I came across this article earlier on Unclutterer.com, about having totally organized socks (and hence an organized sock drawer). It advocates having all your socks in exactly the same size and style to simplify laundry time. By having 12 pairs of identical socks, it is considerably easier to manage laundry day and having to pair up your socks every time. I agree with the recommendation that they made but don’t believe you have to take it to those extremes (unless you really want to).
Here is my take on this idea, with some extra sock organizing tips:
- Stick to the same style, for the same type of socks – I myself have standard black wool socks which I wear90% of the time, and yes they are all the same style. I also have trainer and workout socks, and separate running socks; again also in the same style. It helps if even one of you in a couple does this, as you simplify laundry that bit extra. I always know that any brightly coloured socks, especially those related to shopping, chocolate or being sleepy belong to my girlfriend
. - Keep different types of socks in different places – I keep all my main socks in the usual places (as well as having a pair stashed at work, in the car and at my girlfriends), but keep my exercise and running socks separately. It may sound silly, but avoids me ever having to wear white socks to a meeting (yes this happened once) or wearing smart dress socks whilst out running (yes, this happened once as well).
- Keep sock laundry separate – This is a handy one, especially if your keen on nicely optimized laundry… Keep a mesh bag, or possibly a pillowcase handy near your washbasket, and whenever there are socks to be washed put them in there instead of in the main laundry. This may sound sound super-anal, especially coming from a boy, but really does save time when you’re organizing your laundry. It also helps solve “wandering sock syndrome” whereby socks end up in all sorts of random places whilst going through the laundry cycle.
- Keep Emergency Socks – Keep emergency socks around, in various locations, for whenever they might be appropriate. Very handy for when you get caught in the rain, have an emergency meeting (or date) or just need a change.
- Have a Sock Pick-me-up – This is a tip I learned from a professional butler, a man used to spending a lot of time on his feet. If you’re stuck at work, out and about or have otherwise been spending a lot of time on your feet, take a little time for a sock break… Sit down and relax, and take off your shoes and socks to let the air circulate. Wash your feet and dry them well, then put on a pair of emergency socks (see above)… I guarantee you’ll feel like a new person.
Please post a comment, or contact us and let us know how you get on sorting out your socks.
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