Do you ever feel overwhelmed by laundry?

Fear not, mama. The simplified laundry routine I’m sharing today is not only a simple habit to build, but is an absolute game-changer!

As I was planning this post on developing a laundry routine that actually works, I felt like I needed to start with some encouraging words for you today. Words that really have nothing to do with laundry itself, but that may shift perspective as we determine how we can truly simplify this area of our life – the day to day, never ending task of doing laundry.

This particular household chore can often leave us feeling like we can “never keep up”, or “get it all done”.  I feel like we’ve all been there! And, so I want these words to settle into your heart and mind first, and then we’ll get to the logistics of setting up a simplified routine in your home … I promise!

You are more than enough.

Whether you get to that load of laundry each morning, or have heaps piled up in your bedroom, you are more than enough.

Whether you’ve perfected your morning routine, or are still trying to figure it out, you are more than enough.

Whether you’re super motivated or just really tired, you are more than enough.

You are right where you are supposed to be. You are exactly who your family needs. You are more than enough.

We are so hard on ourselves! We have high expectations and are often living in a place of disappointment. And, that needs to stop! Because, you are more than enough. Simply because you are you.

Ok, now that we’ve been filled with some encouragement, let’s get right into the details of a simple yet profound laundry routine that has turned my world upside down (in a good way!).

The 5 Essential Steps of a Simplified Laundry Routine

1) One Small Load a Day Keeps the Heaps of Laundry Away! 

A few years ago, while reading “A Simplified Life” by Emily Ley, I discovered that she recommends doing one small load of laundry a day. I decided to give it a try and have never looked back.

Leading up to this new approach to doing laundry, I had a day where I needed to play “catch up” so we could start with a fresh slate. Once all our laundry had been washed, dried and put away, I put one laundry basket in the hall close to our bedrooms and asked everyone to put any dirty laundry in the one bin. For our family of four, we usually end up with about half a bin of dirty laundry to wash each day. If you have a smaller family, it may work better for you to do a small load once every other day.

2) Do Your Laundry First Thing

First thing in the morning, I take down the one bin of dirty laundry and throw it in the washing machine. While I’m making my coffee and doing my devotional the laundry is going. It’s ready to be thrown in the dryer by the time the girls are up and I’m preparing their breakfast. The key is to discover triggers that remind you to put your laundry in and then move it over to the dryer.

3) Use the “Speed Wash” Function 

Speed Wash on our laundry machine takes 37 minutes and so you don’t miss the opportunity to put your wet clothes in the dryer before heading out for the day. It saves time and our clothes are coming out just as clean because its a small load each day!

4) Put Your Wet Laundry In the Dryer Right Away

I don’t even want to admit how many times I’ve forgotten that I have laundry in the washing machine.. and when I wasn’t doing laundry daily it could sit in there for a few days before I remembered it. Yuck. The smell of musty wet laundry is something I’d rather forget. And, it was a waste of time, because I was forced to have to wash that same load of laundry over again.

With this simple daily method, you know you are only completing the one load a day, so as soon as you hear the beep from the washing machine telling you its done, throw that laundry into the dryer! With a small load, it usually only takes about 45 minutes to fully dry.

5) Fold and Put Away Each Day

In order for this system to work seamlessly, you need to make sure that the laundry is folded and put away each day. Think about a time that works best for you and make it a routine. In our day, I find that when the girls are in the bath before bedtime it gives me a few minutes to put away the laundry and I can still keep an eye on them. And, remember with this method, it only takes minutes to put away the small amount of clothes you will have each day.

Helpful Clothing Organization Tips

As you embrace this one small load a day routine, you may notice that you and your family are only wearing a small percentage of your clothing.

• Consider releasing the clothes that your family never wears. If the clothing you are parting with is in good shape, you can sell or donate them. When you open your closet, you will be greeted by clothing that you love, feel great in and wear on a regular basis!
• Try hanging clothing by colour in your closets. It makes putting away clothing so efficient and your closets stay organized and look great!
• Fold clothing and sit upright in dresser drawers. It is so easy to see what you have to wear each day and clothes don’t get lost at the bottom of a pile. They also don’t wrinkle!

Check out this post if you need some inspiration!

I hope you’ve been encouraged today. First, in remembering that you are enough.

And hopefully this simplified laundry routine will help streamline your mornings and bring a sense of peace and order to your life like it has for mine!

I’d love to hear your “go-to tips” for staying on top of the piles of laundry in your home!