Getting organized with laundry involves optimizing your space, streamlining your supplies, establishing routines, and managing clean clothes effectively.
Optimizing Your Laundry Space
A well-organized laundry area can significantly speed up and simplify the process.
Prioritize a Functional Layout
Start by creating a functional layout that makes sense for your space and workflow. This might involve arranging sorting bins near the washer, placing drying racks or hanging space close to the dryer, and ensuring easy access to detergents and other supplies.
Organize Your Supplies
Keep your laundry supplies tidy and accessible.
- Decant High-Use Products: Transfer frequently used items like detergent pods, powder, or fabric softener into easy-to-access, aesthetically pleasing containers. This helps manage bulk packaging and keeps surfaces tidy.
- Make All Supplies Visible: Ensure all your laundry essentials—from stain removers to dryer sheets—are easy to see and reach. Use shelves, clear bins, or drawers to prevent items from getting lost or cluttering the space.
Streamlining the Process
Establishing routines and designated spots for clean laundry helps prevent piles from accumulating.
Implement a Schedule
Consistency is key. Implement a schedule for doing laundry. This could be a specific day or two each week, or splitting tasks like washing on one day and folding on another. A routine helps prevent the laundry from becoming overwhelming.
Create an Order
Establish a clear order or flow for your laundry process, from collecting dirty clothes to putting away clean ones. This could involve steps like:
- Sorting clothes
- Washing
- Drying
- Folding or hanging
- Putting away
Having a defined process reduces decision fatigue and keeps you on track.
Managing Clean Laundry
The last step in the laundry cycle is putting clothes away. Organizing for this step is crucial.
Add "Clothes to Put Away" Baskets
Designate baskets or bins specifically for clean clothes that are waiting to be put away. Adding "Clothes to Put Away" baskets helps contain items that haven't made it to drawers or closets yet, keeping them folded or neat rather than in a messy pile.
Add Hanging Space
Install hanging space in or near your laundry area. This allows you to immediately hang items that shouldn't be folded, like shirts, dresses, or delicate items, as soon as they come out of the dryer or off the drying rack.
Keep Hangers on Hand
Ensure you keep hangers on hand in your laundry space. This makes it convenient to hang items right away, saving time and preventing clothes from getting wrinkled while waiting to be transported to the closet.
Here's a simple way to visualize a potential routine:
| Day | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Wash & Dry | Sort lights, darks, delicates. |
| Sunday | Fold & Put Away | Hang items needing hangers immediately. |
| Mid-Week | Wash Towels/Bedding | As needed. |
By combining spatial organization, supply management, a routine, and systems for handling clean clothes, you can create a more efficient and less daunting laundry process.
