Quick Tip Tuesday: Simple Sock Sorting

Quick Tip Tuesday: Simple Sock Sorting

Laundry Quick Tip

Hooray!  We survived a fun filled, 10 day road trip from Wisconsin to Florida and back.  The trip was just what we all needed... A little relaxation, a lot of sleeping in and days of soaking up end-of-summer sun on the beautiful sandy beaches.  I always miss blogging when I take a few days off, but it is always nice to step away from the computer, pick up a book and just "be" with the crew.

We arrived home a whole day later than planned, so I apologize I am a bit off with my schedule.  Today's tip is one that I have mentioned deep within a post or two before, but I wanted to call it out specifically for anyone who may have missed it because I just love it so much.  Plus, it's nice to keep things easy to find for project gallery purposes.

I have a feeling some of you have lost a sock or two at some point in your life; maybe even on a frequent basis like myself.  I prefer to blame my sock eating washing machine.  Or one of our sock eating dogs.

Quite awhile ago now, I started doing something super simple that prevented us from ever experiencing another sock shortage.  Anyone with a plethora of little boys running around probably knows all too well how quickly socks go missing, become worn or are turned into the latest craft project. 

Are you ready? 

STEP ONE - Grab a mesh garment bag.
STEP TWO - Attach garment bag to side of hamper with clips (or hang a separate sock bag in each family member's closet).

STEP THREE - Toss all dirty socks in mesh bag each day.
STEP FOUR - Zip up mesh bag and wash all socks in a single load.

And that is it!  A sanity saving laundry solution that is about as easy peasy as it gets.  No more missing socks!

• Purchase a different type/size/brand sock for each family member for easier sorting.
• If multiple family members prefer the same sock type, mark the soles with a colored Sharpie marker for easier identification.
• If no hamper or mesh bag is available, use small clips or safety pins to attach matching socks together prior to tossing them into the wash.
• Keep socks white by adding a dash of oxy-boost or washing powder to the load and washing in cold water.  Bleach will only reduce the life span of your socks.
• Rolling your socks will keep their form longer than tying/balling them in your drawer.
• To get my kiddos into the habit of sorting out their socks, I left a sock hanging out of the mesh bag to grab their attention/serve as a reminder.

Bonus tip: Recycle old socks to create the best top knot ever.

(via)

With all of the brand new school socks you just stocked up on, there is no better time to give this quick tip a whirl.  Speaking of school, I am spending the rest of this week getting the kids (and myself) prepared and finishing up some school related shopping and projects.  Only a few days of summer vacation remain! 


Looking for more quick tips?  Check out the entire series here!

Laundry Room Pictures : HGTV Smart Home 2013

Laundry Room Pictures : HGTV Smart Home 2013

Laundry Pictures Smart

About the Laundry Room: 
The home's secondary entrance opens into a laundry and storage space, where towels, swimsuits and soiled clothing can be stripped and beach gear stowed before one advances into the home's formal spaces. Both hard working and stylish, the room hints at the home's overall color palette and design aesthetic. "I just wanted it to be happy and pretty," says interior designer Linda Woodrum, cognizant of the view into the laundry room from adjoining spaces. "The laundry room is going to be the primary entrance for whoever lives at HGTV Smart Home and it's important that you see something attractive when you first walk in."

Designed to keep sand and soil outside, a secondary entrance located conveniently adjacent to the driveway and garage opens into a laundry room, where one can clean up after a day at the beach.

Hard working yet stylish, the laundry room makes a designer statement. Vibrant green walls connect to lush side yard views and a Jacksonville Beach, Fla., street light banner doubles as artwork.

Energy efficient appliances are tucked conveniently under counter; the muted titanium finish lends a modern sensibility.

A series of black-and-white photos, captured by photographer Eric Perry, features local Jacksonville Beach surfers.

A pocket door opens to reveal an adjoining pantry/closet, which offers space to store beach gear and accessories, plus cleaning supplies and dry goods.

Both stylish and functional, polished quartz countertops offer ample space to fold laundry.

A window bench offers a cozy spot to stop and kick off flip flops and stow them in hand molded rattan baskets before entering the kitchen. A garden stool may double as a laptop computer stand.

Buidling Progress: Six weeks to go! (Are you kidding?)

Buidling Progress: Six weeks to go! (Are you kidding?)

Bathrooms Building progress Laundry Painting

I don't know who's kidding who but with only six weeks to go there's still a lot to do but there is progress ...

The bathrooms are ready to be tiled. Seen here: downstairs' bathroom - the bath will go along the back wall between the windows, the vanity under the recess, the toilet where the large pipe is coming out of the wall.

The walls are ready to be painted. Seen here: guest bedroom with the hole for the niche shelving above the bed and the wardrobe behind.

The bathroom appliances are being delivered in time for their placement. Seen here: the place where the master bath will go - just in case there is any confusion!

The entry is coming along.

The garage was coming along until it turned into a storage room.

The laundry is well ... a boy's loo!

And this: the view from up the path outside the property.