I don’t know about you but my least favorite chore is laundry. I really find it a nuisance. The act of washing isn’t really the most mundane part to me since the washer does most of the work, but it is the folding, organizing, and putting it away that I slack in. I am one of those people who leaves the laundry in the basket until I absolutely must put them away. It is a habit I really have tried to break. I am probably never going to enjoy doing the laundry but what I can to is change my approach. Whether it be a simple way to make the task more fun or make it less mundane.
1. Find your motivation to start the task
When I put the laundry in a place that is pretty much in my way, I then force myself to do it. Usually this requires me to dump the laundry on my bed and then stick my dirty clothes in the hamper. At this point I can’t avoid it anymore. I want my laundry off my bed so I end up putting it away. For me, the first step in completing a task is having the energy to start it. Whatever it is that motivates you, do it. Maybe you want it off your kitchen table or your bed. Maybe your task is doing the dishes or putting dishes away. Whatever it is, find what will motivate you to start it.
2. Think small steps
I have found that when I have to do something I hate in one sitting it makes it even harder to do it. When I break it up into smaller steps It becomes less mundane. After I get to the point of starting it, like dumping my laundry on my nice cozy bed I will do it in steps. I usually do the easy stuff first such as hanging up a few things, organizing my socks or underwear. I do a little and then walk away before I come back to it. When I first start the laundry, the pile just looks so big. After just putting a few pieces away and organizing a few others, the pile just does not look so big anymore after coming back and reevaluating things. It has changed my perspective and I have more focus and drive on finishing this chore.
3. Bring in some fun
Often when my husband and I are trying to make our chores more fun like cleaning the house, doing laundry, making dinner more fun we put on some music. Music always seems to make the time go much faster. Maybe you want something fun and dancey or maybe you want something calming and relaxing. Whatever it is, put it on and it should make that chore less boring and daunting. Sometimes TV works as well, however when it is on I notice I find myself watching it more than doing the work. Whatever works for you, though, is important.
4. Hire someone
Ok maybe this isn’t an option for everyone but if you have the ability to pay for someone else to do those things you hate doing, then why not?! It saves you time to do the things you most enjoy or even just spending time with your family. Hire someone to clean your house Hire a laundry service. There are some great companies out there that provide a drop off laundry servicethat will wash, dry, and fold all your clothes for you! One option is Athens Commerce Laundromat. They have both self service laundromat option to do your own clothes with free WiFi and cable TV. You can also bring your clothes to them and they will wash them, dry them, and fold them and then neatly wrap them for you. This is a great option while you are at work. Drop it off before work and it will be done by the time you get off so 90% of the work is done for you! Awesome!!
Photo courtesy of Athens Commerce Laundromat
There are always going to be those chores in the home that we like more than others but yet still have to get done. Unless you are fortunate enough to have house staff to cook, clean and manage all the house needs for you, there are ways to make the tasks less difficult and time consuming. It is all in the approach you take. It is all in trying to change your mindset. And if you are like me with kids at home, some of the tasks can get pawned off on them to do. 😉
With love from the south,
Jena
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