Managing laundry can feel daunting with all the steps involved. From sorting to washing, a bit of organization can make everything smoother.
To streamline the washing process, experts recommend implementing some effective home organization methods. Here are six strategies that can ease your laundry load.
6 Smart Organizing Hacks to Simplify Your Laundry Routine
There are plenty of time-saving laundry hacks, but they only work if you maintain organization throughout the week.
Here's how to simplify laundry.
1. Invest in Split Laundry Bins for Easy Sorting
Many wonder if it's necessary to sort laundry, and the answer is yes. To keep on top of things, consider getting a split laundry hamper for pre-sorting. This tip comes from Nicole Gabai, a professional organizer.
"Having two laundry bins in your closet for darks and lights is a great time-saver. This way, it's easy to toss in a quick load when needed," she suggests.
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These laundry hampers help separate loads ahead of time and make transporting them to the machine easier. They simplify the entire washing process.
Nicole founded B. Organized over two decades ago and is a Golden Circle member of NAPO – the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals. She's also written the best-selling book The Art of Organization, available at Amazon.
2. Create a Dedicated Area for Drying Clothes
While many opt for the dryer to quickly dry clothes, having a specific space for air-drying delicates can significantly reduce laundry-related stress, according to Danielle Dorn, creative director and organizer at mDesign.
She advises that wall-mounted hooks or mDesign's Over Door Fold Out Drying Rack are more effective than tension rods for drying clothes since they can support more weight.
3. Allocate Flat Space for Sorting Near Washing Machines
Having ample workspace near your washing machine can be a game-changer, suggests Nicole Gabai. She says, "The best laundry rooms have flat surfaces above the washer/dryer and shelving overhead. If your machines are stacked, find a nearby surface for folding shelves and use various containers to hold smaller laundry items like stain removers and dryer sheets."
4. Consider Downsizing Your Closet
Your closet might not be the first consideration for laundry efficiency, but Will Cotter, COO at FreshSpace Cleaning, suggests that decluttering can ease your laundry burden. Fewer clothes mean fewer items to wash.
"Regularly donating or selling clothes you no longer wear reduces laundry volume. This not only helps you but also supports those in need. Plus, having less clothing means you'll spend less time in the laundry room and less time folding," he explains.
5. Establish a Laundry Schedule
Checklists aren't just for big cleaning sessions – having a laundry checklist can help you manage your loads more efficiently, says Angela Rubin, cleaning expert and content manager at Hellamaid.
She insists that a regular laundry schedule can revolutionize your approach to the task. "It sets aside specific time for laundry, preventing last-minute marathons and making it easier to keep up with smaller loads regularly," she explains.
"Also, knowing your laundry days takes away the guesswork and reduces decision fatigue associated with when to do laundry."
6. Choose Clothing Wisely
Beyond organizing your closet, think about the materials you're buying. Choosing easy-care fabrics can simplify your laundry routine.
"When shopping, opt for materials that are simple to wash and don't require extra care," Angela Rubin suggests. "Fabrics like cotton and most synthetic blends are usually easier than delicate materials like silk. Always check laundry symbols before you buy."
FAQs
What's the best way to simplify laundry sorting?
Assign each family member a pre-sorted laundry hamper. On laundry day, collect from one section before moving to another later.
How can I reduce time spent folding laundry?
To speed up folding, consider hanging items that can go straight to the closet. Standardizing your folding method can also make it feel less daunting. File folding is a great option that saves space in drawers.
There are ways to shorten your washing machine's run time too, making the process quicker. Lowering the temperature can reduce heating time and using a gentler spin cycle can protect clothing fibers, ultimately saving on laundry costs. It's a win-win.
