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Shortcut: Sort your kid’s outfits while folding laundry

April 1, 2016 by Suzanne 4 Comments

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. 

Filed Under: Shortcuts Tagged With: laundry, life hack, organization, parenting, pro tip

Shortcut: 5 minutes of tidying

February 25, 2016 by Leslie Leave a Comment

TIDY UP (1)

Shortcuts are life hacks for busy adults, 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 some of us! If you’d like to share your own tip, email thesmartdomestic@gmail.com with the subject line “Shortcut idea.” 

While hanging out with a friend who is expecting a bundle of joy this summer, we were discussing how to get a handle on the clutter at our homes. I put all my blame on my husband and dog, as usual. (I mean, that sand isn’t tracking itself onto the floors!)

My friend told me about a brilliant way she was starting to save on the time it took to clean house. She and her husband spend 5 minutes a day on one room. They just do as much as they can in that 5 minutes and then leave it for later. That’s a tactic my husband and I could probably stick to.

Here’s my plan: Go to a room, get supplies, set a timer, and go! With baby toys, a shaggy dog, and a husband who has a million hobbies, things can get messy quick. But with a few minutes of work each night, we can keep things in slightly better shape.

 

Filed Under: Shortcuts Tagged With: cleaning, clutter, housework, organization

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