Clutter/House problems

comicmankev · 26 July 2006 at 2:38PM

Too much to list here, but hoping that I can get help with 1, if not all my household problems!

We have too much stuff! I have charitied, disposed of, boot saled loads of things, but still have too much stuff, and nowhere to sotre it, what are my options?

SECONDLY - The terraced house we are in was a complete dive when we got it. We had it carpetted and heated, knocked a room wall through and a few other things. Unfortunately, we are now completely broke, but the big jobs are still there, here's a list:

Windows. they are usable, and not a major problem, but would like to renew them. We are the ONLY house in the village with metal frames and not even sure if they are safe!

Bathroom. Again, usable, but gets my mrs down everytime someone comes round. Ropey sink, with OAP taps (you know, the ones with big plastic handles) and a multiply cracked sink. Leaking (but not too bad) bath/shower. Lino on floor which does not fit, and open areas of concrete arounds the bottom rim of the walls (whatever that is called?)

Bedroom. No storage. fitting all clothes into a couple of large hand-me-down wardrobes. good, but not suitable. Would ideally love some fitted wardrobes with storage to the ceiling.

Kitchen. OLD! it has old school larder(?), now surfae space at all. really is a problem. Sink is old school and not standard size. It is completely scratched up and damage. Taps are a styl I've never seen before, and are also in a bad way (They need those rubber spouts to keep the water from drownings us all!

Shed. well, it's actually a very small outbuiding, about 5' sq. This leaks but the roof is asbestos. not crumbling, but it is a large shet which also covers the outbuilding of the neighbours, who, moved out 5 months ago and havnt been seen since.

Patio. WRECKED. previous occupier has put down a pile of concrete, which is all over the place. it is also completely cracked everywhere, and not complete.

AND MANY MORE! To add to this, the house was originally painted with 'soft white' or 'distemper' paint. which had then been overpainted and left to use to remove. We have done most of it, but it still causes a problem every now and then on small areas that have been missed.

We have a 5 yr old daughter and another one on the way in Jan, so hoping to do what I can before then. BUT, the money situation is a problem, and it won't increas for the forseable future. so for this second section, WHAT CAN I DO?

ruthiejane · 26 July 2006 at 3:07PM

Have a look at https://www.flylady.com It's not for everyone, but she has some good ideas. If you do sign up join the UK yahoo group too.

comicmankev · 26 July 2006 at 3:10PM

LOL - Dare I show that to the Mrs? I'll certainly have a lot to read tonight! THANKS!

vivaladiva · 26 July 2006 at 3:32PM

Hi
I sympathise with the situation you are in, we have many of the same problems. Wouldn't it be great if you just had the money to.........

If you are thinking of UPVC windows there is a thread on the DIY Board about fitting them yourself (and the big companies prices are a laugh)- I know there is some kind of building regs/FENSA issue but the DIYers will see you right.

You don't say where you live and I don't know if other council tips do the same, but in Leamington Spa old bathroom suites and the like that have been chucked out are free for the taking (I believe) and I know for a fact many people chuck out better than what we have! (Leamington Spa being the kind of area that it is, you can bet there is some good stuff around.) If your bathroom taps are still in good condition you can buy new tops for them quite cheaply.

How about building wardrobes yourself - I'm thinking plasterboard and timber plus a curtain until you can afford doors. (I'm just about to have a go at this is DDs's room.) Again the DIYers might be able to help.

I'm a great advocate of Flylady and I think her best advice is to take it babysteps, 15 mins at a time. I can now put my hand up and say I didn't do this and hence the debts representing as far as I've got.

Hope this is some help.
Bizzimum

kiwichick · 26 July 2006 at 3:40PM

Why not give Freecycle a go, you can put out requests for things as well as offers. You might find someone out there has just taken out a perfectly good bathroom which you could have bits from etc, ditto taps or sink for kitchen etc. If someone sees a wanted ad on there they might be more inclined to offer what you are after rather than have to dispose of it themselves. I think Freecycle is FAB!!

larmy16 · 26 July 2006 at 3:53PM

Comicmanic Kev just some sympathy from me. My house is in disarray, utterly depressing and in this heat I just can't face doing anything, especially after working all day! Nightmare.:eek:

pickledtink · 26 July 2006 at 5:33PM

Another vote here for Freecycle. You'd be amazed what is offered.
Storage;
Shelves. Anywhere and everywhere. It'll help you to keep things sorted and can be done away with as and when you find/can afford better solutions.

If the leaky shed roof can't be addressed until the neighbours agree to share the cost then you could cover your bit. Even strong black plastic lashed down will mean you can use it and won't look too unsightly if you do it neatly.
Good luck and sympathy, sympathy, sympathy. I've lived with all sorts of similar problems for years and still battling!

comicmankev · 26 July 2006 at 6:55PM

Thanks for the advice. After reading through my initial post I thought it sounded terrible all put together like that! Then I also thought that there are many other people in the same situation, we don't all have infinite money do we!

Anyway, I definately have lots of reading to do, so thanks again to all those who have responded. Here's a bit more info:

I live in Hertfordshire, but right near Harlow (Essex). The house is terraced and in a small village.

Not sure about the dumps (rubbish tips), I didnt think you could take things from there?

I have been tempted by doing the wardrobes myself, but I'm not that much of a DIY'er, but you hve to start somewhere aye?

I just think I'm a bit depressed at the mo with the mrs being pregnant and the hot weather irritating her (and me!). All these things come to light and get reminded of them constantly.

Luckily enough we do have a spare room so the baby will be sorted.

On the good side now is the time to do jobs, I work in a school and have a lot of spare time during the summer (although I do still have to work there, I'm not a teacher!).

Rachel021967 · 26 July 2006 at 8:22PM

I live on the Surrey and Hampshire border and our local tips do not allow people to sort through the rubbish but any items they deem fit for resale they put them aside to sell to people who visit the tip. I also agree that freecycle is a good place to look. We have been given free a wardrobe, toys and stairgates. Our local freecycle group do like you to offer an item before you ask for an item; especially if its your first time. Also another place to look is in your local paper and newsagent window. Sometimes some people offer items for free as it would cost them money to transport it to the tip. So it's worth looking. Good luck.
Rachel.

ChocClare · 26 July 2006 at 9:02PM

Hi, comicmankev - don't despair, everyone has too much stuff and not enough cash! Do offer your !!!!!! on freecycle - you will be amazed at how people rush round to get stuff that you only haven't chucked because it won't fit in the dustbin! Similarly, on my local freecycle (Bournemouth and Poole) there have been two complete kitchens offered in the last month where people were having new ones installed. Our local tip offers paint (for a quick cheer-yourself-up) and baths, sinks and taps - not free, but the chap will usually let you have stuff for a fiver or a tenner cash in hand. Keep smiling!

Pooky · 26 July 2006 at 10:14PM

You need to prioritise the bits that can wait and the bits that need doing straight away.

The windows work and will wait, the roof needs sorting as soon as possible.

Sounds like the bathroom needs a bit of tlc, can you get an off-cut of lino to fit? I'll second what everyone says about freecycle - you can get everything and anything on there.

Wardrobes and storage....we've got fitted one's and they're the bane of my life - can never reach or find anything in there. Homebase do a large black shelf unit for about £20 - suitable (they say) for a garage...we've got several - they take the plastic stacking boxes which are great for toys/bedding/towels etc - can always make a cover or drape in a sheet to pretty them up.

Kitchen - I wouldn't be without my larder - it's a godsend - we didn't have any work top space and invested in a pan holder/butchers block that we can pull out when needed - helps no end..... and as long as the taps work then don't worry about it for now - concentrate on the new arrival and the child you already have - time with them is far more precious then trying to compete with a show home.

Patio - can you not dig up the entire thing and lay some turf? You can get cheap medow turf cheaply (look in your local paper) - after a few years of kids running around on it, it won't matter if it's top quaility or not.

Chin up - you've got a family to keep you busy - just remember you can't do everything at once.

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Clutter/House problems

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