Does summer need to mean more clothing, and more laundry overwhelm?
Let’s talk about laundry. (I know… not your favorite topic. Same.)
But really—does laundry double in size the second summer vacation starts? No more uniforms. No more school clothes. Just kids running around in five outfits a day like it’s a costume party we never signed up for.
There’s the day camp outfit (currently dyed blue from the Slurpee machine), the wet swimsuit, the post-swim outfit, the pajamas they changed into after dinner—and don’t forget the second pair of pajamas they switched into after dumping water on the first ones.
But here’s the thing:
The problem isn’t that we’re “bad” at laundry.
The problem is that there’s just too much clothing.
Seriously. No laundry system in the world-color-coded hampers, rotating schedules, chore charts-can keep up if each kid has 47 shirts and 16 bathing suits.
The math just doesn’t work.
What We’re Really Drowning In
The truth is, laundry isn’t overwhelming because of the act of doing it. It’s overwhelming because of the volume. A kid with 5 shirts? Manageable. A kid with 16 shirts? Suddenly there’s a T-shirt avalanche in the living room, socks in the freezer, and you’re questioning how many children actually live in your house.
I always tell my students:
fewer clothes = fewer decisions = fewer messes = fewer meltdowns (from you).
You’re not inefficient. You’re just overloaded.
So instead of trying to do more laundry faster, hiring more help, or coming up with a different system, let’s cut the clutter at the source—starting with the clothing.
But Don’t They Need All This Stuff?
Nope. (That was easy.)
Most kids wear the same handful of outfits on repeat. (Same for us, by the way. I teach about this in my course, and women are mind-blown when they start paying attention to that.) Everything else is just taking up space in their drawers and creating extra laundry you don’t need.
Here is the summer capsule wardrobe I use and teach my students and clients:
• 6–8 full outfits (T-shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts, pants)
• 2-3 swimsuits
• 2-3 pairs of pajamas
• A couple of Shabbos outfits
• Enough underwear and socks for a week
• One light sweatshirt
• Sneakers, water shoes/sandals, and Shabbos shoes
That’s it. You’re done.
Try this for even just one kid. See what happens.
Camp Packing Doesn’t Have to Break You
If your older kids are heading to sleepaway camp, take a deep breath. The packing list might look scary, but I promise—more stuff is not the solution.
Stick to what the camp actually tells you to bring. Don’t double it “just in case.” So many times I see kids return home from camp with half their stuff still folded. The other half? Lost—because it was too much to manage, or mildewed at the bottom of a soggy duffel.
Get the Kids Involved (Yes, Even the 3-Year-Old)
When we pare down the wardrobe, it becomes possible—even easy—for kids to manage their own stuff. And they actually like it.
Even toddlers can help sort socks. Older kids? Teach them to do their own laundry. It’s a summer life skill.
So if laundry is making you crazy, it’s okay to do something about it. And beyond just being practical, this is actually a chinuch opportunity.
We’re teaching our kids about:
• Gratitude: When there’s less, we appreciate it more.
• Responsibility: They are responsible for their stuff—managing it, keeping track of it, and not ruining it.
• Bal tashchit: We don’t waste what Hashem gives us—including clothes.
Your kids don’t need a hundred options.
They need a clean shirt they like, a drawer they can manage,
and a mom who isn’t burnt out from the laundry monster.
Practical Tips for Teaching Kids Responsibility
I teach this in my course, but here are a few quick “Tips for Kids” you can start using now to help your kids take responsibility for their stuff:
• If you’re doing messy activities (like painting at day camp or hikes at sleepaway), wear a smock, an old T-shirt, or even a garbage bag over your clothes—or at least move your good clothing out of the way. Don’t ruin what you don’t need to.
• Never leave wet stuff sitting around. The second you’re done with swimming, water play, or a sweaty hike—hang it up. Don’t toss it into a bag and forget it. That’s how things get moldy and ruin everything else in the bag.
• Unpack your swim stuff right when you get home. Or if you’re in camp—as soon as you’re back in the bunk. Hang it on a hook, over the chair, wherever it can dry.
• Keep food away from clothes and beds. I know it sounds obvious, but remind them: no lollipops in bed, no snacks on the blanket, and definitely not while wearing your Shabbos outfit.
• If you spill something or make a mess—clean it up right away. Toothpaste, snacks, drinks—don’t leave it for later. Wipe it now so you don’t have to scrub it later.
• Be aware of what you’re wearing and when. Dress appropriately. If you’re going mud-sliding, put on easy-to-wash clothing. If you’re doing a hike, wear tough clothing that doesn’t rip easily.
• If something gets stained—show Mommy right away. Don’t hide it or wait until it’s dry. If you’re home, bring it straight to her so she can pretreat it before it sets.
• If you’re in camp—Mommy can show you how to do it yourself before you go.
The goal is to help them understand:
“I’m in charge of my stuff.”
When they get that, everything changes.
You’ve got this.
Have a beautiful, light, and laundry-sane summer!
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