Raising a young adult has always been a daunting task, but with the rise of smartphones and social media, equipping our children with basic life skills has become even more challenging. As my eldest, Emma, prepared to head off to college, I felt a wave of uncertainty about what she had absorbed from our years together. My primary concern? Her laundry skills.
Just as I used to slide sweet notes into her lunch when she was little, I decided to share some laundry wisdom along with life lessons as she started this new chapter. I sent an email titled, “Master Your Laundry Skills or Face a Life of Solitude,” the day after her classes commenced.
Essential Laundry Tips
- Do your laundry regularly. Aim for once a week. Don’t wait until your clean underwear is gone or you desperately need your favorite jeans. When the time comes to wear those beloved jeans, you’ll want them fresh and clean—not forced to choose between a worn pair that’s seen better days and something less flattering. Your confidence is on the line, and the fate of your social life may hang in the balance.
- Avoid heat-drying your delicates.
- Separate your colors—only in the wash! Mixing a red shirt with a white one will lead to a faded red and an unfortunate pink. Similarly, combining black and white could leave you with a lint-covered black shirt and a splotchy grey one. Just as in art, achieving your desired result often requires blending and mixing; think of this as a metaphor for life too.
- Check your pockets. Before tossing your clothes in the wash or handing them to the dry cleaner, make sure to thoroughly check each pocket. A stray pen or crumpled note can wreak havoc on your laundry—and your week. Your mother may have kept quiet about the treasures or disasters you left behind, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.
- Lint is never fashionable. Invest in a lint brush, or get creative with tape.
- Remember, you are the view. When you roll out of bed in your sweats, consider how many people will encounter you throughout the day. Cleanliness matters; it impacts how others perceive you.
- Have at least one outfit that makes you feel fabulous. Treat it with the care it deserves.
- Don’t crumple your clothes. One day, that wrinkled shirt may be your only option, and trust me, its freshness will matter.
- Beware of clothing sizes. Sizes can be misleading, so always try things on before buying and keep in mind how they will react in the wash.
- Cotton shrinks. Always. This doesn’t mean you should avoid it, but consider buying a size up.
- Wool shrinks when wet. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t own wool, just be careful during laundry day.
- Common sense can vanish in the heat of passion. But don’t let that stop you from being passionate.
- Conquer the sock monster. This elusive creature thrives on mismatched socks. To outsmart it, clip or pin your socks together in the laundry basket. If that’s too much effort, consider purchasing multiple pairs of the same socks.
- Use hangers. Folding can lead to wrinkles. Hang clothes whenever possible to maintain their shape.
- Even the messiest individuals appreciate a tidy space. So pick up after yourself.
This advice, though lighthearted, can set the foundation for independence. For more information on navigating these life transitions, consider exploring resources like those found at IVF Babble, or check out community support groups for further guidance. And if you’re interested in expanding your family, visit Make a Mom for insights on home insemination kits.
In summary, mastering laundry skills is crucial for young adults as they navigate independence. These essential life lessons not only ensure cleanliness but also contribute to self-confidence and social interactions.