YOU can DOOOOOOOOO it Waterboy!

THINGS YOU CAN DO AND HOW:  Today kiddies, we are going to show how you can do something and not nothing.  :-) I can't sit, not long anyway. Never have been able too. ADHD overload right here folks.  So, having this hella horrible spine thing makes life uh...challenging, yeah that's it challenging! That's a good word for it! The spine just adds to the mix.  Standing a lot becomes very difficult as well so, the lesser of two evils is sit a bit but get it done as efficiently as possible and on to a better place to be more comfy with a nice fat ice pack!

So, laundry.  Seems hard right?  I mean, how can a handicapped person do their own laundry, much less a family of four?  Well, depending on your set up it can be easy.  Keep in mind everything takes twice (if not more) as long.  Just accept it.  It is what it is. What you use to get done in a day is not happening.  So, suck it up and get busy.  Explain to your family that you want to help and not put everything back on them but you do need help.  Once they see that you are safe and able they will be so proud of you.  Even better....YOU will be proud of you!

So for me, I can't do many things but this girl can rock out some laundry.  Let's start with the basic tools you need aside from detergent and super smelly good fabric stuff.  As I have mentioned, a grabber is a must and I love me some grabber.  They come in MANY styles but mine is THE BEST!  I got mine after my first operation in 2000! The suction cup model I got after surgery number 2 did not even last 6 months.  I use the grabber all the time for so many things I would be lost without her.  Her name is Sadie.

My sweet Sadie is a featherlight and can be found online at Amazon (see below)

http://www.amazon.com/Duro-Med-Aluminum-Reacher-Magnetic-Tip/dp/B0009STNME/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1380611921&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=reacher+grabber%2C+featherlite

She has many features:

A little magnet (which I have used a lot).
A little peg (that is super fantastic to put on socks with)
A hand trigger that works the grabber end (do NOT attempt to pick up a soda can with this model - it punctures it and it sprays all over before you can drop it and knock it out of the way - HA) Or you can get the suction cup kind if you pick up a lot of soda cans!

Such a simple design but works better than any others out there but there are many so find one that fits you and your needs!

This is another option:

Amazon rules!

http://www.amazon.com/Mabis-Reach-Extender-Magnetic-640-1762-0000/dp/B0046IMSOS/ref=sr_1_10?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380613119&sr=1-10&keywords=reacher+grabber


Now, a stool is buneo nacho.  You need to be able to sit to sort.  I have a small stool I stole from my daughters art table.  Shhhhhhh!  Don't tell.  Nothing crazy, just a stool but any place to sit will work.  Again, Amazon has tons and delivery is easy.  This beauty from Amazon listed below folds up for easy storage.  Mine sadly does not fold up.  I use my stool in the kitchen to cook as well.

http://www.amazon.com/TG-82-0827-24-Inch-Cushioned-Folding/dp/B006H0XEIW/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380611639&sr=1-2&keywords=stool

This is just a simple one but you can go all out - even get wheels....wheels for me might be well, trouble....or a whole lot of fun! ;-)  My family tells me I need a suit made of bubble wrap and a helmet but whatever!  you think Amazon sells bubble wrap suits - let's check...nope :-( Sadness.  Oh well.

My DREAM stool....maybe Santa will see this.  Santa, you can get this on Amazon too and you won't have to cram it in your sleigh! 

http://www.amazon.com/Boss-B16245-BK-Caressoft-Medical-Drafting/dp/B004I3ZRQM/ref=sr_1_6?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380611639&sr=1-6&keywords=stool

Something like this gives plenty of much needed back support but for me it does not take too long so I am in and out.  If you have piles and piles this might be the better way to go.

Next, you need a pushable basket!  These are soooooo cool!  Right now, I have someone carry the standard laundry basket for me but would I like one?  Ooooooh yeah!  Uh....Santa?  They have other uses too groceries or just moving things you need moved.

Amazon (of course)  

http://www.amazon.com/Cart-Wheel-Jumbo-Shopping-Laundry/dp/B0019TWSMO/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380612657&sr=1-3&keywords=laundry+cart+with+wheels

But if you want to go all fancy....you can get one with a hanger but, I have yet to find one with a big enough basket to eliminate muli-trips. 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Organize-It-All-Laundry-17167W-1/dp/B004YL2EDW/ref=sr_1_18?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1380612657&sr=1-18&keywords=laundry+cart+with+wheels

Now that you know what you need....see how I do it.  Cause this my friends, is how I roll.  I have someone dump out the laundry on the floor.  I sort my little cripple heart out (yeah, I said it and I CAN because I AM so don't get your undies in a knot). You can make all kinds of games out of sorting.  Flinging things with the Grabber Ten Thousand (aka Sexy Sadie) is fun.

Then when you are done use a cart or child labor whichever you prefer and bring it to the "folding station" (aka laundry board set way low) as shown below! Notice the pillow for extra comfort. :-)

Viola! Super laundry challenge accepted and conquered!  Level up!  The key is modification.  You CAN do stuff as I have said, it just takes some creativity and the want to not sit on your butt and be useless.

Now get out there and get that laundry done!