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Keep a bin of unisex, mated socks in the mudroom.
(or near the door from which you most often exit).
Finding socks & putting on one's socks (if they could be found) became a source of conflict around here in the morning. You may think I'm overstating, but really, it was getting out of hand. It felt as if I heard at least one of the following statements every single day:
"Mom, I can't find any socks!" (okay so maybe this is my fault...I tend to wait awhile to fold laundry)
"Mom, do I haaaave to go upstairs and get my socks?" (it is 10 degrees outside..."yes" is the answer.)
"Mom, these are giiirls socks." (oops...did I put lacy socks in my son's closet?!)
We wasted a lot of time and seriously, I don't want to contend with my kids over mere socks! So I came up with a two-fold plan.
First, since my two oldest (now 7 and 4) are within a few shoe sizes of each other, I bought two large bags of plain white socks in a size that fits both kids. I like the white socks at Old Navy because they are well-priced, totally unisex, are of surprisingly decent quality, and have skids on the bottom to prevent unnecessary slips on the hardwood floors.
Second, after folding laundry, I immediately place a bunch of mated socks in a galvanized metal bin inside my mudroom. I would even say I place most of their socks in this bin. Now, when I am heading out the door I always have socks on hand, within reach, for my little people. We don't argue anymore (well, not about socks anyway), no one has to run upstairs when we are already running late, and no one has to worry about donning socks that are too girly :)
To read more easy organizing tips...click here.
can you please tell me the paint color on that wall?
ReplyDeletePittsfield Buff...it's a Benjamin Moore color.
ReplyDeletei don't understand it but socks are a problem here too...for the same reasons. i now have a little stash of them by the front door...socks can really be the cause of starting our day off poorly.
ReplyDeletep.s. love benjamin moore!
Socks are a huge problem and that makes total sense. I'm going to do the same thing in the mudroom in the garage. Brilliant ideas as always!
ReplyDeletethis is a great tip! I must do this, we have this problem with our socks too
ReplyDeletevery clever.
ReplyDeleteHow funny, I was just going to ask you what color of paint you have in your mudroom...I am looking for a great nuetral. I am glad "c" already asked the question.
ReplyDeletegreat mudroom. and great idea on the socks!
ReplyDeleteand p.s. i think my wall colors are exactly the same color as yours..
I LOVE this idea! Now I just need a fabulous mud room.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteI want to know where you got that cute bag on the hook!
ReplyDeleteHiker-Kelly B, I bought the bag at Monoprix in Paris :( If you're ever there, you'll have to stop by. It's like Target, but French. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI was just searching for these exacty type of bins today! Home Depot didn't have them... where did you find yours?
ReplyDeleteHello Christine,
ReplyDeleteI found them at IKEA. They are about $14 I think. I've had two of them for years and just added one more for the socks ;)