Laundry Overload: How Simple Systems Can Stop the Never-Ending Pile
1. Scheduled Laundry Days (Because “Whenever I find the time” isn’t Working)
This is my favorite method and the one we’ve used for over 20 years in our busy household. If laundry is constantly overwhelming, setting specific laundry days can help. Maybe Monday is for towels, Wednesday is for kids’ clothes, and Friday is “Oh no, I forgot to do my own laundry” day. Having a plan keeps things from spiraling out of control. If you’re interested in how this method works, You can find the example template and download-to-print Laundry Schedule down below for your family to use.
COMING SOON! I’ll be uploading an explainer video on how this works and how it can work for you too!
Sorting laundry at two wasn’t just a chore—it was pre-K readiness, life skills, and discipleship all woven into one simple task.
2. Get the Kids Involved (Yes, Really!)
My daughter learned to sort laundry at just two years old—long before she could read, she was identifying colors, matching socks, and practicing the same skills she’d need for pre-K. By three, she could run the whole load herself. Teaching life skills isn’t separate from homeschooling—it’s part of it.
God calls us to train our children, and that includes using everyday work to teach diligence, stewardship, and responsibility. When we work alongside them, we’re not only lightening our load, we’re building their confidence, character, and readiness for life.
3. The 5-Minute Rule (Because Small Wins Add Up)
If the laundry pile feels overwhelming, give yourself permission to start small—set a five-minute timer and just switch a load, fold a few pieces, or match some socks; every little step is progress.
Are your COMPLETELY at your wits end?
When You’ve said enough is enough-> Minimize the Wardrobe!
(Less Clothes = Less Laundry)
If your kids are changing outfits five times a day for no reason, it might be time for a wardrobe reality check. Fewer clothes mean less to wash, fold, and put away. Plus, it reduces decision fatigue—a win-win. We’ve lived frugally for years, and our family LOVES receiving and blessing others with hand-me-downs. The friends in our circle have always appreciate the gently loved clothing given to their fast-growing children. If sharing isn’t an option, donating those items to your local church or charity will be much appreciated.
Give Yourself Grace
Laundry will never be truly done. And that’s okay.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. So whether you’re rocking a full laundry routine or just trying to remember to switch the load before it starts smelling funky, you’re doing great.
Here’s to keeping the laundry piles manageable, the socks (mostly) matched, and our sanity intact.
If you’d like to get a digital download of a schedule template, you can use it for your family here.
