Shortcuts are life hacks for busy adults. They’re quick tips to make life easier and solutions we’ve found to eliminate (or at least reduce) frustrating tasks. Take ’em or leave ’em, but they work for us! If you’d like to share your own tip, email thesmartdomestic@gmail.com with the subject line “Shortcut idea.”
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry. (EB White)
I might be one of the few people who likes to fold laundry, especially if it’s warm from the dryer. But my kid’s folded, tiny shirts and pants end up stuffed into dresser drawers, and on mornings when my toddler is demanding fruit snacks, my dog relieves herself in the hallway, and I haven’t had any coffee, I despise trying to find a complete outfit in those drawers.
So here’s my solution: When I fold my kid’s laundry, I pre-sort outfits together. I often leave a few outfits on top of his dresser for easy selection.
This is great for people who hate mornings, but it’s also ideal for those times when you’re filling your diaper bag before a day-trip, frantically trying to replace a filthy outfit from some unholy kid-mess, or if you are skeptical of your husband’s fashion choices for children. I keep a tiny basket of paired socks on top of the dresser and grab them whenever we need.
Now, about folding the laundry, generally: You’re on your own. But I swear it’s better if you grab it while it’s warm, right after the dry cycle!
Blogger’s note: Leslie says this is common sense. Does everyone do this? Share your laundry shortcuts with us.
Heather says
April 1, 2016 at 2:07 pmI used to do this for myself too. Maybe not right out of the dryer, but once a week or so would set up a week or more worth of work outfits so I didn’t have to think about it in the morning.
I should do this with Kieth’s clothes.
Suzanne says
April 1, 2016 at 2:10 pmI can only get myself ahead by about 12 hours, picking an outfit the night before. (It does seem to save time if I don’t have to sort through MY OWN clothes in the morning… You’d think I’d learn to apply the concept for myself too.) – Suzanne
Sarah says
April 1, 2016 at 2:19 pmI only buy my kids clothes that match each other. The boy gets blue and gray, and baby girl gets blue and pink with mostly denim bottoms because they match everything. I didn’t start out trying to do this but it has made mornings way easier. It does cause a problem for theme days at daycare. On “wacky Wednesday” we couldn’t put together a crazy outfit, and I had to buy green tshirts for St Paddy’s Day.
I do this for myself, too. I am black and gray and hubby is blue and gray. He and the boy match a lot. I swear it isn’t as boring as it sounds. When everything goes together you can make a lot of outfits.
Suzanne says
April 1, 2016 at 2:21 pmThis probably makes laundry sorting SO FAST. You’re essentially creating “capsule wardrobes” for you and your kids. I LIKE IT! – Suzanne