7 Ways to Iron Less (and Still Look Put Together)

Ironing is one of those chores that feels like it takes forever - and when you're a busy mum, it's usually the first thing to fall off the list.

But you don’t actually need to iron everything to look neat and feel organised. With a few clever hacks, you can skip the ironing board most days and still keep your clothes looking fresh! Here’s how to spend less time ironing (or avoid it altogether):

1. Shake it out straight from the machine

As soon as the wash cycle finishes, pull clothes out and give them a good shake before hanging them. This helps smooth out a lot of the wrinkles before they set in.

2. Hang-dry instead of tumble drying

Hanging clothes to dry - especially shirts and dresses - can prevent creasing. Use coat hangers on the washing line or laundry rack so they keep their shape and dry wrinkle-free.

3. Use the “dryer steam trick”

Toss slightly wrinkled clothes in the dryer with a damp face cloth for 10 minutes. The steam helps release creases without needing to iron.

4. Fold or hang clothes as soon as they're dry

Leaving clean clothes in a basket creates wrinkles. Try folding or hanging things up right away - even if it’s just the key pieces like work shirts and school uniforms.

5. Choose low-crease fabrics

Buy clothes made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics like jersey, knits, or blended cottons. These tend to need little to no ironing and are perfect for daily wear.

6. Steam in the bathroom

No steamer? No problem. Hang clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam helps release wrinkles and gives clothes a quick refresh.

7. Let go of perfection

You don’t need to iron pyjamas, gym clothes, or baby onesies. Focus on the few items that really need it and give yourself permission to skip the rest.

You don’t have to be perfectly pressed to feel pulled together. A few small changes to your laundry routine can save you hours, without sacrificing your comfort or style.

x Marissa

P.S. Want more time-saving tips that make mum life feel easier? Grab ​The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier​. It’s packed with helpful shortcuts, routines, and ideas to keep life flowing smoothly.

🏡 💖 How to Keep Your Home Tidy When You’ve Got Clingy Kids

Trying to keep your home tidy when you’ve got little ones attached to you 24/7 is NOT easy!

Lucky those little ones are cute 😘😊

When you’re constantly being needed - clung to, cuddled, followed into the bathroom - t can feel impossible to get anything done, let alone tidy up your house.

The trick is keeping it simple, letting go of perfection, and building little moments of tidying into the rhythm of your day.

Focus on the basics.

You don’t need a spotless home, just one that feels calm enough to function in.

Start with things that make the biggest visual difference:

• Clear the kitchen countertops
• Make the beds
• Pop toys into a basket
• Take out the rubbish

Use “with me” moments to tidy.

If your child insists on being close, let them be part of it.

• Narrate what you’re doing as you fold laundry
• Give them a cloth to “wipe” the table with
• Let them stack the kid safe dishes while you do the rest.

Yes, it will slow things down a little, but it keeps the connection while still getting it done.

Wear them if it helps.

If your little one is still small enough, using a baby carrier while you do quick tidying tasks can be a lifesaver. It keeps them close and comforted while your hands stay free for light chores.

Break things into micro-tasks.

Instead of cleaning an entire room, just do one corner. Instead of doing all the laundry, just put one load on. Tidying doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A few minutes here and there still make a difference.

My four steps to cleaning a room when I don’t have much time to myself are:

1. Rubbish out
2. Put things away
3. Spray and wipe surfaces
4. Sweep, vacuum or mop the floor.

When my kids were toddlers, I’d focus on one room per day, and break those steps up into different parts of the day so I was only busy for a few minutes at a time.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself.

If the cushions are on the floor or the dishes sit overnight sometimes, it’s okay. This is a season. Your children won’t always be this little, or this clingy.

You’re doing your best, and that’s plenty!

x Marissa

P.S. If you're feeling ready for a next step, and want to make home life feel simpler and calmer (even with little ones around), check out ​The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier​. It’s full of gentle strategies that actually work in real life, no perfection required.