Like most people, I prefer to run household as simply as possible. For example, most of my linens are white. They all match — from the kitchen towels to our pillowcases. So, they can be washed together. The changing season is a sensible time to touch them up and swap out the lighter linens for warm ones. I use my bullet journal to outline all these cleaning tasks — including running to the laundromat for my large duvet inserts.
Prepping My Linens for the Next Season
Since most of my linens are white, I don’t have a complex system to prepare them. I can use a little bleach, stain spray, or even baking soda with vinegar to brighten them up.
Refresh Everyday Items
The changing seasons offer a reminder to refresh everyday linens. First, I set aside a bin in my laundry area to corral stained or faded linens. These usually include:
- Cloth Napkins
- Tablecloths
- Towels
- Sheets
- Pillowcases (Bed and Sofa)
Then, I separate them into three piles. The first pile includes items that are too soiled to keep. They may become rags or I may simply toss them. The second are linens that I need to treat and rewash. The third are items that I want to set aside for professional cleaning.
I log these as tasks in my bullet journal to remind me.
Restore Cold Weather Blankets and Duvets
Even though I wash everything before I pack it, I find my cold weather linens smell like an attic when I take them out in the fall. Soft, plush items like blankets and duvets are especially prone to those musty odors.
I pull them out and run them through a light wash again. Most of my items can fit in my washer and dryer. However, my thickest blankets and duvet inserts don’t wash and dry well in my compact unit. (A slight drawback of small-space living).
Instead of fighting the machine, I set aside some time to bring them The Clothes Spin. Most of the time, they have larger drums and stronger machines.
I simply fill a basket with these thicker linens and mark a time on my calendar to run a load. As long as I have a good audiobook, this extra task is worth the refresh.
Clean and Pack Warm Weather Linens
Finally, I wash and pack my warm weather linens. I start the process by putting my empty boxes beside my washing machine. Then, I trade out my light linens for thicker ones. As I strip dirty sheets and change pillowcases, I toss them in the wash. Once they dry, I fold them right into the storage container. Then, I can move it back into long-term storage when the box is full. If you’re looking for a quality and well established business, be sure to check out this Gretna VA laundromat !
Plan Ahead with Your Bullet Journal
I use my bullet journal to help me remember those easy-to-forget “adulting” tasks.
Quarterly
When it comes to big seasonal changes (usually 4 times a year), I also create a list of tasks for the quarter. They’re those annoying reminders for home maintenance, doctor’s appointments, and other tasks I’m likely to forget.
Most of the time, I find myself referencing last year’s journal to create this list of linens to refresh. This takes the form of a double-spread. I divide it into several columns by topic.
Monthly
Typically, I plan out my bullet journal pages one month in advance. This starts with a “cover” page for the month that lists my goals and large tasks. I enjoy my monthly spreads and decorate them with the name of the month and some inspirational sayings.
Sometimes, I squish the goals next to my first week. For this list of seasonal washing, I find I need reminders on both a monthly and weekly basis — to get them all done.
Weekly
Then, I fill out each week into a double-page spread. That spread usually includes a small list of projects that I want to complete that week. It also includes a focus for the week — sometimes a quote or image to inspire me.
I vary the layout from week to week. Lately, I’ve been placing all of my days on one page and the task list on the facing page.
Daily
Under each day, I write my schedule including any appointments and deadlines. Underneath the schedule, I mark out the tasks I’ll do each day. This references my overall project list.
It helps me actually work those ongoing projects into each day. Otherwise, distractions like scrolling social media or watching Netflix fill up my time before I remember key cleaning tasks.
Planning for the Next Season
Finally, I mark a reminder (often on a post-it note) that I will need to add in these changes for the next season. If it’s on a loose page or post-it, I can keep moving it out until the appropriate page. Then, I can start the process again when the weather gets warm.
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