroom and occasionally kitchen towels/rags. That leaves me to put away mine, Drew's, and the Littles' clothes--half the laundry!
5. Make sure you always have laundry supplies on hand.
-There's nothing like going to wash a load of clothes only to find out you don't have any more detergent or running out in between loads. I can't just "run" to the store without spending an hour in there so it really sets me back if I run out in the middle of the day!
Laundry doesn't have to take over your home.
With just a little consistency and time you can have this little chore knocked out with no stress!!
So...on that note...I have laundry to get to!!
Have a blessed day,
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