To want to cry at my sister's washing?

[summeroccupation]

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!

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 😬

@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!!

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.

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

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.

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

I think you are doing a lovely generous thing, but I am worried about your sister’s power bill. Definitely do as much line drying as you can and keep to short cycles. I wouldn’t use the dryer at all in the summer.

You are a lovely sister!

All you can do is keep at it. I house sit for my daughter as she has pets and I happily clear her backlog of washing, you've had loads of suggestions of what order to do it in. I sort the clothes but don't put it away.
With children I'd not sort out outgrown stuff either, unless with the ages/sexes it was obvious, and even then I'd not chuck anything
I do chuck out any recycling she has lying around, but I don't do otherwise, apart from making sure the bins are all emptied and all the washing up done. I'll wash any bedding that gets weed on my the doggies so it is all clean when she gets back, and do some sweeping and vacuuming
I'd not do anything else re cleaning/organizing/reorganising, I don't want to overstep things, I'd hate it if someone did that to me. I've not got much else to do while I'm there and I might as well make it easier for her, she has stuff to sort out when she gets back so can start with things nice and tidy.
In the past when I've had for whatever reason lots and lots of washing, usually when the children were living at home and finally tidied up all their clothes, and I had towels and bedding, no tumble dryer and it was damp out, I would load it into the car and travel to a laundrette and spend a few hours getting it washed and dried, it was worth it to get up to date with it.

@PalePurplePumpkin oh snot off. I read down threads and reply as I go along. So shoot me.

I haven't used the dryer. Been using the line when I can and clothes horses. 😊

What a wonderful sister you are! I’m sure she’ll appreciate whatever you’re able to manage.

So glad operation clothes clean is well underway. Have you still a few days left?? 💕 I'm sure it's a very overwhelming task and it will feel good to be so far into it 😁

When I get overwhelmed with washing, I start by picking out a coloured load and washing that hanging the first load out to dry while the second is washing. If I get it right, alot of the first load is dry on the line by the time the second load is washed. Our washer takes about an hour for standard 30deg wash, but I have to double rinse for child's skincare., so total time us about 2 hours wash time.

Regards clean mixed with dirty, we had that a bit, so jow clean washing goes in large laundry bags til we get time to sort and stash. Still messy but more efficient than stuff getting dirty again.

If it was me, I'd love someone to wash and dry my stuff, change beds etc, as long as they did it with good heart and temper.

Could you maybe offer to regularly wash the laundry, do light cleaning for 'expenses' , if you don't mind?

Anyway, you sound like a great sister, but I'd take you on holiday with me next time.

Best sister.

id love it if someone did this for me. I have a husband and two kids under 7. All 3 of them wear multiple outfits a day. It infuriates me. Then the clothes that have been worn go in the wash. Even if only worn for a couple of hours.

build up of laundry is immense.

ememem84, that sounds horrendous. Why is it happening?

Same. Even though the picture is now down. If this was my sister I wouldn't be happy.

If they only wear for a few hours they can wear again without if being washed, unless really dirty

Use the woollens or short cycle for most things. It really speeds up the process and most clothes just need a freshen up rather than a proper wash.