If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional PVC dryer ball, you should try making your own! I love this DIY wool dryer ball project from Good Mama. They’re simple to make, colorful and very useful.

Spring the supply list!
You’ll Need:
-100 percent wool yarn (use scraps!)
-Old pantyhose or a sock
-Cotton or acrylic yarn, or string
-Scissors
-Small crochet hook
-Measuring tape

Check out Good Mama’s original post for full instructions!

Does my DIY dryer ball simplify my life? I’ll let you know- I haven’t made it yet!

This week is National Simplify Your Life Week.  So we’re bringing you a round-up of some of our best, simplest posts over the last year!

August 2008:  Organize your home redecoration project

September 2008: Drink more water for your health & to save money

October 2008: Shampoo your hair every other day

November 2008: Save time sorting dirty laundry

December 2008: Organize your kitchen pantry after the holidays

January 2009: Low on energy? Try a caffeine nap

February 2009: Get the perfect table at your favorite restaurant

March 2009: Delicious recipes can be simple!

April 2009: Save money on beauty products with these homemade tips

May 2009: Send reminders to your mobile phone

June 2009: Keep your purse organized

July 2009: Boil your pasta and vegetables together to save cooking time

Managing laundry isn’t something that many people get excited about.  But, I’ve been trying a new system & am pretty pleased with it. It has not only saved me time, but has gotten rid of the need to buy a “presentable” laundry hamper to keep in the bathroom.

Here’s what you do:

1. Buy 3+ laundry baskets that are oval-shaped & are about the size of one load of laundry, which depends on your washer
2. Line them up in your closet
3. As you accumulate dirty clothes, drop them right into the appropriate basket – darks, lights, whites
4. When one of the baskets is full, pull it out, replace with an empty basket & wash that load (keep an empty basket stacked under one of the full baskets)

Spring the task list!

Doing this will eliminate the annoying process of digging into a hamper just to sort loads.  You’ll also reduced the likelihood of washing loads that are too small or too big.

Why buy laundry baskets in bulk? (6 at a time, in my case)

1. It’s really nice to have them stack neatly, whether in the closet or the laundry room
2. They crack, break & melt, so you will need to buy new ones eventually
3. It’s usually cheaper – I ordered mine from Ace Hardware (Did you know that they have free delivery if you have your order delivered to the local Ace?)

Did buying new laundry baskets simplify my life? Yes.
Check out the results.