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Original poster

To want to cry at my sister's washing?

287 replies

summeroccupation · 30/06/2024 20:08

She has three girls and is currently on holiday with them. I'm house sitting until next weekend and there's washing everywhere. I've filled four ikea bags and still have a pile that's filled the bath. I'm planning to get it washed and dried for her but I'm honestly looking at the pile and don't know where to start. She has a washer dryer and it's taking ages per load (no laundries around here, just forecourt washers that are like £10 a wash!)

No she hasn't asked me specifically to do it but she was complaining about the state of her house last week so I know she won't mind. She's been struggling with her MH lately and having it looming over her can't be helping! And she's starting a new full time job next week so if I leave it it'll never get done!

OP posts:
ThatWhiteElephant · 01/07/2024 19:36

What a lovely sister you are, I'm sure she will really appreciate your kindness.

OnlineDream · 01/07/2024 19:35

Do it girl. I am sure she will be thankful to you and you would feel good too 🥰

Mummy2024 · 01/07/2024 19:25

Turnthelightoff · 01/07/2024 18:48

I was going to suggest when things get dry that you pull to one side anything that is too small for any of the children or stained/damaged as her first step to reducing the amount of stuff they have. Then when she is back a get together picking through and only keeping stuff which fits well and everyone likes to wear might be nice too. You are being a lovely sister

I did this recently and it really has helped. OP can't do it though, she could offer to come and help when she gets back though go through it all

Turnthelightoff · 01/07/2024 18:48

I was going to suggest when things get dry that you pull to one side anything that is too small for any of the children or stained/damaged as her first step to reducing the amount of stuff they have. Then when she is back a get together picking through and only keeping stuff which fits well and everyone likes to wear might be nice too. You are being a lovely sister

IWantAShitzu · 01/07/2024 18:44

summeroccupation · 01/07/2024 11:56

Body doubling is basically having someone with you to increase your motivation because you know you're accountable (or that's how it works for me)

Good new - washing mountain is starting to look better!

Bad news - the sun has vanished and it's trying to rain 😬

What a lovely sister you are.

As a mum of 3 myself and due to give birth any day, I understand how easy it is to let things slip especially when suffering with MH.

the washing is the one thing I struggle with - my mum was a huge help recently and took three big baskets of washing home and did them for me, honestly I feel so much better now and more determined to keep on top of it.

you really are doing a wonderful thing, ignore the negative posters who will always find something to criticise x

August1980 · 01/07/2024 18:17

You are so lovely OP! So refreshing to read a thread like this… I too, often break into my sisters house and clean for her :) fill up her car.. - and fridge… she dare not touch my things though - I am a super clean freak

  1. her words!!!
Sickoffamilydrama · 01/07/2024 18:16

AnnieMcFanny · 01/07/2024 05:41

You are doing a lovely thing for your sister. It’s what I would do for mine and what she would do for me. No shame between sisters. Mine has helped me many times, especially when my kids were wee. My mum would have done the same

spot on.

Same between me and my sister, sounds like OP has a good relationship and knows she can do this.

LordC · 01/07/2024 18:04

You're choosing to be a martyr here. It's great that you are willing to do this for her, but if you're unhappy, that's on you, as you chose to do this without being asked.

Ilikeadrink14 · 01/07/2024 14:41

43percentburnt · 30/06/2024 22:07

Hang tshirt/dresses/skirts/jumpers etc straight onto hangers on the doorframe of the doors. They will dry overnight and easy to put away.

I’ve done this and itbreally works! Even bette4 if you can open the windows a bit too.

justasking111 · 01/07/2024 13:30

My husband has ADHD we have to body double. I'm girding my loins for a clothes throw out amongst other items.

It's bloody harrowing. I was just thinking this morning that I wish someone would take him away for a week so that I could clear out stuff. I once snuck out 30 odd teeshirts which he never noticed I'd binned.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 01/07/2024 12:13

@summeroccupation when you are finished at your sister's house, would you mind popping up to scotland to mine?? the washing is all done but ironing mountain lives on in an unused baby cot!!

Original poster
summeroccupation · 01/07/2024 11:56

Body doubling is basically having someone with you to increase your motivation because you know you're accountable (or that's how it works for me)

Good new - washing mountain is starting to look better!

Bad news - the sun has vanished and it's trying to rain 😬

OP posts:
AnnieMcFanny · 01/07/2024 10:04

@Shybutrude thank you. We very much live in the world of ND in this family and have done for 35 years and I’ve never come across body doubling before. It sounds very interesting and it’s appropriate you linked to ADHD because a grandchild had just been diagnosed with it.

thank you.

Shybutrude · 01/07/2024 09:19

@AnnieMcFanny Google

To want to cry at my sister's washing?
dementedpixie · 01/07/2024 08:21

Motomum23 · 01/07/2024 08:15

You want quick 15

Only if she's washing 1kg of washing at a time

Motomum23 · 01/07/2024 08:15

You want quick 15

bonzaitree · 01/07/2024 08:09

Challenge your “all or nothing” thinking here OP- you absolutely don’t have to get it all done. Even if you only got 10% done that’s still a huge huge help!

Copperoliverbear · 01/07/2024 07:39

Also if your sister has the money maybe she should get a cleaning for a couple of hours once or twice a week to help keep the house nice, once you're finished. X

CecilyP · 01/07/2024 07:38

goingdownfighting · 30/06/2024 20:23

Double spin the sturdy clothes- they'll dry quicker.

Really good tip if you’re not doing that already.

dementedpixie · 01/07/2024 07:27

SummerTimeIsTheBest · 01/07/2024 07:10

Does the washer/drier have a ‘spin and drain’ cycle? I always put the clothes though that after a wash as it seems to reduce the drying time as it gets rid of excess water. Then, if using the drier, I only put in light stuff and the rest goes on the line.

Edited to say I just saw your pic- that rinse and spin cycle is likely to be the same as my ‘spin and drain’ one.

Edited

Rinse and spin would add more water before spinning it.

There is a bit in the dial that says 'spin' and that would just spin the excess moisture out.

Twiglets1 · 01/07/2024 07:13

You’re doing such a kind thing, I’m sure your sister and family will be happy when they get home and see your efforts. I hate coming home to loads of washing but your sister will have way less to tackle than what she had before the holiday ❤️

Nothing to add really, just ignore the people being negative.

SummerTimeIsTheBest · 01/07/2024 07:10

Does the washer/drier have a ‘spin and drain’ cycle? I always put the clothes though that after a wash as it seems to reduce the drying time as it gets rid of excess water. Then, if using the drier, I only put in light stuff and the rest goes on the line.

Edited to say I just saw your pic- that rinse and spin cycle is likely to be the same as my ‘spin and drain’ one.

BatshitCrazyWoman · 01/07/2024 07:04

I wouldn't use a quick wash, they are meant for very small loads that just need freshening up, rather than actual washing. They just slosh it about in tepid water.

If you can run to one (large!) load tumble dried at the forecourt place (bedding and/or towels), that would free up a lot of line space for clothes. And good idea to take some loads home where you can wash and dry efficiently. If you have a week, you'll get in done, OP. I don't really iron (a couple of linen dresses, or if I'm sewing, that's it) so I suggest smoothing and folding neatly as stuff is dry.

dementedpixie · 01/07/2024 06:11

Wayda · 01/07/2024 02:02

What is a forecourt washing machine? Washing machine at a petrol station?

Pretty much.
Some can be found at local corner shops too.
There are several near me. Has a couple of different sized washing machines and a big tumble dryer

ZoomDoomZoom · 01/07/2024 05:49

Somebody mentioned sorting laundry by size, I agree with this. Once washed put the small, outgrown in a separate bag for the Charity shop. Leave it in the hallway for your sister to drop off in case there are clothes she'd like to keep.

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