5 Ways to Spend Less Time on Laundry

Laundry, Simplified: Smart Systems to Save You Time

You step into the laundry room, and there it is - an overflowing hamper, waiting for attention. Between work, family, and everything in between, laundry can go from a small task to a full-blown chore before you know it. And no one - we repeat, no one - wants to spend their precious weekends buried under piles of clothes.

The good news? A few simple shifts can keep things running smoothly without laundry taking over your life. These game-changing approaches make tackling the loads feel almost effortless.

1. Find a System That Fits Your Home

Laundry doesn’t have to be a never-ending task. The secret? A system that fits your home and lifestyle. Here are two easy approaches:

Method A - One Load Per Day

If the idea of laundry piling up stresses you out, a daily load might be the way to go. Tackling just one load a day keeps things moving without the weekend laundry marathon.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Prep the night before - Treat stains and load the washer so it’s ready to go.

• Use a delayed start - Set your machine to begin washing first thing in the morning.

• Time the drying cycle - Switch clothes to the dryer before heading out for the day.

• Fold and put away - Find a pocket of time in the evening or first thing the next morning.

  
  

Method B - Laundry on Set Days

If daily laundry feels too constant, setting designated laundry days might be a better fit. Whether it’s Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays or a simple weekend routine, having a predictable schedule makes it feel more manageable - and eliminates that “always one more load” feeling.

2. Wash by Type Instead of Colour

The real time-drain isn’t washing and drying - it’s sorting, folding, and putting everything away. A small shift can make a big difference: wash by clothing type instead of just by colour.

Grouping all shirts, pants, towels, or linens into separate loads means you’re folding and hanging similar items together, streamlining the process. It’s a simple tweak that saves time and makes laundry feel less scattered.

3. Keep One Hamper

Instead of trekking from room to room collecting laundry, try keeping a single hamper in the laundry room. Having a central spot makes it easy to see when it’s time to run a load - without the extra back-and-forth. It’s a small change, but one that cuts out unnecessary steps.

4. Streamline Household Laundry

Not everything needs to be washed as often as clothing, but having a routine helps keep things fresh. Here’s a simple guide:

How Often to Wash Common Items:

• Sheets & Pillowcases: Weekly

• Towels: Every 3 - 4 uses

• Bathmats: Monthly (or as needed)

• Throws, Couch Covers & Doormats: Every 1-2 months (or as needed)

• Comforters & Duvet Covers: Seasonally (or more often if you have pets)

5. Get the Family Involved

Laundry works best as a team effort. When everyone pitches in, it becomes infinitely more manageable. Younger kids can match socks and fold towels, while older kids and adults can strip beds, sort loads, and put clothes away. With a little teamwork, laundry becomes easier - and maybe even a habit the whole family can embrace.

The Bottom Line

Laundry is a fact of life, but it shouldn’t take over your life. With the right approach, staying on top of it becomes second nature - and dare we say, even satisfying?

Shop Our Favorite Laundry Essentials

Dryer Balls | Delicate Bags | Laundry Basket | Hampers

Looking for more ways to streamline your home? Explore our expert organization services at DECANTT Organized Living.