Does laundry never seem to end? Has your child missed a special day because their favorite top was not cleaned? Did they have to wear a dirty uniform to a game? Did you want to wear favorite dress out only to discover it was dirty? Let’s clear some physical clutter as get ready for back to school.
Don’t forget to check out the second part of my laundry blog coming August 23rd.
It’s Laundry Time! Here are some laundry statistics from about.com.
The average American family does 8–10 loads of laundry each week.
A single load of laundry, from wash to dry, takes an average of one hour and twenty-seven minutes to complete.
Only 21.2 percent of American households use a clothesline.
Because I like to be green, I wanted to share some statistics. I have had HE washer and dryer for years and our home is one of the most energy efficient in our neighborhood—our power company sends us quarterly updates.
If you are looking to by HE washers, this may motivate you. Even if you don’t care about the polar bears, being green can save you money. According to Grand Valley State University:
7,000 gallons amount of water saved per year by a typical front-loading washing machine compared to a top-loading washing machine.
34 million tons amount of carbon dioxide emissions that would be saved if every household in the United States used only cold water for washing clothes.
99 pounds amount of carbon dioxide emissions saved per household each year by running only full loads of laundry.
How Can I Organize My Laundry?
Routine is key. I have an earlier podcast where I talk about creating routines and how they save you time. Decide what days of the week will be laundry days. Even if you have a big family, don’t do laundry every day. Designate specific days.
Have a Family rule that dirty laundry must be placed in the hamper before the next laundry day. I am a huge fan of color-coding and if you are able, continue it here with different colored laundry baskets for each person. This will make dividing and putting away clothes easier. Use clothespins to designate what clothes have stains and where the stain is located.
Note on your calendar any special clothing school days like green for earth day. Check the calendar in advance to be sure special items are laundered in time.
Organizing Your Laundry Area
Ideally, you will have a good size area with counter space for folding and that is well lit to see stains. My current set up is in a laundry closet and even with a hallway light I have to take clothes into the kitchen to treat stains. I also have to fold on top of the dryer and if I have a load or two I am out of luck.
Store detergents out of the reach of small children. Ideally, you will have room to store laundry baskets when not in use. If you are tight on space you can install a retractable clothesline or use a freestanding drying rack. I have an inside the closet door that stores my ironing rack and iron.
Separate clothes by color and level of dirtiness. Wash lint givers like towels separately from link takers like fleece garments.
Don’t forget to clean your laundry machine every so often. Run a cycle (without clothes) and use a cup of bleach. Make sure you run a full cycle and use the rinse cycle.
How do you need to organize your laundry area? What do you need to take into considerartion when organzing your laundry? Do you have a laundry routine? How can you begin a laundry routine?
DIY Options to Clear Clutter
Purchase Julie’s books on how to clear clutter from your life: https://reawakenyourbrilliance.com/shop/
Subscribe to Clear Your Clutter Inside & Out Podcast https://reawakenyourbrilliance.com/resources-concierge-services/podcasts/self-help-podcast/
Check out more of my decluttering tips and how to get organized on my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/SeibertRadio?feature=watch
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