Housework is a never-ending circle.  Whether you view it as a closed-loop system which supports and sustains your family or as a treadmill that you cannot escape is entirely up to you.  I prefer the first view because it is positive and values homemaking as an important role.

I was interested to read recently that ‘doing the washing’ is not about tossing a heap of clothes into the washing machine, followed by the dryer or perhaps hanging them on the line.  In this scenario the final step is then seen as throwing the heap of clean clothes on the nearest sofa or bed.  This results in disorganisation and clutter while various members of the household grab whatever they need to wear.

Unsurprisingly, the above view emanated from a discussion about how clutter and disorganisation go hand-in-hand.  It is easy to imagine that over time the pile of clean clothes becomes dusty and soiled and then need rewashing.  Perhaps items cannot be located which results in buying more clothes.  Items which need mending are left and forgotten.  Then there is a downward spiral, the pile becomes a permanent fixture, the bed is no longer able to be used for its original purpose and so on.  This is an extreme picture but one that it is best to avoid.

Confession time:  I resorted to this practice last week and here is some of the evidence.

It took me 5 minutes yesterday to set things to right which made me wonder why I hadn’t done it sooner.

The discussion went on to say that you should not regard the washing as ‘done’ until the clothes are dry, sorted, folded and put away as well as any ironing any items which require it.

I generally manage to do all of this in one go except the ironing.  Ironing is always done at least once a week.  This is one of the benefits of having a streamlined wardrobe.  The selection of clothes are limited and I am being perfectly honest when I say that I have to do the ironing otherwise we would have nothing to wear to work next week.

By considering tasks within the home to be a closed-loop it is easier to gain satisfaction from the work you do.  It is not simply a chore of folding clothes but rather can be seen in the following way.  A hamper full of soiled clothes is washed, dried in the fresh air and sunshine (hopefully), sorted, folded and drawers and wardrobes replenished with clean clothes for the next week.  It is also an opportune time to review the state of clothes and do any repairs as required.  You can rejuvenate items before they become beyond repair.

How to you deal with washing, folding and ironing?  Do you fold clothes as they are taken off the line?