The laundry procrastinator’s guide to cleaner clothes
Let’s face it: laundry is the chore that never ends. You wash, you fold, and before you know it, there’s another pile staring back at you. But why do we hate it so much? According to psychologists, it’s a combination of the repetitive nature of the task and the lack of immediate gratification.
Laundry doesn’t give you that quick “done and dusted” feeling; it lingers, just like that odd sock you can never find. Procrastination sets in because, well, who wants to tackle something that’s so mind-numbingly mundane? The point is, laundry burnout is real.
Hate doing laundry? You’re in good company
A recent survey revealed that laundry is America’s third least favorite chore. Are you part of that statistic? Well, it’s time to rekindle your relationship with laundry (or at least not be left with that mountain of clothes that guilt trips you every time you pass it). Here are some suggestions to make it happen:
1. Don’t do your laundry
Does that mean living with dirty clothes forever? Of course not! We never said don’t get your laundry done; we meant you don’t do it yourself. Why wrestle with piles of dirty clothes when you can outsource the whole ordeal? Make use of laundry pickup services in your local area.
How does it work? Well, you pack up your dirty clothes, schedule a pickup, and voilà—clean, folded laundry appears at your doorstep. No more late-night folding marathons or weekend laundry binges. Instead, spend your time binge-watching that new series, taking a leisurely stroll in Centennial Park, or catching up on that book you’ve been neglecting.
Outsourcing your laundry isn’t just about convenience; it’s a brilliant move to reclaim your time and sanity. So, sit back, relax, and let the professionals handle the dirty work.
2. Set a laundry routine—and stick to it!
Laundry procrastination is a real problem. One of the best ways to beat it is by setting a laundry routine and never skipping it. Be disciplined with yourself and avoid letting the laundry pile reach epic proportions. Why not do your laundry every Monday to start fresh? Or whenever your laundry bag is about three-quarters full, schedule some laundry time.
Creating a habit takes time, but once it’s set, it becomes second nature. Experts say it takes about 66 days to form a habit, so start small and be consistent. Pick a laundry day (or two) each week and stick to it like it’s your favorite TV show. By doing this, you’ll prevent the laundry mountain from growing and make the task more manageable.
Not only will a routine help you stay on top of your laundry, but it will also free up mental space. You won’t constantly think, “I really need to do laundry”. Instead, you’ll know exactly when it’s happening, leaving you more time to enjoy life without the lingering dread of laundry duty. And if your schedule is just too hectic, revisit point number 1 above.
3. Make laundry day more fun
Turns out, positive associations can turn even the most dreaded tasks into something bearable. Studies show that pairing a boring chore with something enjoyable can create a positive reinforcement loop in your brain. So, let’s put that science to work on laundry day.
While your laundry is spinning, you’ve got about an hour and a half of free time. Why not make the most of it? Take your dog for a walk, grab a coffee with a friend, or get stuck into a hobby you never have time for. It’s your chance to sneak in some “me time”.
Then, when the laundry needs your hands-on attention—hanging and folding—don’t let your mind go numb. Queue up that podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to, binge-watch a show, or crank up some tunes. Keeping your mind entertained makes the task fly by.
By mixing laundry with things you enjoy, you create a positive spin on the whole process.
4. Take laundry day in turns
Why should one person shoulder all the laundry burden? Share the load—literally! Taking turns with your roommates, family, or partner can make laundry day feel less like a chore and more like a team effort.
Think about it: if everyone in your household rotates laundry duty, that’s fewer laundry days for you. Plus, it brings a sense of fairness and balance to the household chores. And hey, it can even be a bonding experience (yes, really).
Here’s how you can make it work:
- Set up a simple rotation schedule where everyone knows their laundry day. You can even mark it on a shared calendar to keep things organized.
- Make sure everyone knows the basics—like separating whites from colors and not overloading the machine. A quick household meeting to establish these rules can go a long way.
- Turn laundry day into a fun challenge. Whoever gets the laundry done the fastest or with the least complaints gets a reward—maybe choosing the next movie for a family night or skipping a less-favored chore.
- For larger families, pairing up can make the process quicker and more enjoyable. One person loads and unloads while the other handles the folding and putting away.
Sharing the responsibility means that laundry day becomes less daunting and more manageable. So, next time laundry day rolls around, pass the baton. Or if you’d rather secure that precious time together, with nobody on chore-duty, simply outsource the task!
5. Give your laundry room a revamp.
A cluttered space can make any task feel overwhelming. Tidy space, tidy mind—it’s a mantra that holds especially true for your laundry room. Giving this often-overlooked area a makeover can make laundry day far more efficient and less stressful.
First, invest in some organization tools. Use separate bins for whites, darks, and colors. This way, sorting is done as you go, saving you from the chaos of last-minute sorting on laundry day. Install shelves or cabinets to keep detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry essentials neatly stored and easily accessible. No more hunting for that missing sock or lost bottle of stain remover.
Adding a hanging rod for air-drying delicate items and a folding station for convenience ensures you have dedicated spots for every step of the process, reducing clutter and confusion.
Then, consider adding some personal touches to brighten up the space. Good lighting and a splash of color can make a big difference. Maybe add a fun sign or some plants to give the room a fresh, inviting feel. After all, if you have to spend time in there, it might as well be pleasant. Install a small speaker so you can listen to your favorite tunes or podcasts while you work.
Finally, keep things in check with regular tidying. Spend a few minutes tidying up the laundry room after each use. Wipe down surfaces, put away supplies, and make sure everything is in its place. A clean, organized space will always be more inviting and efficient.
Too much work? Thought so. Door-to-door laundry services have already got the tidy game down.
You can learn to love laundry (especially if you’re not doing it)
Let’s face it: laundry is never going to be the highlight of your week. But with a few clever strategies, it doesn’t have to be a dreaded task either. Whether you’re outsourcing to a laundry service, setting a solid routine, making laundry day more enjoyable, sharing the load with others, or revamping your laundry space, there are plenty of ways to take the sting out of this never-ending task. So next time your laundry pile starts giving you the side-eye, remember these tips and take control of the chore that everyone hates.