Laundry is one of the few household tasks I enjoy. Something about removing stains and putting everything where it is supposed to go makes my heart flutter in a way that vacuuming doesn’t do it for me. I’m working with Tide Pods on this post (you can get them at Target.) I’ve recently started using them and I like how easy it is to throw them into the washing machine (they have the detergent, brightener and stain remover in one pod.) We recently gave our laundry room an overhaul (you can see “before” pics here) and I’ve put together a few tips on making a dirty job a little more enjoyable.

1. Everything Should be Beautiful
My sister taught me something years ago that I’ve lived by ever since. It’s this: no matter what you buy (whether it is a trashcan or a lamp) it should be beautiful. I’m always on the hunt to find the most beautiful laundry basket or ironing board. Even the most functional and plain things in our homes should make us happy. I realize its a silly thing but after about a decade of collecting I have a laundry room makes it a pleasant place to be when I’m folding laundry.

2. Repackage and Decant
I keep my laundry products like bleach and laundry detergent in simple labeled and unbranded bottles. Partly because I think it is prettier than loud packaging but also because I think it is easier to use, easier to refill and more accessible in jars. My friends think it’s a little neurotic but I swear it makes me so much happier.

3. Plan for the Piles of Laundry
I’ve realized if I’m honest with myself about my real laundry habits (instead of my aspirational ones) then I can plan for it to be more functional. For example it usually takes me a few days to get around to folding the laundry. So I bought a large industrial laundry basket to hold all the clean clothes while they wait around to get folded. The laundry room still looks organized (and not backed up) even when I’m behind.

4. Save Space
We live in the city and don’t have a lot of space in our laundry room so the first thing we did is take advantage of the stackable feature most laundry machines have. That gave us more room to add a counter to fold clothes on. Also, we don’t have a lot of space to air-dry our clothes so keeping a foldable laundry rack tucked next to the dryer gives us that freedom without a clothesline.

5. Add Art or Wallpaper
Just because it’s the laundry room doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be easy on the eyes. I add art and plants in every room in the house to make it a more enjoyable space to be.

Sponsored by Tide.