Simplicity at the Laundromat
I live in a condominium in the city. To do the laundry I have to go out my front door, lock it, go the elevator, go down three floors, unlock the basement door, put money in the laundry, go back 40 minutes later, put money in the dryer and carry the load all the way upstairs, through the doors and back to my place.Sound like a hassle? Well that is what modern North Americans think of this, as a hassle. I used to also, but now I feel differently.Let me tell you why.
1. I have to think about and plan laundry day. It is an event in itself. I find myself doing the laundry in a meaningful way. Sure, it would be easy to pop a few things in the laundry at night in my own home, but I would forget they are there and I think I would be constantly doing laundry. This way I get it over with every 7 - 9 days.
2. I have to plan what to wash. Now that may sound funny to you, but I just don't believe in the philosophy of wear it once and wash it. Some things sure, like underwear and really sweaty shirts. But I see kids today wear a pair of jeans once and pop them in the laundry. I am not saying this is wrong, just not right for me and my lifestyle.
3. I meet people in the laundry. Today I had a chat with the caretaker of the building and found out a little bit about his life. I don't want to stay isolated in my own home all the time.
4. I get free magazines and books. In our laundry we have a book exchange. I just picked up the latest Chateleine and will read it with coffee later on.
5. I get to walk. I know my laundry takes 30 minutes, so I pop it in and head out the door. I need to be back in 30 minutes because someone else will want that washing machine. So my time seems worked out to me.
6. I never have to pay for the machines, get them fixed or replace them. My washer costs me 75 cents and my dryer the same. I can ususally wash 3 big loads and dry one big load and hang the rest.
All in all I value the simplicity of shared laundry. It goes against everything we have been told "own your own" washing machine, dryer, car, lawnmower, weedeater, bread machine, summer place, camping equipment and so on.
I am a happier person when I share.
posted by Deb @ 10:54 AM
2 Comments:
I love this. I actually went past a laundromat yesterday and lamented not having any laundry to do there. It is cold and rainy where I live so a perfect time for that project with the warmth that comes from the machines.
It is also one of the last places in our politically correct world where you are allowed to wear your junkiest clothes and can still expect to meet and talk to someone without totally putting them off by your attire.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by. There is a sort of neatness and sense of fulfillment about getting all the wash done at once and then getting it all folded and back in the basket.
I think perhaps this sense of accomplishment has disappeared from our housework.
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