Laundry made easy

Laundry is one of those tasks at home that just never seems finished. Just when you think you're all caught up, another load beckons your attention. When my kids were quite young, I decided it was time they learned how to help out with this weekly task. I purchased some laundry sorters which have turned out to be some of the best organizational tools I've ever invested in. (Be sure to get the type that has three removable bags and a sturdy metal frame.)

If you have preschoolers, place a picture on each laundry bag to represent what color clothing goes in it or what type of clothing item. I.E. Jeans, towel, socks.

I taught my kids how to use a Stain Stick when they undressed at the end of the day. They had fun dabbing the stick wherever they had spilt something - on the knees, elbows or tummy areas - before putting it in the sorter. Then on laundry day, no one had to take time to work on stubborn stains.

Even if you don't have young kids, you'll appreciate being able to sort as you go. When a bag is full, simply take it to the washer and throw it in. You no longer have to spend time with the sorting process. Just make sure you go through your pockets before putting it in the laundry bag!

Always looking for time savers,

Audrey

Dare to Declutter

Summer time is often spent with family and friends. Time spent at barbeques, poolside or at the cabin are great memory-makers. Our family just returned from spending five days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This is a 1 million acre wilderness area located on the border between Minnesota and Canada.

Lakes and campsites are accessible by canoe only and portages are common. No glass or metal containers are allowed which means utilizing things such as dehydrated food. Any garbage must also be packed out.

Although I’m an experienced camper, I had never camped in a wilderness area as remote as the BWCA. Because our plans included two portages, it was important to pack light, with only the bare necessities.

In my world of plenty, I had to constantly ask myself if an item was really needed. When the packing was complete, I ended up taking only one pair of pants (which included zip-off shorts), two t-shirts, four pairs of socks and I’m not telling how many underwear!

However, there was one item I just couldn’t leave at home. Any guesses? Toilet paper! In reality, though, I was challenged in my thinking of what is truly necessary in my every day life. As an Organizing Consultant, you can imagine how this played into the business I operate.

I hope your summer is filled with making new memories. I know I have several new ones!

All my best,
Audrey