{Clutter-Free Challenge} Day 14
Time Needed: 15 minutes - 2 HOURS!!!
Physical Rating: Minimal
Emotional Rating: Minimal
I'm pretty sure everyone has one of these bad boys and I think I speak for all of us when I say that they are a HUGE time-sucker. Our sock basket is actually a drawer that is kept under my bed. Why? Because when I used to keep them in a basket they would taunt me every time I walked by, so keeping them in a drawer under my bed made me feel like a smooth criminal. As they say, "Out of sight, out of mind." Well, 'tis time to rectify the problem, and let's all agree: a sock basket is a PROBLEM and not a SOLUTION!
There are so many ways to solve this problem:
- Start over- junk your current socks and purchase a distinctive sock style for each member of the family. (I have fantasized about doing this, but my girls love to wear socks that coordinate with their outfits.) This one certainly makes matching socks quick and painless, but it doesn't do anything for the missing sock problem.
- Mesh laundry bags- these are usually used for lingerie and other delicate items, but can certainly be used for socks. Just don't overload the bags or they won't dry thoroughly. If you are opting for this one, definitely get each member of your family their own bag. They can toss their dirty socks in the bag each day and when it's time to do the laundry you won't have to worry about finding matches to wash or sorting them and matching them afterward. Just wash and dry the bags of socks with your other laundry then distribute the bags to their owners! :)
- Attached at the ankle- You can use temporary methods of attaching the socks- safety pins, clothespins, and "sock keepers" or you can create a permanent way to attach the socks- hook & eye clasps, metal snaps, velcro, buttons, etc. As soon as the socks are removed, the wearer can attach them and toss them into the hamper where they will remain attached during the entire cleaning process! No more sorting and matching, just put them away!
Here I used metal snaps to attach a pair. I like how quick and easy this one is.
See? So easy! You can see how you won't feel the snap on your skin because it has such a low profile.
Hook & Eye is definitely another option. These go on the outside of the sock so there's no chance of feeling it. They're also really small, so by positioning the hooks on the inside ankle of the sock you won't see them at all when they are being worn.
As you can see, I went with the attachment option. If those don't hold up, the mesh bags are my back up plan. Anything is better than a sock basket though!