Loads of Laundry

Hey gang...so God has really been teaching me to love every bit of what I do...and when I don't love it, I can still be content in the work of my hands. My last two years have been at a breakneck mama pace for many reasons. Still, me not writing at all would have been torture. I am blessed to be part of a wonderful MOPS group that lets me write and speak now and then. When I couldn't get to my blog...I was able to get to MOPS. So here it is, another reshare, with a promise of MUCH more original stuff to come. 2 weeks until 3/4 are in school all day -- I will miss them, but it will be nice to have time for a slower pace and take my roller skates off!

Without further ado:

Throughout the seasons, one thing remains the same... loads and loads and loads of laundry. Those mountains can be daunting. So here are a few laundry survival tips. Quick organizing efforts may just make the laundry room feel less like the Temple of Doom and more like a cozy little workspace.

» Keep things sorted: Before you even start washing, sorting makes it wash-ready. A sorting center by the machine is great if you have room. You can buy sorting racks with two to four bins, with easy assembly. A more permanent solution is shelving and bins or baskets. A hanging bar with storage shelf (36"), a shelf, and four baskets (1.5 bushels) runs about $35-40, which is the same or less than a sturdy pre-made kit for four dividers. Have separate baskets for each load (work/greasy clothes, jeans, delicates, lights, darks, kid's, towels, etc).  

Using ready to assemble hamper/carts.
Note supplies on the top shelf

Upgraded to a more fixture-like system.

» Keep supplies and hampers handy: Have the room-specific loads stored in those rooms (bedrooms, towels, kitchen), when space allows. Use your vertical space above the machines to store soap, stain remover, softener. Baskets are great for catching small things you use occasionally. Keep a cup on top of the dryer for all the little things your littles have in pockets and laundry baskets (legos, Lincoln logs, quarters and rocks...yeah).

» One room at a time: When doing kid laundry, which goes to another room entirely, do one room at a time. For us this also works with upstairs towels and downstairs towels. Wash, dry, fold, hang, and away we go.

» Fold as it comes out: This means you don't allow yourself to toss it aside. Keep the dryer and washer clear as a folding station. Hanging is the same concept: hang it fresh and warm to prevent wrinkles. Laundry in baskets tends to sit...for days...and collect wrinkles...and really, who wants to iron everything? When all else fails, toss a wrinkled shirt in with the next load then hang immediately, still warm, when the load is dry. 

» Put it away right away: Piles on the furniture, folded laundry that gets knocked over and needs refolded, baskets that end up with dirty piled on top of clean, kids hollering for pants from the other end of the house. These are stressful things; skip them all together.

» Put things away where you use them: Store clean sheets under beds in plastic tubs (under-bed size) or in the respective room's closet or dresser. Towels in a cabinet or drawer in the bathroom or kitchen. Bibs in a bag on the high chair. Cleaning rags in the cabinet with cleaners. Shop rags in the shop. You get the idea.

» A load a day: This is a FlyLady.net thing...throw a load in every morning, change it over to the dryer in the afternoon. Fold it as it comes out. Now, you may have more than seven loads in a week; some days may need extra attention -- pick one where you are home all day and run big loads (like kids' laundry) it in between your other to-dos. 

» Stop stains: Pretreat bad ones, use a laundry booster on tough loads, and NEVER dry in the dryer until the stain is out. A daily load of wash helps in this, the older the stain, the more set it is. This will save money, too, by preventing replacement purchases.

» Save money: Making your own soap can save a bundle (pennies a load). Use reusable dryer balls instead of fabric softener (better for allergies anyway). If you go for store bought soap, get a combo with stain fighters so you aren't buying a separate product. Stock up when you see rock bottom prices. Air dry outside when weather allows...this is also somewhat therapeutic...and mindless. 

» Get kids involved: Empower them to help you keep up on it all. Even the littlest ones (walkers and older) can put the laundry in a hamper. Save your back and get them to help toss stuff in the dryer or hand it up to you from the basket if hanging them outside. Older ones can put their own stuff away.

» Spruce it up: There is nothing like a redo to get you recharged and remotivated. Paint the walls, add new storage, or thrift shop for a few decorative touches. $20 can go far in uplifting your spirit while doing tedious chores. On the free side, clean (FlyLady says once a month). Banish dust bunnies, fur balls, and cobwebs. Wipe down the surfaces. Run a ghost load now and then with bleach or another washer safe disinfectant. Brush the lint trap and tubing.

This is not an exhaustive list -- everyone has their own tips for laundry.

I loved this post on MOB Society -- one of my very favorite blogs. http://www.themobsociety.com/2014/09/22/laundry-boys-five-tips/
This one was shared by MoneySavingMom http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/59997/laundry-hacks-busy-moms

I will add more links as I find useful information ... because we're all in this together!

Laundry does not have to overwhelm you. But you can have fun with it. 

A friend pinned a cute quip: "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run!"

Always laugh often friends!

As read in the MOPS newsletter, March 2014. [Mama pulling double duty].