Years ago I received a utility bill in the mail. I almost had a heart attack when I saw it was $147! I looked at Tom, my ex, and said, “We gotta do something”. It was then I decided to make my way as far off the grid as I could. The first thing to go will be the first thing I will talk about here.
Clothes Dryers.
They are nasty little energy suckers that play havoc with your electric bill. Now mind you, I understand that some people live in towns and even apartments and a clothesline outside may not be an option. I would however ask your landlord if it can be a consideration, for apartments maybe even a community clothes line that everyone can use. If you desire one and can’t swing one outside, hanging your clothes over the shower rod on hangers works well, or the sooden clothes dryers are great for indoors and patios. If used indoors, just spread a towel beneath so if water drips you won’t have a problem on your hands.
Tom put me up a beautiful clothesline, with three lines, which seems sufficient for my needs.
I had a dryer, never used it and recently had Chris haul it out to the shed. I think maybe I will donate it to the community shelter or something. I have not used it in many many years now.
Drawbacks to an outdoor line:
*when it rains, you search for clean clothes
*you get caught away from home some evening and a storm hits, rewashing your once dry clothes.
*Birds may crap on your clothes (lol)
*Cats may pull your clothes off the line to play with them (especially if you have 20)
*If you are lazy and leave them on the line too long they will get sun damage
*You have to go outside to hang them up (I consider this a plus, but some might thing it a drawback)
*If your partner is rather clueless and decides to mow right after you hang out a load of wet jeans, you will be re-washing them!
*your neighbors can view your undies
*Pollen can settle on clothes and irritate allergies
Rewards:
*Your electric bill will decrease considerably (Ours went down over 30 bucks!)
*You get the quiet time to think and clear your mind while you hang out clothes
*It is a great feeling to stand barefoot in the morning dew hanging out clothes while the birds are singing
*It saves electricity
*Your clothes get that FRESH scent naturally
*An Amish woman once told me the rain and/or dew softens the clothes
*They are pretty hanging in your yard
*It is fun for the grandkids to run in between the lines like a secret, colorful playland
*Your cats like to walk on your feet while you hang the clothes out
*If your partner helps, it is good quality time together
*The dryer does not heat up your house in the summer, causing you bill to go even higher
*You can save space by nixing the dryer and putting storage shelves in the area
*You don’t open your dryer to discover the kids did not hang up the last load of clothes when dry
*Your neighbors get to see your undies (lol)
I love hanging out clothes! I honestly would not have it any other way. It gives me peaceful, quiet time to reflect, think and plan for the day…..under the guise of work.