Laundry Organizer Tips to Get the Kids to Put Away Their Dirty Laundry

By Karen Porter, Editor

EasyHomeOrganizing.com

Let's face it---most adults don't like to sort and wash laundry. So how will you get your kid intrigued (in addition to putting it on his chore list) and reminding him (what seems like daily) to pick up his dirty clothes.

♦For younger kids, you might try two things. First, set an example. If you act like doing laundry is pure drudgery, you can bet your child will follow your lead (since he copies everything you do). So put on a happy face if necessary.

♦Secondly, actually add some fun to this chore for kids. One way is by using some fun laundry accessories.

♦For kids, consider getting a "personalized basket laundry shoot" (shaped like a basketball hoop) to make it a little more enticing for them to keep their dirty laundry off of their floor. When it's time to empty the laundry shoot, put a basket below it and untie the bottom. Below is kids laundry shoot sold by online retailer Montgomery Ward. Some would recommend this for a boy's room--but if your girl likes basketball, she'd appreciate it too.

Laundry Shoot

♦Choose a kid friendly hamper for very young children. That's the best age to start getting them in the habit of putting laundry where it goes anyway. Here's a portable collapsible pop-up hamper for children sold by Stacks and Stacks.

Elephant Hamper for Kids

♦If you have older children, search for a hamper with a sports team logo (if they're into that).

♦If you are keeping a laundry hamper in your child's bedroom, don't put it in the clothes closet. You don't want the smell of dirty laundry mixing with fresh, clean laundry. Put it in a corner of the room or their bathroom if they have one to themselves. You might even throw in a laundry dryer sheet to keep everything more fresh smelling.

♦However, you don't have to buy a fancy kid-ready hamper. You could buy a simple laundry wicker basket and help your child to embellish it. Paint their name on it directly or on a plaque that attaches to it. Do some stenciling on it. Just make sure the basket isn't taller than your child.