the *BEST* time to do your laundry in college

Okay, so we've talked about my absolute game-changer for college laundry – that 5 AM start time! Seriously, seeing those empty washing machines and dryers at dawn is pure bliss. But let's be real, while knowing when to do laundry is super helpful, another big question I always had (and I bet you do too!) is: how often should you actually do laundry in college? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but from my experience, aiming for once every 1 to 2 weeks is a good sweet spot. This allows you to accumulate enough clothes for a full load without letting things pile up into Mount Everest proportions. Of course, this depends on your wardrobe size, how many gym clothes you go through, or if you have a job requiring uniforms. If you're constantly in workout gear, you might find yourself needing to do a small load more frequently. Beyond the “when” and “how often,” I've picked up a few other tips to make the whole college laundry process less of a headache and more productive. First, preparation is your best friend. Get a sturdy laundry bag or hamper, ideally one with compartments if you're good about pre-sorting. Always have enough detergent (pods are a lifesaver for convenience!), dryer sheets, and remember those quarters or your laundry card if your dorm doesn't have free machines. I can't tell you how many times I've seen friends get to the laundry room only to realize they forgot their card! When it comes to the actual washing, maximize each load without overloading the laundry machines. You really want your clothes to get clean, and jamming too much in actually makes them dirtier and can damage the machine. Wait until you have a full load to save money and time, but don't let it sit so long that you run out of clean socks! While 5 AM is my personal favorite, if that's just not possible, try other off-peak hours. Weekday mornings after 9 AM (when classes start) or late evenings can often mean fewer crowds. Weekends are usually the busiest, so try to avoid prime-time Saturday and Sunday afternoons if you can. Some dorms even have apps that show machine availability – definitely check if yours does! That can save you a wasted trip to that sometimes empty college laundry room that you were hoping for. And here’s a quick tip for after: as soon as your clothes are dry, fold them immediately. Seriously, I know it's tempting to just dump everything back in your hamper, but taking a few minutes to fold and put away helps prevent wrinkles and makes your space feel so much tidier. It's a small habit, but it makes a big difference in maintaining a productive and organized living space. I found that having my folded laundry organized made mornings so much smoother. Thinking about saving some cash? Washing with cold water is not only better for most clothes but also uses less energy. And for some items, air drying them on a rack in your room can save on dryer costs and make your clothes last longer. College life is busy enough, and laundry doesn't have to add to the stress. By figuring out your ideal frequency, preparing properly, and being strategic with your timing, you can transform it from a dreaded chore into just another smooth part of your routine. Happy washing!