5 Pro Tips for Creating Effective Family Laundry Systems!

Cheers, Families! Let's be honest, laundry is probably no one's favorite chore. But with a few clever tricks and a little organization, we can make the whole process easier and maybe even enjoyable (okay, maybe that's a stretch, but we can try!). Our comprehensive course Home Organization Kickstart: Create Systems that Stick (on a SUPER once-in-a-lifetime promotion as we launch this new course!) covers decluttering, organization, and comprehensive organizational systems development for all major spaces in the home, including the laundry room, but here are a few simple hacks to make your laundry room a more functional and less chaotic space:

1. BEST TIP EVER! 1 Laundry Basket for EACH Person in the House: Skip the single hamper! At our house, everyone has a hamper in their bedroom/personal space (if two or more people share a room, you can decide whether it is more beneficial to have 1 basket per room). Once per week (whenever the hamper gets full, or however often you decide for different personal needs), laundry gets done based on the room/person! This eliminates hours of SORTING per week! The person responsible for the clothing (children of all ages can do this! My children were 5 when they started doing laundry independently!) simply puts their clean laundry pile away (Controversial TOPIC!: I recommend ELIMINATING folding for children's clothes, and having BASKETS in their room/closet that they can CHOOSE whether they get folded or not! This FREES UP SOOOO MUCH TIME, EMPOWERS children (young and old) to do their own laundry, and creates INDEPENDENCE, teaching life skills!).

   This simple change makes sorting clothes as you go a breeze. ***For ADULT clothing, labelling a multi-divider laundry basket with "lights," "darks," "towels," etc., can be helpful in keeping clothing fresh and colors bright! This saves so much time on sorting day as well!

2. Lost Sock Central: We've all been there – one sock goes in, but only one comes out. Create a designated "Lost Sock" basket or bin. When that lone sock emerges from the dryer, toss it in the bin. Every few weeks, go through it and reunite those lost souls. You'll be surprised how many pairs you can rescue!

3. The Wall-Mounted Drying Rack: If space is tight, a wall-mounted drying rack is a lifesaver. It folds away neatly when not in use and provides a perfect spot to air-dry delicates or items that can't go in the dryer. Plus, it's much more convenient than draping things over chairs or banisters.

4. Stain Removal Station: Keep a small basket or caddy stocked with stain removal essentials: stain remover pens or wipes, a spray bottle with a DIY stain solution (like equal parts water and white vinegar), and a scrub brush. Having everything in one place makes tackling stains a breeze and increases the chances of successfully rescuing clothes.

5. Schedule it in and Gamify It: Instead of letting laundry pile up, create a laundry schedule that works for your family. Maybe it's a specific day for each type of laundry, or maybe it's breaking it into smaller loads throughout the week. To make it more fun (especially for kids), turn laundry time into a game. Set a timer, see how fast you can put your clothes away, or have a friendly competition to see who can match the most socks.

Bonus Tip: A little essential oil on a dryer ball can make your laundry room smell amazing! Lavender is calming, citrus is refreshing, and peppermint is invigorating – pick your favorite!

Remember, a clean and organized laundry room can make the whole process less of a chore. By implementing these simple life hacks, you can streamline your routine, keep things tidy, and even make laundry day a little more enjoyable (or at least, less dreadful). Now go forth and conquer those laundry baskets!