If you have an in-unit washer or dryer in New York City, you’ve hit the jackpot. For most of us, laundry day entails gathering our smelly garments into IKEA bag and trudging down flights of stairs to a local laundromat. Where, if we’re lucky, the last washing machine is still up for grabs.

Let’s just say it’s not the most relaxing way to spend our weekend.

Yet, if we look on the bright side, laundry day can be a chance to slow down and give our wardrobe (and ourselves) a little refresh.

Here are some simple products and ideas to make laundry day just a little bit better.

#1. Use detergent tablets or sheets

Forget lugging a heavy bottle of liquid detergent to and from the laundromat. These tiny tablets are convenient to carry, come in a variety of scents and do their bit to reduce plastic waste. We recommend Blueland Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Tablets that dissolve easily and leave clothes smelling fresh.

Alternatively, try laundry detergent sheets, such as Everspring’s Lavender and Bergemot Laundry detergent sheets, available at Target.

#2 Use Mesh Laundry Bags

It’s a tale as old as time. We return home from the laundromat only to find a stranger’s sock has gotten mixed up in our laundry. They obviously weren’t using mesh laundry bags to contain their socks, delicates, underwear, and other small clothing items. Don’t let that be you. Use mesh bags and never leave socks behind again.

Mesh bags are also great because they keep garments organized and damage-free. You could either use small mesh bags to sort your laundry, or throw it all in one giant mesh bag and forget about crawling into the washer or dryer to make sure you’ve retrieved all your clothes.

Speaking of laundry bags…

#3 Upgrade to a stylish travel laundry bag or backpack

All too often, laundry day is our least put-together day. Our hair is usually a mess and we’re wearing our last clean t-shirt, while trying to still appear semi-presentable in public. Well, not anymore! It’s time to step up our game.

Try this fashionable laundry backpack from Pottery Barn Teen. Or

This flowery drawstring laundry bag from Amazon.

Then sit back and watch the compliments roll in.

#4 Use aromatic scent boosters

There is nothing better than sleeping on freshly washed sheets or throwing on a sweatshirt hot from the dryer that still smells like cotton and lavender. Fragrance has a way of lifting our sprits. So, choose a scent that will bring you joy with every wear.

Some of our favorites include: Downy’s Toasted Vanilla scent booster beads and Good Laundry’s lavender scent booster beads.

For a seasonally fragrant experience, try: Snif scent boosters in half-baked pumpkin or Bath & Body Works’ scent boosters in fresh balsam.

#5 Pop on your favorite podcast or playlist

Mindfulness and coziness often go hand in hand. Doing household chores like laundry can be great times to slow down and take some time for ourselves. Catchup on a cozy podcast that inspires you, or go get your favorite coffee between loads. Even annoying chores can be joyful when you set that intention.