Keeping up with the laundry when you’ve got a large family can seem like a never-ending task. There’s always more added to the pile, especially with kids who tend to get their clothes dirty more often than not.
Here are some tips to implement into your laundry routine to make your system a bit more efficient:
Cut down on the amount of clothes you have
This advice may seem clear-cut, but it’s one of the first things to start with when you want to make a change in your routine. Take the time to sort through your and your kids’ clothes and get rid of any that you haven’t worn in the past year.
You’ll be surprised at how many things are just taking up space in the back of your closet, or you might re-discover something you’d forgotten about.
Match the socks
If you have kids, you know what a hassle it is to have to match colorful, design-heavy pairs of socks. Somehow, it seems like they’re always disappearing.
The solution to this problem is simple—buy all your socks in the same color! It’s a simple life hack that saves you the time you spend matching each individual pair.
Have separate laundry baskets
Have a separate laundry basket for each of your kids. You can put it in their rooms and even teach them about separating the colors so they can help you out and reduce some of the preparation work.
In addition to the laundry baskets, you can buy mesh bags to wash delicates and smaller items in. This way, you won’t ever have to worry about misplacing socks and underwear.
Be organized
Organization is the key to an easy life! Before you start the cycle, it’s helpful to have all the things you need on hand. Different clothes may even require different types of detergent, so have them labeled properly to avoid any mix-ups. Detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are useful to keep on hand, while the rest can be stashed away in cabinets or drawers.
Though it’s hard to always stay on track, having a schedule in place can significantly reduce the stress that comes with chores. Tackle smaller loads at times to avoid being overwhelmed.
Have everyone participate
If you have a big family, having everyone help out a little goes a long way when it comes to tackling chores. You can assign an age-appropriate task and have your kids participate by sorting out their own laundry. If they’re old enough, they can handle loading the washer and dryer some days.
You can designate a specific day for everyone to do their laundry if you have a schedule in place. By doing this, you effectively stop the laundry from accumulating so that you won’t have to deal with it later.
Implement good wearing habits
Most people aren’t aware of how often they wash their clothes. If you’re throwing your clothes in the basket after just one use, you can actually cause them more harm and damage them in the long run.
Certain materials, like denim, can be worn up to five times before they need a proper wash. Garments that usually go over your clothes, such as vests or hoodies, also don’t have to be washed as often.
Take a break from time to time
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. If you don’t have the energy or time to tackle your laundry alone, don’t hesitate to contact a local service for help. Many businesses, such as this one for dry cleaning in NJ, offer a full service package that includes pick-up, washing, drying, ironing, and a delivery service.
These types of services are perfect for anyone looking to take a break. If you haven’t cleaned your more delicate items, such as suits and blazers, it’s also a good opportunity to get those handled as well as your usual load.
