“It’s just like breaking up with someone—when you look back, the right time is always long ago. You always waited too long to make the change. Only afterward do you realize how much time you wasted.” –Charles T, Yorba Linda
Charles, co-owner, Friendly Laundry Service
I’m Charles, co-owner of Friendly Laundry Service. In this series, I’ll share the transformations our customers have experienced using our pickup and delivery service. Here, I discuss my own journey, which inspired us to create Friendly Laundry Service and shapes how we care for every customer.
The Frustrations of Laundry
I started using a laundry pickup and delivery service after a breakup from a long-term relationship. I was living in NYC at the time and decided to treat myself (link to self-care). Before that, I always did my laundry myself. I would go to the local laundromat, fight for the machines, deal with crowded folding spaces, and wait in line—all while carrying things back and forth on busy city streets.
Sometimes, I’d arrive at the laundromat only to find no machines available, forcing me to go home and try again later. It was frustrating and such a waste of time. At 6’ tall and fairly strong, you wouldn’t think it would be such a hassle for me—but it was. Living in a 4-story walkup with no elevator only added to the frustration. Looking back, the entire process put me in a funk that clouded my entire weekend.
In that relationship, I was the main person handling laundry for both of us. I took on that burden to help my partner, as a way to show I cared. Over time, I endured so much hassle, not realizing how much it was draining me. But, like many people, I was stuck in my routine and couldn’t see how bad it had gotten.
Transforming My Life with a Laundry Service
After the breakup, I was forced to create new routines. One day, as I brought my clothes to the laundromat, I noticed a sign at my laundromat advertising their new pickup and delivery laundry service. It was around the time when food delivery apps were booming, and this service was a natural extension of that trend. The thought of having them take care of my clothes had never crossed my mind before though, but it was intriguing.
After chatting with the owner, I left my clothes there, with delivery back to me the next day. I came home with my detergent and softener. I then called my friend who I was meeting for breakfast and asked if they wanted to meet earlier.
The next day my clothes arrived in a nice tight plastic bag, all folded and ready to be put away. I no longer had to spend hours doing anything—I just filled my laundry bag, left it outside my apartment door, and then it came back to me.
This opened a door to a whole new way of thinking for me. I found other ways to automate as many mundane tasks as possible—hiring a cleaning service, using grocery delivery, and even dabbling with a personal shopper. The personal shopper might have been overdoing it for me, but I have friends who swear by them. Outsourcing these tasks allowed me to focus, and I’ve never looked back.
I spent another 10 years in NYC, where I met my wife and we started our family. During all that time, we never set foot in a laundromat again—except to occasionally pop in and say hello to the owner as we passed by. Every now and then, we’d see people standing in long lines on the sidewalk, waiting for machines. We’d just smile and keep walking, knowing that we had found a little secret that made our lives much easier. Isn’t it better to go to the park with your children or take your family somewhere in the city for a quiet Saturday meal?
My family and I recently moved to California to support our extended family. At the same time, I’m focused on growing this new business with my lovely wife. With so much going on—getting settled and establishing a routine—my time feels even more valuable than it did in NYC. The families we meet at my son’s school, at soccer practice, or other activities all seem to be stretched thin, just like we are.
I often ask, “Do you still do your laundry at home?” Most respond with, “Of course.” That’s when I know just how much of a difference Friendly Laundry Service can make for them. Once someone gives us a try, they quickly go from never imagining this kind of convenience to never wanting to go back.
If my story resonates with you or you’re curious to learn more, feel free to visit our laundry service service page or our pricing page. If you’re ready, you can create an account with us today. You can also reach out to me directly at charles@friendlylaundryservice.com—I’d be happy to chat. I love sharing how laundry service transformed my life, and I hope you’ll give it a try too.
You don’t need a major life event to make a positive change. Just go for it.
