How I Finally Stopped Hating Laundry
Content:
1. The “Sock Incident” That Changed Everything
So, okay—real talk. A couple years ago, I launched a rogue sock across my apartment because one—just one!—of them had somehow gone missing for the **third** time that month. I was standing in my hallway, holding a warm laundry pile that honestly smelled delightful (shoutout to lavender dryer sheets), when the missing sock syndrome hit *again*. And I *snapped*. I may or may not have screamed at an inanimate object. I definitely scared my neighbor’s cat.
And that was my breaking point. The day I decided laundry couldn’t keep ruling my life. There had to be *a better way*.
2. Why Laundry Feels Like a Chore (And Also, Actually *Is* One)
I mean, let’s call it like it is: laundry is boring. It’s repetitive. And for some reason, it never ends?? Like, how are there only two people in my apartment but *four laundry loads per week*? Witchcraft. Or bad planning. Probably both.
Plus there’s the mystery of The Laundry Time Warp™—I swear it only takes twenty minutes… until you look up and it’s dark outside, your back hurts, and you haven’t folded a dang thing.
3. A Few Small Tweaks That Made All the Difference
I’m not saying I cracked the Da Vinci code of laundry, but I made a few changes that—surprisingly—actually helped:
– **Timer-based folding**: Folding right after the dryer beeps is clutch. Waiting = wrinkled apocalypse.
– **Sort as you go**: I have—brace yourself—*three* hampers now. Whites. Darks. The “uhh what even is this shirt?” pile.
– **Do smaller loads more often**: I know, I know. This feels backwards. But smaller loads don’t overwhelm you in the folding phase. (And they smell less like regret.)
4. The Magic of the Right Basket (Yes, Really)
Enter: the Laundry Turtle. This thing… look, I hate stuff. But I actually *love* this thing. It’s collapsible (great if your “laundry room” is actually just the corner of your bathroom like mine). It hugs the laundry like a little turtle shell. And—this is the wild part—it makes *folding faster*. I don’t know why?? Maybe it’s psychology. Maybe it’s black magic. Laundry Turtle, reveal your secrets.
Also? It’s weirdly fun to *pop it open*, which makes me feel like a superhero. Or at least like someone who semi-has-their-life-together.
What really sold me, though, was realizing how much *space* I was saving. Before, my old bulky laundry basket was just this awkward giant turtle shell in my hallway, and now? Boom. It folds flat and slides between my dryer and the wall. Storage ninja status unlocked. If you’re working with a small space—or honestly just hate clutter—check out how smart laundry organization tools like collapsible baskets can give your sanity (and square footage) a boost in this breakdown of storage tips that actually made me cry less. True story.
5. My Modified Process (Or: What Works for Me…Most Days)
Okay, here’s what I *try* to do. Keep in mind, I’m not an influencer. I once wore inside-out leggings to a job interview.
1. Dump from washer to dryer (duh)
2. Set a timer for 45 minutes. (I use the one on my microwave. Why? I don’t know.)
3. Collapse on couch. Binge “Nailed It” and wonder if I could pull off bangs.
4. When timer beeps → sprint to dryer. Fold IN the Laundry Turtle (this part feels *weirdly empowering*)
5. Ignore the ironing pile like it’s your ex’s texts
6. Weirdly Useful Things I Learned from My Grandma
My grandma Joyce (who also once accidentally dyed her hair orange but *owned it*) had some wild laundry habits. Notably:
– She added vinegar to the rinse cycle. Laundry *never* smelled like mildew.
– She folded T-shirts with this lightning-fast method that looked like origami but was actually just decades of experience
– She used clothespins *metaphorically*, like “You gotta clip your dignity tight like a sock in the wind, baby.” No idea what it meant. But it stuck.
Oh! Side note: if you’re trying to choose the *right* basket (because no two laundry struggles are the same), there are actually things to consider—durability, portability, handle quality (yes, that matters), and size. If your hands have ever cramped carrying laundry up three dorm stairs, you get it. I learned a lot from this guide on picking the best collapsible basket depending on your chaos level and square footage. Turns out there’s a laundry basket soulmate for everyone. Who knew?
7. Random Tangents About Hamsters and Folding Techniques
…Oh, and here’s where we briefly derail. Did I ever tell you about the time my college roommate’s hamster escaped *inside* a laundry basket and we couldn’t find it for two days? No? Another time.
Also, what’s the deal with people doing the Marie Kondo vertical fold thing? I’ve tried, and every time I do it, I end up with a mismatched drawer full of shirt burritos. It’s chaos. (But like, chic chaos?).
8. Takeaways, Regrets, and Your Turn
Okay, so: I still don’t love laundry. I’m not a monster. But now? I don’t full-on dread it either. Low bar? Maybe. But that’s adulthood, baby.
If you’re feeling personally victimized by Mount Sockmore, try switching it up. Use a Laundry Turtle. Time yourself. Binge-watch something good. Chow down on a questionable granola bar while you fold. You do *you*.
And uh, I’d kinda love to hear your weirdest laundry hack. Or embarrassing laundry fail. Or whether you also talk to stray socks like they’re sentient beings.
If you made it through this rambling mess (soap-suds and all), maybe check out my other posts? Just sayin’. No pressure. 🧺
Keywords: Laundry Efficiency, laundry tips, collapsible laundry basket, folding fast, laundry hacks, storage spaces, choosing laundry gear
Selected Clusters and Links Used:
1. Laundry Storage & Organization – https://laundryturtlefoundation.org/laundry-storage-that-doesnt-make-you-cry/
2. Choosing the Right Collapsible Laundry Basket – https://laundryturtlefoundation.org/the-one-laundry-hack-that-actually-changed-my-chaotic-life-5/