Categories: Articles
      Date: Jul 19, 2009
     Title: Revenge On The Sock Monster!

Silly things can often be the most perplexing and also the most frustrating, however, if we take a little time in preparation prior to the wash and also gain some cooperation from the rest of the family then hopefully you will finally have your revenge on the wee little sock beastie.

First up gather your supplies, and have them at the ready in the laundry. Now, I'll give you a few methods to have a go at - there is sure to be one that'll work for you. You will also need a reminder sign that says Pair the socks before the wash! Make this as fun or as serious as you wish, be creative.

Method 1: Safety pins - I suggest you get the big nappy pins for this job, less fiddly and easier for smaller hands. One pin can be used to pin pairs together at either the toe or cuff of the socks. (My favourite and quickest method, also because if you pin at the toes, you can leave them joined when pegging them to the line, peg both up by one cuff, take them off the line and they are still together - dry!).

Method 2: Elastic bands or covered hair bands - Again I suggest you use the big strong ones. You don't want little fiddly ones that will snap easily. One elastic band can be used to group your sock pair together. I usually go for the cuff area to ensure that the foot area of the sock gets a good clean. (Second favourite method, and no pins to hurt little fingers).

Method 3: Laundry markers This is best for lighter coloured socks rather than your navy blue or black variety. Label the socks inside the cuff of the sock. Go for the first letter of the owner of the sock followed by a number for the pair. E.g. Angela's 3 pairs would be labeled: Pair 1 = A1 (This would be put on both socks in one pair) Part 2 = A2, A3 etc. Brian's would be pairs B1, B2, B3 etc. (Not my favourite method, a bit time intensive and socks are still split up in the wash, however useful if you have many family members socks to keep track of).

Method 4: Commercial sock clasps: A little hard to track these guys down at times, but they do exist. To better explain what I'm talking about check out Sockpro. I have seen these gadgets in various guises at thrift shops, some supermarkets and on and off in places like Howards Storage World and other specialist stores on organizing. Thing is, they do work on the same principle as the elastic bands. Another type you may want to check out are Wizzpeg Sock Holders, a slightly different concept, also when you purchase these you are also helping support Vision Australia, a really good cause.

As for where socks actually do go once inside the washing machine? The usual bet is the ½ inch gap beneath the agitator in the centre of the machine where they can easily slide under and around the centre support.

For more tips and ideas subscribe to the Less Equals More newsletter by logging onto the website below. © Angela Miller-Davis.

For more tips and ideas subscribe here for the weekly Less Equals More newsletter. Angela Miller-Davis is a Professional Organiser who helps people to find solutions for an organised lifestyle through her consultancy Less Equals More, Brisbane. Click here for Angela's Blog. Or follow her on twitter. Angela is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers).