I think we’d all agree that laundry can be a real chore, especially if you have a big family! So I thought I would share a couple of things that I’ve learned that have helped us “lighten the load” on laundry day. I must confess that these are not entirely original to the Staddon’s, but ideas I have taken advantage of since our move to West Virginia.

My first problem was that the washer & dryer were right in front of the entrance into our house (you know how everyone always comes in the “back way”) so there was no place for the dirty laundry!

My solution was to have all the laundry in the various bedrooms until “laundry day.” There is a laundry basket in the bedroom closet with 4 or 5 plastic grocery bags in each basket. This makes sorting easy (socks in one bag; whites; darks; pants; work clothes). By tying the bags the smell is contained. This means no sorting for me on laundry day!

Also something that is very helpful is to divide it up and do certain people’s laundry on certain days. This makes it easier to sort later. And pinning sock pairs together with safety pins can help solve the ever-present problem of “loners”. Also, combining one older child with a younger child for easy sorting works wonders. The older child can be responsible for his younger siblings clothes before sorting and even doing the washing for both of them (add the bed sheets for full loads).

I find it easier to do the four younger boy’s laundry the same day and then let them watch a favorite video while they sort and fold (It takes longer but everyone is happy and less noisy!)

I hope this helps the laundry blues. Do you have any hints or tips on your laundry days? Your feedback would be appreciated.