The Laundry Dilemma: Do You Fold in the Dryer or Leave Them for Later?
Whether your dryer buzzes or sings a cheerful little song, the process of doing laundry can be a daunting task. For many households, the question of whether to fold clothes right after the dryer or leave them for a later time is a frequent one. As someone who has lived through both systems, I thought I'd share my insights and the habits of my friends and family.
My Dryer Sings, Mine Grumbles
My dryer doesn't just hum or buzz; it sings a cheerful little song, which I find a delightful reward for my efforts. But, alas, the song itself is not enough motivation for me to instantly begin folding. Instead, I make a point of waiting until I need the clothes again before even thinking about folding. This means piling hangers full of clothes, towels, and sheets until they overflow.
One of the biggest challenges in my household is the lack of storage space. Despite owning a considerable number of baskets, we always seem to run out at some point. Baskets are often left in the dusty corners of the closet, unused. With this in mind, I begrudgingly collect the kids' clothes and place them in bins within their closets without bothering to fold them. The last thing I want is to face a roomful of wrinkled, disheveled clothes the next day.
The Challenges of Child-Led Chaos
Living with children means dealing with the constant threat of clothes being destroyed. The idea of neatly folding the kids' clothes only to see them ruined by little hands is too much to handle. However, folding the towels is still something I do with regularity. My husband, on the other hand, follows a similar but slightly different approach, with a "dump into a bin" method.
A Sense of Accomplishment
Every once in a while, a moment of inspiration strikes, and I find myself folding all my clothes and putting them away in the fancy closet I meticulously designed. This brief moment of achievement is short-lived, as they often end up wrinkled and disheveled once again. To avoid this, some households adopt a more streamlined approach, folding clothes as they remove them from the dryer. This method ensures that clothes are always fresh and wrinkle-free.
The Power of Routine and Choice
Ultimately, the choice between folding in the dryer or leaving clothes for later is entirely personal. Several people I know have developed methods to handle their laundry more efficiently. Some put clothes in the basket right after the dryer, ensuring they are always fresh and ready for use. This approach can make a huge difference, especially for those who struggle with repetitive tedium.
Others find comfort in waiting until they need the clothes again, which can save time and effort. However, it's important to strike a balance between convenience and the desire for well-finished clothes.
Regardless of your choice, the key is finding a system that works for you and respecting your household's unique needs. Are you a "singer" or a "grumbler"? Fold your clothes or leave them for later? There's no right or wrong answer, as long as you find a routine that keeps your home organized and your clothes looking their best.
Bonus: The Dryer Song
It is a personal choice, but when the dryer is done, I will put my clothes in the basket and sit down to fold my clothes, as I do not like wrinkled clothes. However, I know several people who will fold their clothes as they take them out of the dryer, making the folding process more efficient and immediate.
Image Sources:
[Insert Images: Laundry hamper, folded clothes, towel in dryer, assorted baskets]