How to fold washing like a ninja (A.K.A. Think like a factory)

Create a production line

and blaze through the jobs!

I have always loved a production line (really, I have!) and the reason is this - breaking a large task up into a series of small actions is a super efficient way to get things done. It works in a factory, and it can work at home too, even without access to a team of highly-trained workers. Because there are few people who actually love to fold laundry, let's take a look at how you can go from washing line to production line in a few easy steps. 

Step 1: Categorise

Folding washing like a ninja actually starts when it first comes out of the machine. As you hang it on the line, group similar garments together. Hang together all the tops that will be folded, then the shorts and trousers, boxer shorts, underwear and of course pair up your socks as they go on the line. Everything that will eventually be folded in an identical way should go on the line together. 

Step 2: Prepare

As you bring the washing in, keep to those categories created in Step One as you put the washing in the basket. For example, put all the tops in the basket first, then the shorts and trousers, and so on.

Bonus tip: If you aren't going to fold the washing immediately, create smooth, flat piles of your washing if possible - this reduces wrinkles and will hopefully save you from needing to iron as much. 

Step 3: Repetitive actions

Empty the basket and set your piles up ready for action. I literally work like a production line at this point - I have the to-be-folded piles at the left of the production line, my workspace in the middle, and the basket at the right. I work from left to right as that is a comfortable flow for me, but the same principle works from right to left. Choose a category (for example, tops) and fold them using your preferred method. Power through the whole category, putting the folded items into the basket as you go. Blitz each category until the job is done. 

Bonus tip: I prefer to fold my washing on the dining room table - a clear, flat surface enables me to work quickly without shuffling too much around or running out of space. It is the perfect height for me to work comfortably. 

You can think like a factory and turn so many of your household tasks into a production line. Unloading the dishwasher, blitzing housework and even bigger projects like a spring clean or declutter mission.

If you'd like some help kickstarting your factory thinking, please get in touch as I would love to turn you into a lean, mean, processing machine!