But I Need a System (for laundry)
Do you often think that if you just had a system for things that you would have less clutter and more time? I hear that a lot, as I work with busy people all over the country giving them ideas and solutions for clearing the clutter they often ask me to just give them a system they can follow. So I do. For those of you that know me well you know I cut to the chase and give you a real idea that you can really use. But I am noticing an alarming trend, a desire to overcomplicate the idea by adding convoluted systems to your day. Let’s keep it simple! Getting organized truly is as simple as giving everything a home and putting it back as soon as you are done with it. Now I know that might sound easy, but we are often so busy we put the item down planning on getting back to it later or we forget the new system all together. And saving time is as simple as coming up with a routine and sticking to it best we can. Now don’t misunderstand me, I live in the real world too, so I am not suggesting that you should become so regimented that you never stray from your routine or that you jump up when playing with your child to put something away. There is a balance to come up with a simple system that works for you, the to follow it as much as possible. So that’s brings us to a simple system for laundry, here are some ideas if you do not have a plan for dealing with all the dirty clothes then you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed. Here’s a good place to start: 1. Decide where you want dirty clothing to gather. One hamper per bedroom? One hamper per bathroom? Or do you want it all brought to the laundry room? Pick the place and be sure there is a basket or hamper, of the right size, available. 2. Institute a new family rule of all dirty clothing in the right place every day. You can hold laundry for ransom that does not make it in the designated space. And label the bins so family members can sort darks, lights and whites for you. 3. Look at your calendar and choose two days a week that you will do laundry. Write them in pen on the calendar and notify everyone that these are the designated laundry days. 4. Twice weekly collect, wash, dry, and fold the laundry. Decide if you will be returning the clothing to the rooms, you want the clothing picked up in the laundry room, or you will be putting it away in dressers and closets. 5. As you do the laundry be sure to collect items that need mending as well as items that you are willing to pass along to charities. Placing a bag in your closet for charity is a great way to start collecting items. 6. Create a checklist of all the items you like to have on hand for the laundry task. Detergents, dryer sheets, softener, beach, stair remover, and so on. Check your list weekly to replace items that are running low. 7. If you have items that require dry cleaning, consider using a service that offers pick up and delivery. If that is not possible then add dry cleaning to one day on the calendar. And if you have a tangle of dry cleaning hangers that need a home, the Container Store sells a hanger holder for $12.00. www.ContainerStore.com 8. At the start of every month take a look at the family calendar to see what special clothing needs you may have. Earth day at school? You’ll need a green t-shirt. Valentine’s Day, you may want red or pink. A black tie affair, you need to check your little black dress. 9. Add mending to your calendar and do it every month. There will only be a few pieces and may not seem worth it. But 2 buttons takes much less time than waiting until there are 10 to put on. What to do if you are already behind and facing a mountain of laundry? Set aside a day to do a marathon session. Sort like with like and dive in. For easy loads, such as all whites, if you have children that can pitch in ask them to do so. That’s it! You’re done and by keeping up with a similar schedule, you will never face a mountain of laundry again, yes, it can happen. And
it starts with these simple steps. A few more tips: Use a lingerie bag for kid’s socks to keep them together and to avoid them falling over the edge of the washer drum and ruining the washer. Take a clothing paint marker and mark the bottom of the kid’s socks with their initial so it is easier to match them.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
Jamie is writing her next book and can use your help. Most of us have seen books on Time Management, but most are geared toward corporate employees, none are meant for the busy family! Jamie’s will be different, and to make the book the best it can be she needs to know what issues would you like to see addressed? Things like how to save time meal planning, running errands, cleaning, and so on… Your opinion really matters and to thank you for your time Jamie will send her new report, 7 Ways to Find More Space in Your Pantry! This report goes to the first 50 people who hit reply and share their opinion now. HELP ME BY PASSING THIS ON
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