5 Simple Laundry Habits That Will Make Wash Day Much Easier
Laundry is one of those tasks that never really ends. Just when you think you’re done, the basket starts to fill again, ad infinitum. But with a few smart changes to how you approach it, you can make the laundry process much smoother and far less time-consuming. Here are some simple, thoughtful habits that help you take control of laundry day with less stress.
Sort as You Go
Instead of waiting until laundry day to dig through piles of clothes, use separate baskets for lights, darks, and delicates (or however else you separate your laundry) throughout the week. It saves you from having to dig through everything later, so when wash day comes, it’s all in place and ready to go. You can use seperate hampers, or specialized hampers that have multiple components for laundry sorting.
Wash Smaller Loads More Often
Large loads seem more efficient since you’re doing laundry ‘less often,’ but they often take longer to dry and don’t always come out as clean. More, smaller loads move more freely in the drum, meaning better results and fewer re-washes. If you’re struggling with a packed laundry day, spreading it out during the week makes things feel lighter and more manageable. It also keeps clothes from piling up into a mountain of stress.
Use a Timer to Stay on Track
It’s easy to throw a load in and forget about it until hours later. Using a timer, whether on your phone or otherwise, helps you keep on top of when it’s time to switch things over. It prevents damp clothes from sitting too long and keeps your whole laundry flow moving forward. Staying on schedule also means you’re less likely to leave laundry hanging around unfinished.
Keep a “Wear Again” Basket
Not every item needs to be washed after one use. Jeans, sweaters, or that hoodie you wore for just an hour can usually go another round, if not a few. Designate a clean spot for lightly worn clothes that aren’t dirty but aren’t quite ready to go back in the drawer. This helps cut down on unnecessary laundry, saves detergent, and gives your clothes a longer life by avoiding overwashing.
Fold Straight from the Dryer
It’s tempting to let clean clothes sit in the basket “for now” once they’re dry and ready to be folded, but that often leads to wrinkled piles and extra work later. If you fold or hang items right as they come out of the dryer, they stay smoother and are put away immediately. It’s one less step hanging over your head. Even doing this with just part of the load helps keep the momentum going.
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Laundry might never be fun, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating. By building simple systems that work for you and sticking to them, you’ll find the work gets done with much less hassle. And the best part? You’ll spend less time in the laundry room and more time doing everything else.
Daniel Mitchell
