The One Basket Rule

This is a tip I received as a newly wed, back when it didn't matter much because all of our clothing combined would only fill one laundry basket. We used to stuff every article of clothing we owned, both of our towels and our bedsheets into one big duffel bag and then carried them up the street from our crappy apartment to a laundry mat that always kind of smelled like urine and citrus and submarine sandwiches.

But six years and five kids later, I do A LOT of laundry.

12 loads a week. At least.

So here's the tip.  (No, not a tip....  a rule!)  Here is the rule that will change your laundry routine forever if you dare implement it:

Own only one laundry basket.

And when it's full, empty it.  Fold the clothes, put them away.  Before you wash another load.

It isn't anything too profound, but in some small way it really is life changing.

One solitary laundry basket doesn't take up any floor space.  It can easily be place on top of the washer or dryer.

One solitary basket looks somewhat tidy, even when it is overflowing with clothes to be folded and put away.

One solitary basket is rarely so overwhelming a task that you would need to keep putting it off until later.

One basket.  Try it!