AVOID LAUNDRY ROOM CLUTTER

Whether you have a laundry room or a laundry closet, there is lots of opportunity to create clutter in that space. The tinier it is, the more likely that you are challenged to keep it neat. Throw in a little “help” from tiny hands that are interested in how the dryer works and you have a pretty good chance for a mess to accumulate. Here are a few tips for keeping on top of washing, drying and folding clothes.

1. Sort clothes and place in a container to transport to the washing machine. Stacks on the floor can shift and you can end up with unwanted pink underwear when a red garment finds its way into the white clothes pile. There are divided compartment laundry sorters that can be stored in larger laundry rooms. For smaller spaces try collapsible bins that can be stored flat on a shelf or on edge in little space until needed for sorting.
   
2. Keep laundry products together on a shelf or cart near the washer and dryer. Even in the smallest space you can use shelves that fit on the top of washer and dryer. Also consider use of space above the appliances for a cabinet or shelves to keep these products handy. Never store on the floor if it can be avoided. Floor storage collects dust and promotes spills.
   
3. Save time by hanging clothes as you remove them from the dryer. A portable hanging rack will work in larger laundry rooms and many hanging alternatives for small spaces are available in catalogues and on-line shopping sites.
   
4. If possible, fold clothes as you take them from the dryer. Heaping them in a pile will cause wrinkles and you will expend extra time and energy ironing. Also match socks as you go. This is a good job for older toddlers and children who are eager to help.
   
5. If you need to keep an eye on little ones as you tackle these chores, create a special play zone in the space. Some suggestions for activities include a play iron and ironing board (where your helper could iron tea towels or other items) and a basket filled with too-small clothes that a toddler could fold to her heart’s content. Any favorite toy that does not offer a chance for dirty hands or coloring utensils to stain clothing can be added to the play station.
   
6. Commit to put the clothes away at the first opportunity. Hectic schedules sometimes make it impossible to put everything away as it comes out of the dryer. One technique is to promise yourself to get the laundry stashed in its designated home before your head hits the pillow that night. You can take advantage of little fragments of time to get it done
   
   
   Using these ideas, you should be able to keep your laundry area clutter free.
   
   Beverly & Kristen
   www.KeyTransitions.net