I have recently discovered the absolute best way to save time while doing the laundry. As often as possible try to purchase the same white socks. That way when you pull the socks out of the dryer you don’t have to spend time sorting. Every sock will match any other and if you lose one sock you have plenty of others to pair it with.
Whenever my husband is in need of new socks I try to buy a few bags at a time. That way if the socks are worn out or get lost along the way I can just crack open a new bag and throw them into the mix. If you follow this trick you will be amazed at how fast you can sort the laundry.
My friend suggested following the same procedure when purchasing socks for children. Although she has one boy and one girl she buys the same bags of boys socks for both of them. The socks are all the same size so when they come out of the dryer she just has to pair them together. She never has to sort them.
MoneyChangesThings says
this saves money too, since when two socks bite the dust, their mates can marry.
Ryan says
If you’re looking to save laundry time, next time you’re due for a new(or used) washer/drier, they make all-on-one washier and drier units. Front-loaders where you set your wash cycle, set your dry cycle, and come back to dried clothes.
http://www.nextag.com/all-in-one-washer-dryer/search-html
I don’t have one, but next time I’m due for a washier and drier, I’ll be looking into them. Hopefully the prices come down a bit by then. I think that would be very convenient and a bit of a time saver. And a nice space saver as well, for those with a laundry closet.
Anonymous says
I have a 16 year old son and a 12 year old daughter, so I can’t buy them the same socks. I do, however, make them put their dirty socks into their own lingerie bag which gets thrown into the washer and then the dryer. This works in the same way. They get their lingerie bags back with clean, dry socks which they can them mate up themselves.
One Frugal Girl says
Ryan — I’ve never heard of all-in-one washer and dryer units. I’ll have to look into those.
Anon — The idea of putting socks in the lingerie bag is genius! Thanks for the suggestion.
Anonymous says
Interesting that your friend should choose to buy boys’ socks, rather than girls’ socks, for her boy and girl.
One Frugal Girl says
Actually, my friend said the width at the ankle is wider on boy’s socks than girl’s. Also she said the boy’s socks were cheaper.
Anonymous says
Hi, found your nice blog through a comment you left on getrichslowly.org
“so when they come out of the dryer she just has to pair them together.“
Isn’t this just more wasted time? Just throw them all into a drawer and the kids can take any 2 out!
Amanda says
I love this idea! I actually have done it with everyone in the family. I also bought mesh bags to seperate each persons socks. They are on each individuals hamper and they just have to toss them in. When I do my collection I just grab the bag and toss it in. Works great! Another tip to cut down on drying time is tennis balls. They cut your time down by about 25% while fluffing bulky items at the same time!